Cobblestone
streets, emerald hills and a sparkling bay are just a few of things
that make Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's most visited cities!
"We are a very Mexican Beach destination…we have a lot of culture,"
said Laura Suarez, Puerto Vallarta Tourism. "Most of the people
here speak English…and then the most important thing we have…as
the world's friendliest city…that makes us to you know, have happy
people here, to make happy people that come here to Puerto Vallarta."
And with a landscape like this, it's obvious why some Chicagoans
make Puerto Vallarta their new home.
"It's just really tranquil, it's a really nice place to live and
the people are super nice and it's lovely to live on the beach,"
said Krista Pedersen, Elgin, IL.
But for a tourist, there's no better way to get immersed in the
sights and sounds of this Mexican resort town, than with an Apple
Vacations city tour excursion!
"It is very popular and the first stop, the flea market," said
Christian Chavez, Apple Tour Guide.
Ceramics and silver are very popular here -- but 190's Janet Davies
found a Chicago Bears poncho for sale!
"Here in downtown Puerto Vallarta this is one of the main attractions,
it's called the Malecon, or boardwalk, and it separates the beautiful
Pacific ocean from all the nightclubs and restaurants and businesses.
It's also the only flat surface here in town because everything
starts to go up," said Chavez.
This half-mile cement walkway is also a showcase for some of the
town's most endearing art pieces that are for everyone to see!
A trip to Puerto Vallarta wouldn't be complete without a stop
at the city's landmark, the church of Guadalupe! This 152-year-old
catholic sanctuary is the only one in the world topped with a crown
-- it replicates the one worn by Carlota, a short-lived empress
of Mexico.
"Actually it's a new one, we just passed an earthquake…that's
why you can see it's like a little iron crown, but the original
it was a concrete," said Chavez.
An ancient rock formation rises 65 feet above the water, and is
a federal underwater park!
"They got the little tunnels. All the tours boat they make the
first stop for snorkeling scuba diving or swimming," said
Our tour continues with dining, and "PV", as foreigners call it,
is known as Mexico's Gourmet Town for its sheer number of excellent
restaurants! And, one of the unique spots for surf and turf is the
Palomar De Los Gonzalez, where you can really feel at home!
"This place used to be my parent's home, the place was built in
1970 and we turned it into a restaurant in 1988," said Juan Gonzalez,
Palomar De Los Gonzalez Owner. "The family atmosphere it helps a
lot and, well this is Vallarta!"
For a real taste of home in Vallarta, check out the No Name Bar
and Grill where Chicago sports memorabilia is plastered on every
wall!
"We needed a good sports bar here in Puerto Vallarta…plus we wanted
a place with some good American food, some good barbecue…so a group
of us got together and built this in 1993," said Don Eastcott, No
Name Bar & Grill Owner.
The final destination on the city tour, is the Mama Lucia Distillery
where the Layva family has been producing tequila since 1930! Only
seven people ferment and bottle about 1,200 liters of the blue agave
liquor annually at this boutique distillery. And, it's open to visitors
to observe the tequila making process!
"We start out with the plant, we show people how we harvest the
heart of it, and we show how we cook the plant to convert the starch
into sugar…then we squeeze all the juice out of the plant, we ferment
it, we distill it, and then we put it in a barrel for 3 months and
we filter it and it's done," said Pancho Leyva, Mama Lucia's Tequila
Distillery Owner.
For more information:
