Puerto Vallarta's cobblestone streets are a pleasure to explore; they're full of tiny shops, rows of windows edged with curling wrought iron, and vistas of red-tile roofs and the sea. Start with a walk up and down the malecón.
Among the sights you shouldn't miss is the municipal building on the main square (next to the tourism office), which has a large Manuel Lepe mural inside in its stairwell. Nearby, right up Independencia, sits the picturesque Parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, Hidalgo 370 (tel. 322/222-1326), topped with a curious crown held in place by angels -- a replica of the one worn by Empress Carlota during her brief time in Mexico as Emperor Maximilian's wife. On its steps, women sell religious mementos; across the narrow street, stalls sell native herbs for curing common ailments. Services in English are held each Saturday at 5pm, and Sunday at 10am. Regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30am to 8:30pm, Sunday from 6:30am to 8:30pm. Note that entrance is restricted to those properly attired -- no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed. Three blocks south of the church, head east on Libertad, lined with small shops and pretty upper windows, to the municipal market by the river. (It's the Río Cuale Mercado, but I recently overheard a tourist ask for the "real quality" market!) After exploring the market, cross the bridge to the island in the river; sometimes a painter is at work on its banks. Walk down the center of the island toward the sea, and you'll come to the tiny Museo Río Cuale (no phone; Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; free admission), which has a small but impressive permanent exhibit of pre-Columbian figurines.
Retrace your steps to the market and Libertad, and follow Calle Miramar to the brightly colored steps up to Zaragoza. Midway is a magnificent view over rooftops to the sea, plus a cute cafe, Graffiti (no phone), where you can break for a cappuccino and a snack. Up Zaragoza to the right 1 block is the famous pink arched bridge that once connected Richard Burton's and Elizabeth Taylor's houses. In this area, known as "Gringo Gulch," many Americans have houses.
Find out more about Puerto Vallarta Vacations and luxury villa rentals.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Mexican Destinations: Villa Amapas
Villa Amapas is a luxury beach estate and house for rent in Puerto Vallarta - lower Conchas Chinas. Enter through antique Mexican doors to the private elevator and step into one of the most spectacular beach properties in Puerto Vallarta. The villa has over 7,000 square feet on four levels and features a spacious master suite with its own terrace, three large guest suites with ensuite baths, a commercial gourmet kitchen, outdoor bar and dining areas and a magnificent heated infinity pool overlooking the beach.
The refreshing pool and nearby sheltering palapa are surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation for complete privacy. The spacious upper terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset or lounge away the afternoon in the shade of the pergola.
Find the perfect house for rent in Puerto Vallarta with Mexican Destinations.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Looking for the Best Place in the World to Retire? Puerto Vallarta
During the past 15 years, International Living magazine has calculated its Annual Global Retirement Index; a resource intended to assist retirees and future retirees in evaluating and comparing the world's most popular retirement destinations.
The number one ranked country in the world for retirement; MEXICO! Aside from the fact that Mexico is extremely convenient to the US and Canada, that Mexico's Senior Citizens´ Benefits Program offers up to 50% discounts on many services to retirees over the age of 60, that the Mexican government has enacted many new laws encouraging foreign investment, Mexico has become an incredible place to enjoy retirement, offering the quality of life that North Americans are accustomed to with numerous extra benefits.
The most desirable retirement locations from north to south along the Pacific Ocean are La Paz and Todos Santos in Baja, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Escondido.
it's no wonder why so many retirees have migrated to Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful tourist resort area has become home to thousands of North Americans that have traveled the world, could afford to live anywhere on the planet, and have chosen Vallarta as their winter, if not full time, retirement destination.
Located at the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta has a perfect climate with an average daily temperature of 73°F from November through May with virtually no chance of rain. With a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants, Vallarta now has a new and growing infrastructure including roads, water treatment plants and distribution systems, power plants and distribution grid, airport, maritime terminal, hospitals, university, etc.
High speed internet, satellite TV, VOIP telecommunications, and US newspapers and magazines are all available in Vallarta. Most of the mega-stores found in the US and Canada have come to Vallarta including Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, and of course, every fast food chain restaurant imaginable! Vallarta now has seven world class golf courses with three more either in the planning stage or currently under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, world class deep sea fishing, and every other activity available that you would expect in a city of this size. There are numerous new cinemas, theaters, and hundreds of fine restaurants.
Let us help you make your retirement a reality with long-term luxury rentals and real-estate in Puerto Vallarta.
The number one ranked country in the world for retirement; MEXICO! Aside from the fact that Mexico is extremely convenient to the US and Canada, that Mexico's Senior Citizens´ Benefits Program offers up to 50% discounts on many services to retirees over the age of 60, that the Mexican government has enacted many new laws encouraging foreign investment, Mexico has become an incredible place to enjoy retirement, offering the quality of life that North Americans are accustomed to with numerous extra benefits.
The most desirable retirement locations from north to south along the Pacific Ocean are La Paz and Todos Santos in Baja, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, and Puerto Escondido.
it's no wonder why so many retirees have migrated to Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful tourist resort area has become home to thousands of North Americans that have traveled the world, could afford to live anywhere on the planet, and have chosen Vallarta as their winter, if not full time, retirement destination.
Located at the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta has a perfect climate with an average daily temperature of 73°F from November through May with virtually no chance of rain. With a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants, Vallarta now has a new and growing infrastructure including roads, water treatment plants and distribution systems, power plants and distribution grid, airport, maritime terminal, hospitals, university, etc.
High speed internet, satellite TV, VOIP telecommunications, and US newspapers and magazines are all available in Vallarta. Most of the mega-stores found in the US and Canada have come to Vallarta including Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Costco, Home Depot, Office Depot, Staples, and of course, every fast food chain restaurant imaginable! Vallarta now has seven world class golf courses with three more either in the planning stage or currently under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, world class deep sea fishing, and every other activity available that you would expect in a city of this size. There are numerous new cinemas, theaters, and hundreds of fine restaurants.
Let us help you make your retirement a reality with long-term luxury rentals and real-estate in Puerto Vallarta.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Mexican Destinations Presents: Casa San Sebastian
Nestled majestically amidst cliff-side boulders in a sheltered pacific cove on Puerto Vallarta's exclusive south shore of Mismaloya is the spectacular Casa San Sebastian. Guests enjoy its dramatic jungle setting while being only ten minutes from Puerto Vallarta.Casa San Sebastian is the most exquisite and talked about luxury villas and exclusive resort Mexico villa rental on Puerto Vallarta's Exclusive south shore. This spectacular 8,000 sq. ft. villa was designed for pure pleasure and comfort.
The Architect, Alberto Alvarez, a local award winning University of Guadalajara graduate. He adopted the Pacific Coast style with grace and ease and added his own particular creative touch, resulting in a dramatic and spectacular residence. Comfort and luxury were always on our minds. The villa provides a happy, relaxed, leisurely setting, a place to recharge, to revitalize.
Find more Exclusive Mexico Rentals on Mexican Destinations.
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