Special Shopping:
Puerto Vallarta is the best place in the region to buy pottery. Ceramics using patterns hundreds of years old from neighboring towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonala are sold here. Glassblowing is prevalent, and goblets of distintive deep blue and emerald are excellent buys as well as other glassware. Pewter of a wide range both decorative and utilitarian is also reasonable. Silver jewelry is very popular, as well as many unique handmade crafts such as yarn art, hand carved wooden items, colorful beaded ware. There are many art galleries, as well as outdoor artisans displaying their crafts, and lovely artwork along the boardwalk downtown and among the boulevards. There is something for everyone. Be sure to take an extra bag for all of your purchases.
Outdoor Activities and Sports:
Puerto Vallarta is full of adventure. There are an increasing number of ATV Dune-Buggy and jeep tours in and around the hills, to the north and south, ranches and small communities.The newest thrill is canopy tours where you 'fly' from treetop to treetop from steel rods securely fastened to zip lines. Photos are permitted for those who are brave! Sportfishing is excellent either surfcasting off shore nets for snooks, roosters and jack crevalles. Or you may prefer hiring a yaght for biggame fishing for Yellowfin tuna, blue,striped and black marlin and dorado. A party boat for an eight hour excursion is reasonable and includes lunch and drinks, sometimes BYOB. Golf, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, wildlife and birdwatching, dolphins and whale watching offers something for everyone.
Culture & Excursions:
Mexico is known for it's unique Music and Dance. Folkloric dance troops perform throughout the year in various cities and towns. These troops are made up of young people who master the regional dances wearing the colorful costumes of the area. These dancers as well as Mariachi band players often perform in the downtown plaza. However from Puerto Vallarta there are reasonable excursions to nearby areas of interest. Guadaljara, Mexico's second largest city is a short charter flight away. It's home to historical churches and museums. From Guadaljara, are several day trips, one the shoppers paradise of Tlaquepaque where unique gems can be found. Lake Chapala is a charming inland artistic community, a haven for American and Canadian retirees sporting a large natural lake. Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is resplendent in the hillside farms throughout the region. The town of Tequila is a must see for a visit to the Jose Cuervo distillery, and the famous Corona beer factory.
Other Activities:
Puerto Vallarta is an Arts and Crafts paradise, glass, pottery, jewelry, pewter
