Puerto Vallarta is the ultimate place to kick back and relax with friends, family, or work partners, but most people see this getaway location as just a gorgeous beach and a margarita. At Time & Place, we think that beaches and booze are only a small fraction of the excitement and adventure that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, and we encourage all our guests to get out and enjoy the sunshine and city to its fullest extent!
Before I get into too much detail, I want to clarify what I mean when I say our guests should enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Guests should enjoy the beaches to their hearts desire; the golden sand beaches are not just warm and welcoming, but also a great way to tan, swim, and play without going far from your luxurious, Time & Place Villa. With that said, Puerto Vallarta actually has so much more to offer than just the picture on the postcard.
Isla Rio Cuale
One of the coolest cultural areas of the city comes on a little island located in the heart of the downtown area. Known as Isla Rio Cuale, the island is a look into the past of Mexico before the tourism came to this area. The local fruit market and small stores allow tourists to escape the crowded resorts and find themselves in the cultural and historical center of Puerto Vallarta. The streets of Isla Rio Cuale are not just historical and cultural, but lined with beautiful art and pottery created by local artists. Despite being so close to the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, the small island of Isla Rio Cuale can transform your Mexican getaway into a true adventure.
Jardines Botáanicos de Vallerta
If you want to make the most of your trip to Mexico, take a trip 30 miles south of Puerto Vallarta to the Botanical Gardens of Vallarta. The gardens are a fun way to spend a day away from the beaches with the entire family. The gardens feature a wide verity of plant life and insect life, providing a fun and educational experience for all involved. The most common comment at the end of the day seems to be that guests expected to spend only a few hours at the gardens, but end up staying the whole day!
The Botanical Gardens are open daily from 10 A.M to 6 P.M, and with taxis making trips from the city to the gardens regularly, getting there and back is an easy trip.
Los Arcos and El Malecón
Widely regarded as the most iconic and recognizable landmarks of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos are a set of arches that line the beach and used now as an amphitheater. The arches are a great place to catch the evening sunset while strolling along the beach with your loved ones. The arches are the location of weekly cultural performances, a fun way to experience more of the culture of Mexico that is usually missed by the average tourist.
The second part of this location, known as El Malecón, is a long, oceanfront, walkway that runs along a portion of Banderas Bay. Along the walkway, guests are able to see the vast assortment of statues, artworks, street performers, sculpures, and local merchants. The blast of culture is fitted into a gorgeous stretch of land that overlooks the ocean. Guests can find restaurants and local shopping just meters from El Malecón.
So, when you need a break from the sand, sun and water, make sure you explore the rest of Puerto Vallarta’s treasures. We can’t wait to welcome you to this incredible piece of paradise and show you around. Our Concierge can assist you with the activities mentioned here, as well as additional itinerary suggestions. Contact Time & Place to being planning your Puerto Vallarta vacation today.