Flora and Fauna of Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna in Mexico. The variety of plant and animal life is due in thanks to the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains lush vegetation. The biodiverse environment makes Puerto Vallarta a beautiful place that anyone would be proud to call home. Likewise, many foreigners have invested in Puerto Vallarta real estate because they fall in love with the area’s incredible beauty. For Example, Villa La Estancia in neighboring Riviera Nayarit is an excellent option if you are interested in luxury beachfront residences for sale. The modern hotel-condo concept is an ideal investment for savvy homeowners who want a second home in Mexico. In the meantime, continue to read below to learn the natural beauty in Puerto Vallarta’s flora and fauna.

Puerto Vallarta’s Flora and Fauna

The tropical climate is one of the main reasons that flora and fauna thrive in Puerto Vallarta. There is plenty of rain in the summer along with humidity and sun that makes this area ideal for many different animals and plants. The Banderas Bay ocean waters and the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains embrace one another to create the perfect place for inhabitants of the jungle. The tropical climate is essential for the biodiversity and ecology in Banderas Bay which includes Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. There are more than forty kilometers of beaches, mountains, coasts, and rivers in the area, which helps support a large amount of flora and fauna. Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit has an ideal location surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Woman appreciating the flora and fauna of Puerto Vallarta

In Puerto Vallarta, one perfect place to really appreciate the flora and fauna is at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located south of Puerto Vallarta, the Vallarta Botanical Garden is open to the public. There, guests can view and learn about the 3,000 plus species that live in this area. Also, they will be impressed by the immense orchid nursery that has over 100 different orchid species. You can tour the gardens and you will want to make sure you head down the hill to the river, too. There, why not take a refreshing dip in the river and enjoy a picnic lunch, too. There is also a restaurant on the grounds if you prefer to eat indoors. They serve delicious Mexican dishes along with beautiful views.

Wildlife in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is home to many different species of birds, which include the Cope Magpie, Mexican Cacique, Yellow Chest, and the Blue Alcatraz. Along with the bird species, there are so many different species of fish, too. Common fish species in Banderas Bay include the snapper, sailfish, blue and black marlin, and croaker. You can see these species up close if you go snorkeling or scuba diving in the Los Arcos de Mismaloya area, which is on the southern edge of the Banderas Bay near PV. The Sierra Madre jungle is home to many different animals, too. Animals include jaguars, nocturnal badger, tigrillos, white nosed coati, and jaguarundis. You can also see iguanas, lizards, acaltepon, crocs, and different snake species, too.

Marine Life in Puerto Vallarta

Marine Life in Puerto Vallarta

Visitors that are on a boat cruising the Banderas Bay can see dolphins jumping and playing. You can see bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins here. Also, sea turtles return to this area every year to lay their eggs. You can see 5 different turtle species in the Banderas Bay, which include the olive ridley, green, leatherback, and the hawksbill turtle. When visiting the Puerto Vallarta area, you should make sure you see the releasing of the baby sea turtles when they have hatched. It is amazing to see. Humpback whales migrate to Banderas Bay each winter to birth their babies in the warm waters, too. Some Villa La Estancia residents have been thrilled to witness the whales migration from the privacy of their beachfront balconies and terraces.

Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay are home to a variety of beautiful flora and fauna. If you would like to have your own home in paradise, then you should consider Villa La Estancia. Located just north of Puerto Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit, we have luxurious beachfront residences right now for sale for qualified homebuyers. The hotel-condo concept gives homeowners access to resort quality amenities and services that make every day feel like vacation. Plus, with both full and fractional ownership options available, your dream vacation home may be closer than you think. Ready to learn more? You can visit Villa La Estancia’s website to read about the property. Contact us today. Our professional staff is ready and waiting to help you find your dream home in Mexico.

 

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The Botanical Gardens of Puerto Vallarta

Street Art in Puerto Vallarta

Did you know that Puerto Vallarta is home to incredible street art in downtown? It’s true.  Talented artists from Puerto Vallarta and even visiting artists from across Mexico have created colorful street art that has brightened up our city in a beautiful and artistic manner. The latest masterpiece is located downtown on the corner of Abasolo and Juárez street. Visitors and residents of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit should take the time to check out this modern display of street art that is sure to impress.

Vibrant Street Art in Puerto Vallarta

Street art murals can take a boring building wall and turn into a beautiful piece of art. In fact there are many pieces in downtown Puerto Vallarta that have transformed a blank canvas into a work of art. Misael Iván López Martínez is the talented artist behind the impressive mural that has charmed locals and visitors alike. López Martínez is originally from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, but has been living in Puerto Vallarta for the last 9 years.  While the stunning art mural has no title, life and death as seen by the Mexican culture are the featured topics. In addition, there are several other colorful and inspiring street murals found throughout downtown Puerto Vallarta, too. 

misael paints street art puerto vallarta credits to owner
© Photo by Misael Paints and O3LV. Location- Pipila 117, Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Credits to the owners.

Elements in Street Art Murals 

In López Martínez’s mural, you can see a catrina face, butterflies, flowers, the Aztec symbol Nahui-Ollin, corn, and the God Pakal (in his transition to death). The Aztec symbol Nahui-Ollin represents the center of the universe. Also, corn is a very essential food in the Mexican diet. Next, the Aztec God Pakal is depicted in his transition from life to death. In terms of size, the wall painting measures an astounding 15 meters long. Likewise, one end of the mural  measures six meters in height, and the other side measures four meters high. In terms of how long it took to create, the impressive masterpiece was completed in just under a month.

Dream Homes at Villa La Estancia  

Are you in the market for a dream home in Mexico? North of Puerto Vallarta is the peaceful beachfront community of Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit where Villa La Estancia has lovely beachfront residences for sale. Situated on one of Banderas Bay’s best beaches, Villa La Estancia is selling private beachfront residences that are part of a modern hotel-condo concept. Essentially, our valued homeowners enjoy all the benefits of home ownership, plus have access to our world class amenities and resort services. In addition, there are full and fractional ownership options available so that everyone’s budget can be met. If you qualify, there may be in-house developer financing available, too.  Plus, Villa La Estancia’s beachfront residences are just steps away from a pristine beach with amazing Banderas Bay views. Are you ready to learn more? If so, contact us at Villa La Estancia today to see which of our incredible luxury residences are still available for purchase. Before you know it, you could own a dream home in Mexico, too.

villa la estancia residences nuevo vallarta

To conclude, the next time you find yourself in downtown Puerto Vallarta, make sure to look for the latest street art mural located on the corner of Abasolo and Juárez street. This vibrant street art mural embraces Puerto Vallarta’s spirit and charm at its best. And don’t forget to visit Villa La Estancia if you want to buy a dream home in Mexico. 

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Weekend Beaches to Visit

For expats and nationals, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit are top coastal cities to live in. It’s easy to see why, because Puerto Vallarta has some of the best beaches in the area. The Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay provides a beautiful backdrop, mesmerizing scenery and tons of great beaches for those lucky enough to live there. Are you wanting to kick back and relax on the soft sands drinking a delicious cocktail or just watching people in the water? You can do that in Puerto Vallarta as there is a beach that will meet all of your needs. To learn more about the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, continue to read below.

Playa Los Muertos: Action and Excitement

Do you want to be surrounded by excitement and action, and you don’t mind crowds? If you do, then Playa Los Muertos is the perfect weekend beach to visit. Playa Los Muertos Beach is easy to find as it is the main beach in town located by the Puerto Vallarta Malecon Boardwalk and Pier. The Playa Los Muertos Beach is walking distance to many different shops and restaurants in Old Town, Puerto Vallarta, and this beach is the most popular in Puerto Vallarta. Playa Los Muertos Beach is perfect for people who want to enjoy the warm sun and enjoy mingling with the crowds. There are also restaurants that provide tables with shade right on the beach, too. Are you an adrenaline junkie and looking for something exciting to do? You can go parasailing, jet skiing, and water skiing, then take a spin on the big yellow banana boat for a fun, yet silly ride. The Puerto Vallarta pier was specially designed to resemble a sailboat, and once dusk arrives, the lights on the pier create an illuminated, romantic atmosphere.

Conchas Chinas: Quiet and Beautiful

Are you wanting to go to a beach that isn’t crowded, but instead quiet and beautiful? If you are, then Conchas Chinas Beach is the perfect beach spot for you. Conchas Chinas Beach will get you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The waters are spectacular as they are a clear turquoise blue, and the sands are white and soft. Since the waters are so clear, the ocean waters are perfect for swimming, but the area can have strong undercurrents from time to time so stay aware. At the southern edge of the beach, you will find several shallow tide ponds, and you can watch fish and crabs just enjoying the water there. You will want to make sure you bring a picnic when you come to the Conchas Chinas Beach as there aren’t any restaurants on the beach. At the top of the stairs above the beach, you can find a few port-a-potties if you need to use the restroom. A day at the Conchas Chinas Beach will create memories that you and your family and friends can remember for many years. Living in paradise is pretty sweet, isn’t it?

Playa Palmares: A Favorite Beach with Locals

Playa Palmares Beach is a favorite beach with the locals. The Playa Palmares Beach is located on Conchas Chinas southern edge, right below a condominium complex that has the same name. Guests to the beach can use the stairs that are located off of the main highway and the stairs lead straight to the Playa Palmares Beach. Usually, the beach isn’t crowded and the water is crystal clear, which makes it great for swimming. There are no public bathrooms at the Playa Palmares Beach, but some of the local hotels have restaurants. Plan ahead and bring a picnic with you when you are visiting this beach.

Boca de Tomates: Unusual Beach Experience

The Boca de Tomates Beach is ideal if you are wanting an unusual and authentic Vallarta beach experience. The Boca de Tomates Beach sands are black, and many visitors are just not used to this. To get to the Boca de Tomates Beach, you will have to drive a few miles on a dirt road, but it is just a few minutes from the Puerto Vallarta Airport. The Boca de Tomates Beach is home to many local wildlife such as crocs and iguanas. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best beach for swimming because of the dark sands, but visitors can enjoy the wildlife and the sea turtles. The sea turtles come to this beach every year to lay their eggs, then when the baby sea turtles have hatched, the conservationists will release the baby sea turtles to the sea. This is amazing to watch and a fun experience for the whole family. On the beach there are numerous seafood restaurants where you can dine and get something cold and delicious to drink. It has been said that the best pescado zarandeado and shrimp ceviche can be found here at one of the little restaurants on this secluded beach.

Playa Colomitos: Beauty and Adventures

Playa Colomitos Beach is the beach for you if you are in search of beauty and adventure. Visitors can go on a tour of the bay on a boat, as there are several small beaches just south of Puerto Vallarta where visitors can only reach by boat. The Playa Colomitos Beach is perfect for visitors looking for relaxation among nature and adventure. To get to the Playa Colomitos Beach, you will need to take a taxi ride to Boca de Tomatlan, and this is usually about a twenty-minute journey from Old Town Puerto Vallarta. Then in Boca de Tomatlan, you will take a water taxi which lasts approximately fifteen minutes until you arrive at Playa Colomitos Beach. The sands on this beach are white and soft, and the waters are a bluish green color. The waters are clear and ideal for swimming. Before you travel to this beach, you may want to make reservations at the Ocean Grill Restaurant, which is a lovely and elegant open air restaurant next to the beach. They provide fresh and tasty cuisine that comes with an amazing view of the ocean.

Did you enjoy the information that we have provided on the best weekend beaches to visit in Puerto Vallarta? Are you a long time Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta resident or a new expat in town? If so, you should see how many of these beaches you can visit, then let us know which one was your favorite.

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Puerto Vallarta’s 2019 Festival Gourmet International Has Arrived!

Villa La Estancia residents take note! The 25th Anniversary of the Festival Gourmet International will be held from November 19th to 24th, 2019. With exciting events in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic, this year’s program is destined to outdo past year’s events. The 25th anniversary of the festival includes more than 30 world famous chefs that are participating in the 2019 Festival Gourmet International. We don’t want our beloved Villa La Estancia residents to miss this exciting gastronomic event taking place at our front door. Make sure you read more below about the 25th anniversary of the Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, and don’t forget to purchase tickets right away to secure your spot!

25th Annual Festival Gourmet International

Local chefs Thierry Blouet and Heinz Reize put together the first event back in 1995 when they joined together to create the Festival Gourmet. Their hope was to promote local restaurants by inviting internationally recognized chefs to Banderas Bay. At that time, only six local hotels and six restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta area participated in the inaugural festival. However, over the course of the next 25 years, more than half a million people have attended the Festival Gourmet International. In addition, more than six hundred celebrity chefs have participated, too. In fact, many people believe that the Festival Gourmet International has really helped promote Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit as important culinary scenes. At this year’s event, there will be more than 30 hotels and restaurants participating including Villa La Estancia’s own La Casona restaurant.

Festival 2019 Program

The 2019 Festival Gourmet International will be held from Tuesday, Nov. 19th to Sunday, Nov. 24th. The first event will take place at Vidanta’s Convention Center on Nov. 19th at 8pm and will include all participating chefs and hosts of this year’s event. The following day, Chefs Thierry Blouet, Heinz Reize and Roland Menetrey will come together to share their combined 150 years of experience and passion for the culinary arts at Cafe des Artistes. Together, these impressive chefs will share some of their favorite recipes with event attendees. In addition to tasting great food, guests will be able to sample some of the best wines and tequilas presented by professional Sommeliers. Additional special activities at this year’s Festival Gourmet International include a tribute to wine and cheese, live jazz music, and even an exciting Polo Tournament.

Banderas Bay Restaurants Involved

There are more than 30 top restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic that are taking part in the 25th Anniversary of the Festival Gourmet International. Participating restaurants include Azafran, Barrio Bistro, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, El Dorado, Emiliano, Hector’s Kitchen, Icu, Kaiser Maximilian, La Terraza Di Roma, La Palapa, Le Kliff, Loma 42, River Cafe, Stars, Trio, Tuna Blanca, Xoklo, Andrea, Azur, Bordeaux, Divum, Eugenia, Las Casitas, La Casona, La Corona, Lucca, Mozzamare, and Tukipa. As you can see, there are lots of great new restaurants participating in this year’s Festival Gourmet International. An old favorite, La Casona which is located onsite at our very own Villa La Estancia, will feature a special menu for the event that includes delicious Mediterranean cuisine prepared by local Chef Leonardo Castro. Castro has over 25 years in the culinary industry and specializes in international-level techniques that effortlessly combine French, Italian,Thai, Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican influences. As our Villa La Estancia homeowners already know, La Casona is well known for having the best cuts of meat in town including Kobe and New York cuts.

Make sure you don’t miss this year’s 2019 Festival Gourmet International in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit & Tepic from Nov. 19th to Nov. 24th. Villa La Estancia residents, get ready to mingle with world class chefs and taste some of their incredible creations for yourself. To make sure you don’t miss out, you can buy tickets today at https://www.festivalgourmet.com/.

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PV’s History: Fishing Village to a World Class Tourist Destination

The rich heritage and history are just a few reasons why Puerto Vallarta is a favorite vacation destination in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta has become very popular and tourism is thriving. Puerto Vallarta’s origins have a lot to do with its close proximity to valuable mining centers in the Sierra region. In addition, the beautiful Bay of Banderas along with the Ameca River agricultural valley have contributed to the history and development of Puerto Vallarta over the years. Do you live in Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit and want to learn more about your hometown? If so, continue to read below to learn more about PV’s history, and how today it is a hot spot for international tourists.

PV’s History: Fishing Village to a World Class Tourist Destination

Before the nineteenth century, there isn’t much-documented information about Puerto Vallarta’s history. Archaeologists have found evidence that Aztatlan people inhabited this area around 580 BC. Centuries later in 1524, the Spanish invaded the area which led the native people and the Spanish colonizers to battle. The battle was very large and it occurred between Hernan Cortes and up to 20,000 native Indians. Ultimately, Hernan Cortez won the battle which led to the Ameca Valley being controlled by Spain. The valley was later renamed Banderas, because of the vibrant and colorful flags that the native Indians carried with them when they were battling. Puerto Vallarta appeared on the maps and with sailing logs as a safe place for the Manila Galleon trade. The Banderas Bay beaches and the Banderas Valley were places that ships that could go to during their travels when they were seeking refuge or a replace to restock supplies. Also, Puerto Vallarta was an area where any smuggled goods could be sent forward inland to towns that were located near Mascota, so they could avoid customs that were located in San Blas, Nayarit.

Puerto Vallarta: The Transformation

Puerto Vallarta went through a major transformation during the sixties and seventies. With this transformation, the town was converted from a small fishing village into a world class tourist destination that it is today. The federal government of Mexico started off by resolving disputes with old properties that had stopped developing for most of the twentieth century. There were numerous communal lands that was converted into land that became privately owned. In addition, in 1973 revenue from land trust sales were used to assist the city to grow even more.

Puerto Vallarta: The Night of the Iguana Legend

Another major element about the history of Puerto Vallarta’s surrounds the filming of the “The Night of the Iguana” movie in 1964. The movie was directed by John Huston, an American director, and the movie was filmed in Mismaloya which is a small beach village just south of Puerto Vallarta,. The media in the United States covered the affair between Elizabeth Taylor (actress) and Richard Burton (actor) who were the two stars of the movie. The media news reported all the fights and lover’s quarrels that the two stars had during filming, and the media attention actually helped put Puerto Vallarta on the map for tourists in the United States who were intrigued by the drama.

Puerto Vallarta: Improvements with Transportation

Another aspect that played an important role in Puerto Vallarta’s history is that the Mexican government began investing in transportation to and from Puerto Vallarta in the late 1960’s which made it much easier for tourists to visit. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport was constructed, then ground transportation was also improved, so automobile traffic could be increased to the city as well. Also, on June 1st, 1970, the El Salado wharf was inaugurated, which made Puerto Vallarta the first harbor town in Mexico. Today, the cruise ship terminal is actually located where the El Salado wharf was initially developed, and Puerto Vallarta was officially designated as a city in 1968. The federal and state government in Mexico helped make Puerto Vallarta a tourist destination. In the 1970’s, hotel and resort development started to increase, and currently there are more than fifty 5-star and 4-star hotels and resorts in the area. Over the last several decades, tourism has significantly increased in Puerto Vallarta, and there are numerous expat communities with residents from Europe, Canada, and the United States purchasing Mexican real estate or buying a second home in the area.

Puerto Vallarta: Modern Day

Today, Puerto Vallarta has economic wealth due to its perfect climate, natural scenery, breathtaking beaches, and rich heritage. Back in the early eighties, the peso was devalued which made PV a super deal for foreigners visiting the area. In the early nineties, a federal Agrarian Law was put into place that allowed foreigners to own ejido land via bank trusts. More land and properties were able to be sold, which led to increased development and construction in private homes, resorts, and condos. Puerto Vallarta’s growth was on the rise again, which allowed many foreigners to invest in real estate in Puerto Vallarta. Today, tourists who want a great vacation that they can afford come to Puerto Vallarta because it is still reasonably priced.

This article was based around PV’s history, fishing village to a world class tourist destination. Are you interested in buying real estate in Puerto Vallarta now? If you are, then you should check out Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit, a quiet and tranquil PV neighborhood located on Banderas Bay. Our private beachfront residences are solidly constructed and no attention to detail has been spared. Visit our property today for a tour, and soon you could be living the Puerto Vallarta lifestyle with your dream second home in paradise.

PV Events in July: Raicero Festival

During the last week of July 2019 is the perfect time to find yourself in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, because the inaugural Raicero Festival will be held on July 26th through July 28th. There will be so many exciting activities that everyone will enjoy. Raices de la Tierra México, a local organization, will be hosting the first 1st Raicero Festival in Puerto Vallarta, and it will be held at the rancho Madre Tierra, which is near the Vista Vallarta Club de Golf. The festival is inspired by natural healing and passion for life, and the Familia Temazcalera is inviting everyone to bring their family and friends to attend this amazing festival to celebrate the rich heritage and diverse ancestry of Mexico. Are you a Puerto Vallarta resident or own a second home in the area? If so, continue to read below to learn about this exciting festival as the Raicero Festival is one of the summer’s best PV events that you won’t want to miss.

PV Events in July: Raicero Festival July 26th – July 28th
One of the most interesting and exciting activities of 2019 in Puerto Vallarta is sure to be the Raicero Festival. There will be a group prayer held and an offering to Mother Water Tatei Haramara, so everyone can thank her for the blessings that we all are receiving in our lives. Also, there will be traditional grandparents sharing their natural medicine expertise that will lead everyone in ancestral songs to bring wellbeing to all and inspire a sense of community in attendees. Temazcales are a spiritual sweat lodge experience, in case you are not familiar with them. There will be workshops available about so visitors can learn more. Temazcal first started during the pre-Hispanic times in Mesoamerica, and lately it has become more popular in Mexico and around the world. The word originated from the Nahuatl word temazcall. In English, it is written in different ways, which include Temescal, temezcal, or temascal. This is the place to try this so you can learn about the mental and physical benefits that temazcal experience will provide.

Ancestral Singing
The festival activities will also include a flower ceremony, Xochil native singing, Danza Mexicana folkloric dance, and of course the temazcal experience. The Guadalajara based band Ampersan will be playing live traditional Mexican music that centers on using cultural exchanges and field work while blending sound experimentation with contemporary music. They will be performing each night during the Raramaro Haramara Festival at Rancho Madre Tierra in Puerto Vallarta. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time and save money while reserving your spot for $500 pesos, or you can also purchase your tickets the day of the Raicero Festival for $600 pesos. There is no fee for children 12 years and younger to attend the festival. For the 1st Raicero Festival, the entry fee will include three meals on Saturday, two meals on Sunday, camping area access, temazcal entry, workshops and talks, and seeing the band Ampersan perform live. What more can you ask for?

Visitors and residents in Puerto Vallarta will want to attend one of the best PV events this July. The Raicero Festival will be held on July 26th through July 28th. You can contact 322-274-2325 for more information, or send a Facebook message to the Temazcal Xochipilli Vallarta Facebook page! Don’t miss this exciting event happening now in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Mango Lover? Don’t Miss the Mango Festival in PV

Villa La Estancia residents take note! The 3rd edition of the PV Mango Festival is scheduled for this weekend on Saturday, July 6th at 4:00pm down in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town at the Lázaro Cárdenas Park. This annual event is organized by the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura y el Comité de Ciudades Hermanas Highland Park and is open to the public. You can purchase 25 pesos tickets that are used to buy food and drinks in a typical Mexican “kermés” style. While it is hard to leave the comfort of your amazing home in paradise at Villa La Estancia, we recommend you get out and about and visit this year’s Mango Festival on Saturday, July 6th in Puerto Vallarta. You won’t regret it!

Don’t Miss the Mango Festival in PV!
Almost everyone can agree that mangoes are one of the most delicious fruits as their sweet and juicy flavor is almost impossible to resist. Villa La Estancia residents need to mark their calendars for Saturday, July 6th to make sure they attend the Mango Festival in Old Town Vallarta’s Lázaro Cárdenas Park. Get ready to sink your teeth into a bevy of delicious mango inspired treats. Lázaro Cárdenas Park is conveniently located just a block inland from the Malecon boardwalk and Los Muertos beach. Bring along the whole family and your sweet tooth! Attendees will enjoy a nice variety of mango based food and drink offerings, and there will be live entertainment on hand to keep the party going all evening long.

Mexico is 2nd Largest Exporter of Mangoes
Did you know that Mexico is the 2nd largest exporter of mangoes in the world after China? Mangoes are originally from India, and first arrived in Mexico in the late 1700’s when Spanish traders brought them over from India. Mangoes thrive in warm climates, therefore they subsequently flourished and today are one of the most popular fruits in the country. These days, mangoes are grown in many states in Mexico including Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Veracruz and Chiapas.

Help Support Local Charities
Not just fun festival for the public, charitable hearts will love that money raised from the event is set to benefit 3 cultural and community projects in the area including DesembocArte, Los Fridos and the local Rotary Club. DesembocArte is a children’s art workshop focused on supporting the arts for children from the neighborhood of La Desembocada. Local children’s artwork will be featured at the Mango Festival as well. Los Fridos is an organization that teaches art and music to children via hands on training activities. Last but not least, the Rotary Club helps local patients who need financial assistance to purchase leg prosthesis. They also help provide medical, dental and ophthalmological care for outlying neighborhoods in need. Villa La Estancia homeowners should come down and support these causes by attending this weekend’s Mango Festival.

Are you a Villa La Estancia resident? If so, make sure to attend this weekend’s 3rd annual Puerto Vallarta Mango Festival on Saturday, July 6th, 2019 starting at 4pm. It will be a sweet event that the whole family!

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Don’t Miss PV Restaurant Week Going on Now!

In Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, it is time once again to treat yourself to delicious cuisine because Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019 is back and going on right now! With over 60 local restaurants participating, this is an exciting annual gastronomic event that shouldn’t be missed. During the course of three weeks between May 15th and June 10th, local residents and visitors should take the experience PV Restaurant Week. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience some of the area’s most incredible restaurants that will have special 3-course menus at discounted prices. Do you live in Banderas Bay at Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta? If so, keep reading below to learn more about the Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019, and how you can experience some of Puerto Vallarta’s growing culinary scene at its best!

PV Restaurant Week 2019

Inspired by Restaurants Weeks held around the world by influential fine dining destinations, the PV Restaurant Week has been occurring annually for the past 14 years. Since 2005, Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week has thrilled local Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors by providing the opportunity to feast at some of the most coveted restaurants in the area. Participating establishments create special Restaurant Week three-course menus that have three options available for each course. In addition to the amazing food, prices are often discounted up to 50% off regular priced selections making it is a great way to take advantage of the promotions and dine at the nicest restaurants around Banderas Bay. In fact, PV Restaurant Week has become so popular that many individuals plan ahead to visit Puerto Vallarta during the annual festival. Are you a Villa La Estancia resident with a second home in Riviera Nayarit? If so, make sure you don’t miss this exciting and innovative culinary event.

Participating Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Restaurants

This year, there are over 60 restaurants in Banderas Bay participating including Amadeo’s Bistró, Archie’s Wok, Azafrán, Barcelona Tapas, Barrio Bistro, Bistro Limon, Bistro Organico at Cielo Rojo, Bistro Teresa, Blanca Blue at Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa, Boccon di Vino, Boqueria Hidalgo, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dick’s, Di Vino Dante, Eclecticos Restaurante & Bar, El Arrayan, El Dorado, El Patron Viva Vallarta, Eugenia, Gaviotas, Hacienda San Angel Gourmet, ICU, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant & Cafe, La Cappella, La Cigale French Bistro, La Leche, La Palapa, Layla’s Restaurante, Le Bistro, Le Kliff, Lobster Paradise, Lupita Mexican & Seafood, Mark’s Bar & Grill, Merida Grill, Mikado, Nicksan, No Way Jose Restaurant Bar, Ocean Grill, Ookii Sushi, Oso’s Fish Market Restaurant, Pal’Mar Seafood & Grill Garage, Pezlimon, Pizzeria La Dolce, Porto Bello, River Cafe, Sapori Di Sicilia, Seasons PV, Serrano’s Meat House, Si Señor Beach, Sonora House, Spice Market, The Blue Shrimp, The Iguana, Tintoque, Trio Restaurant Bar Cafe, Tuna Blanca, Umai, Venazu, and Vitea Oceanfront Bistro.

With special prices and incredible selections, Banderas Bay residents simply can’t miss their chance to dine at some of the best area restaurants during Vallarta Lifestyle’s Restaurant Week 2019. This exciting event is going on right now so make sure you try as many restaurants as you can. Which one was your favorite and why?

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Banderas Bay Dream Home: Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit

Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival: March 8th – 10th

Do you live at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit? If you do, make sure you make plans to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through 10th at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a day trip down from your home in paradise, and celebrate the local wildlife that makes life in Banderas Bay so special. Read below to learn more about the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival which is guaranteed to be a fun and educational day for all that attend.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Just an hour drive south of Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta, the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens regularly hosts educational and cultural events. This month, Villa La Estancia homeowners should take time to day trip to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival on March 8th through March 10th. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization that heavily relies on donations to maintain operations at the naturally beautiful sanctuary situated 30 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens works hard to organize conservation projects and educational events that locals and visitors alike can enjoy. Would you like to know how you can help support your local community? Please visit the Botanical Garden’s website for more information about membership opportunities. A simple financial donation from residents like yourselves will ensure that this incredibly important organization continues to prosper.

Bird & Nature Festival Workshops

This year, the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival will include numerous workshops in both English and Spanish to accommodate event attendees. The Vallarta Botanical Garden entry free is only $200 pesos per day. However, all tours and workshops that are offered outside of the Botanical Gardens cost between $600 to $1000 pesos each. A few of the top workshops to attend include a tour of the Macaw Sanctuary in Cabo Corrientes which is also known as “Santuario de las Guacamayas.” Stop and smell the roses and enjoy bird watching with a morning bird walk through the Botanical Gardens. Step back in time and see local crocodiles in their native habitat at the Estero El Salado. There is also a workshop about woodpeckers that are found only in the state of Jalisco, and a tour of Rancho Primavera located further south in El Tuito. Do you happen to have a young child who loves to draw? There is a free bird sketching course for children 8 years old to 12 years old that will be held at the Botanical Gardens Hall of Flowers. There is also an adult bird sketching course available as well that costs $300 pesos per person. Visit the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival website to see the full schedule of events here. Make sure to sign up for any workshops that interest you as space is limited.

Botanical Gardens Location

Villa La Estancia residents should take advantage of the affordable admission fees to attend the Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival as it is only 200 pesos per day. Want to attend all 3 days of the weekend festival? You can get a weekend pass for only 500 pesos. Children under the age of 4 can enter the gardens for free. All admission costs are collected at the entrance to the Botanical Gardens which is situated 24 km (15 miles) south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Please note that there is limited parking at the Botanical Gardens, so it is best to arrive via public transportation such as by bus, taxi or uber if possible.

Villa La Estancia homeowners should plan to head south to attend this year’s Vallarta Bird & Nature Festival from March 8th-10th. This celebration is a time to appreciate how the natural beauty of Banderas Bay, and pay homage to the incredibly rich and colorful wildlife that live amongst us.

See more: Happy Healthy Lives in Puerto Vallarta

1st Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival in Nuevo Vallarta

Take note Riviera Nayarit residents! The 1st Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival will be held soon on the weekend of Feb. 15th, 16th & 17th in the marina in Nuevo Vallarta. Events begin at 3pm and last through 10pm each day. Bring your family along and come enjoy a weekend full of flavors, traditional drinks, great music and activities. With more than 40 well known drinks, attendees will love sampling some of the best drinks and food from the region. Read below to learn more about the Raicilla, Mezcal and Artisanal Beer Festival in Nuevo Vallarta conveniently located just minutes from the Villa La Estancia.

What Is Mezcal?

Have you heard about mezcal, but not sure how to tell the difference between tequila and mezcal? Many people associate tequila with mezcal, but there are three key reasons how mezcal is different from tequila. To start with, tequila and mezcal are produced in different states in Mexico although there are a few states that produce both spirits. Mexican law dictates that tequila can only be produced using the blue agave plant. The state of Jalisco is the center of the tequila universe and the quaint town of Tequila is recognized as the birthplace of tequila. Mezcal can be made with up to 30 different varieties of agave and has a different production process that creates a distinctly different flavor. Right now, mezcal is produced in 8 specific regions of Mexico including the states of Oaxaca, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and Michoacan. The center of the mezcal world is in the state of Oaxaca where up to 80-90% of all mezcal production is found.

Raicilla

Raicilla is similar to tequila and mezcal and is produced in 16 regions throughout the Mexican states of Jalisco and Michoacan. The origins of raicilla come from the maguey lechuguilla plant which is a variety of agave. In 2014, annual raicilla production estimates indicated that 50 thousand liters were distributed among 70 traditional producers. Right now, the areas of Mascota and Cabo Corrientes in Jalisco are the top producers of raicilla. At the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, attendees will be able to sample a variety of spirits and learn more about the distinguishing factors between these three enticing elixirs.

Artisanal Beer

Beer lovers will also be pleased to find that craft beers will be showcased at the festival as well. Artisanal or craft beers are beers made without additives, preservatives or pasteurizers. Artisanal beers are essentially alive and an interesting product in that the taste changes every day due to the presence of live yeast. Mexico’s craft beer industry has experienced a boom over the last few years with many new breweries popping up just south of Nuevo Vallarta in the Puerto Vallarta area. Los Muertos Brewing and Monzon Brewery are two choices that locals can visit. At the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexican craft beer brewers will be sharing their top beers that are sure to delight.

Come experience a variety of Mexico’s best spirits and beers at the Raicilla, Mezcal and Cerveza Artesanal Festival in the Nuevo Vallarta marina just a stone’s throw away from Villa La Estancia. The weekend of February 16th and 17th from 3pm through 10pm, attendees will get to sample Mexico’s top spirits and enjoy great food as well. Hope to see you there!

See more eventis in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit here.