Mama Groups for Expats on Banderas Bay

For a thriving family, relocating to another country may be a bit difficult to grasp at first. But there are many positives to relocating, especially for those who wish to become expats on Banderas Bay. For starters, your children will have access to a new culture they can embrace and a new language they can learn to speak fluently. So, if you ever plan to moving to the Banderas Bay area, keep in mind that there are support groups for mothers who are expats on Banderas Bay that will make the relocation process a lot easier to overcome.

A popular and beneficial group for expat moms on Banderas Bay is Mamas in PV.

Mamas in PV

If you are looking to relocate to Puerto Vallarta or if you are already an expat on Banderas Bay, a wonderful connection you can make is to join the Facebook group known as Mamas in PV (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MamasInPV/). This group, which started with eight moms in Puerto Vallarta from Mexico, Canada and the United States, now has expat moms from all over the world. Over 2000 active moms are a part of this group, and they all have one passion in common: raising their families in the Mexican tropical climate.

To be a member of the group, you must be an expecting mom or already a mom of any age. The group aims to hold weekly gatherings to help support one another while surviving the life of a mother who may be away from the rest of her family while in Mexico.

The group provides great resources for expat Moms on Banderas Bay, and that’s not all. The group has also taken an interest in supporting charity initiatives. For example, members of the group have collaborated on a riverside picnic party, beach bash and other exciting activities as fundraisers for charities.

Pasitos de Luz, a charity that helps a non-profit agency assisting Puerto Vallarta’s low-income disabled children, is one of Mamas in PV’s favorite organizations to support. Almost twenty years ago, a group of Puerto Vallarta’s low-income mothers in need of having proper care for their children created Pasitos de Luz. Another charity event known as Piñata de Luz: Mothers helping others is the most successful event Mamas in PV has put together each year so far. The event allows the group to answer a mother’s Christmas wish list for her family.

The group gives expats on Banderas Bay and Mexican mothers the ability to trade items like hand-me-downs and other gifts. Information on recommended schools, good doctors, dates to special events in Puerto Vallarta like plays and other facts can be found on the Mamas in PV page. You get a chance to share your experiences and expertise while getting to know new people!

So, if you desire to start your life anew on Banderas Bay, joining the Mamas in PV group is an effective way to start your life of relocation to Mexico.

Recommended: https://rivieranayarit.villalaestanciarealestate.com/

2018 – The Year Ahead for Real Estate in Banderas Bay

It doesn’t take a real estate whiz kid to notice that the property market in Banderas Bay is pretty buoyant at the moment; with so much construction going on in the area, too, you can tell that local professionals have noticed this trend and are catching the wave! As a result, real estate publications in Banderas Bay are also on the rise; everyone is looking to capitalize on this movement.

Banderas Bay Real Estate Prices Beginning to Rise

If you’re looking to invest in a Mexican home in Banderas Bay this is the time to do so; prices for real estate in Banderas Bay have risen once and are set to rise again! The AMPI (Banderas Bay’s official real estate association) estimates a 4% increase in closing prices between this year and last year. This is a real wake up call for those looking to buy real estate in Banderas Bay, but a great sign for those who already own homes in the area.

Banderas Bay Real Estate is Trending Again

It should really come as no surprise that Banderas Bay is experiencing this sudden boom; the area is already a huge vacation destination, and is only 3 to 5 hours travel from home for the average American or Canadian. As such the area has a thriving ex-pat community in Banderas Bay to go with its stunning views, beautiful coast, and varied amenities.

Here you can find golf, watersports, shopping, bars, theatre, art, music, and, of course, local crafts all in one location. Better still, the weather is warm, dry, and balmy pretty much all year round; this is the perfect place to set up a home away from home.

Quality Guaranteed

The dash for real estate in Banderas Bay, so to speak, is really just beginning, but it is still important to be clear in what you want from your property. If you’re looking for a stellar vacation home you could consider the Villa La Estancia properties which are on offer.

These stunning residences are built to the highest quality and have access to the resorts 5 star facilities and great location! As a long time investor in this location, Villa La Estancia is committed to providing luxury and value in a way that is beneficial to the local area. When you buy with Villa La Estancia you get the best of both worlds.

Interesting Facts about Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is one of the most stunning and desirable vacation spots in Mexico, and there is no doubt that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit provides the best base from which to sample all the delights of this region. If you read on you’ll find out some really interesting facts about Banderas Bay with which to impress your friends when you get together again.

Los Muertos Beach

Los Muertos beach is one of the most beloved beaches around Banderas Bay, but many people are a little put off when they realise that the name translates, literally, to The Beach of the Dead. Legend has it that, centuries ago, locals fought off a pirate raid on this beach, and did so with such ferocity that many pirates died on the sands. If you talk to locals in the bars they’ll happily tell you about how many skeletons were found when the first hotels were being built on the beach! Nonetheless, any party you have here is sure to be lively so don’t give Los Muertos the swerve!

Banderas Bay

Banderas Bay is the biggest bay in Mexico, but it’s also one of the deepest and largest bays in the world as a whole! Sitting at over 900 meters it is practically fathomless, and at 42 kilometres wide it is in amongst the 10 largest in the world. The name Banderas, too, has significance as it is based on the Spanish word for flag! It is said that the Spanish Conquistadores, upon arrival, faced 20,000 armed natives with feathered flags, ready to defend their territory!

Las Peñas

The town of Puerto Vallarta, that sites at the heart of Banderas Bay, used to be called Las Peñas, in the 1800s, but was renamed after state governor Ignacio Vallarta in the 1900s.

Source of Income

Today, Puerto Vallarta’s 9 billion peso economy is based most upon tourism and the service industry, but before it became such a hotspot the town was a fishing centre. In those days the main source of revenue for Puerto Vallarta was the export of Corn, Coconuts, Beans, and Bananas to the USA (and, of course, feeding the local market).

The Movie Industry

Many famous faces have graced the shores of Banderas Bay for business and pleasure, and Puerto Vallarta, arguably, became what it is today because of one special movie. The Night of the Iguana, starring Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map and the romance of Burton and Elizabeth Taylor made it infamous! This is, arguably, why so many big budget films (like 2011’s Limitless) have been filmed here since. These sands have seen the likes of Robert De Niro and Arnold Schwarzenegger!

Population

In the 1880s Puerto Vallarta had a population of around 1,500 people; today there are over 300, 000 inhabitants in Puerto Vallarta. The population boom was sudden and exponential. In the last 20 years the population has grown by a staggering average of 7.5% each year!

Mariachi Music

If you’ve been to Mexico before you’ll know that this is a culture which loves to party, and mariachi music is a key part of this! The state of Jalisco, where you can find Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta, is the epicentre of mariachi and in Puerto Vallarta alone you will find dozens of talented groups. There’s even a kids mariachi band in the city!

Recommended article: Top Tips for Finding the Best Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Non-Stop Flights to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta

As the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta quickly become two of the most popular destinations in Mexico, the area of Banderas Bay is also becoming easier and easier to get to! Most of the big airlines have now realized just how many people want to get to this sunshine soaked hotspot and as a result they have ensured that non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit, served by Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport, are available.

Non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit

No matter which coast you live on in the US or Canada you’ll find that major airlines in your area have now jumped on the proverbial bandwagon to bring you non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit. Whether you’re on the east coast or the west, flights to Banderas are cheaper and more convenient than ever. This is great news for those thinking about buying real estate in Riviera Nayarit. Not only does it mean that your journeys back and forth are more affordable and comfortable, it also means that your friends and family will not have an excuse not to visit you!

Why are non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit the best choice?

By far the very best thing about being able to get direct flights to Riviera Nayarit is that it allows you to carve out as much of that precious vacation time as possible for relaxation. No stop overs, no flight switching. Just an extra hours sleep before you head out, and sunshine and sangria until you need to hop on your flight back home. What’s more, you can get to areas like Sayulita, Bucerias, Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta easily too as they are all served by the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport located on the edge of Puerto Vallarta close to Riviera Nayarit.

Don’t sacrifice your vacation time, book non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit from one of these providers:

Non-stop flights to Riviera Nayarit

From the United States

American Airlines:
Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix

Delta:
Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma

US Airways:
Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix

Aeromexico:
Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Houston,

United:
Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco

Sun Country Airlines:
Dallas-Fort Worth, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Frontier Airlines:
City of Origin: Denver, Saint Louis, MO

Southwest:
Denver, Houston, Orange County

Alaska Airlines:
Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle/Tacoma

Virgin America:
San Francisco

From Canada

WestJet Airlines:
Abbotsford, Calgary, Comox, Edmonton, Kelowna, Prince George, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg

Air Transat:
Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Montreal, Quebec, Regina, Saskatoon, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg
Air Canada: Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver

From United Kingdom

Thomson Holidays:
Manchester, London

Fractional Vacation Ownership at Villa La Estancia Residences Riviera Nayarit

The Best Luxury Real Estate on Banderas Bay

Mexico’s ever flourishing real estate industry counts the areas of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta as today’s top destinations for luxury properties. Found along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta together form the world renowned Banderas Bay.

Best Luxury Real Estate on Banderas Bay

Despite the downward trend brought by the recession of 2009 that brought changes in Mexico’s development and real estate industry, prices of luxury realty remain stable yet affordable. 2016 and 2017 paint a much better future for developers and realty investors according to real estate forecasts as prices are expected to surge in the near future. Luxury real estate buyers should snap up this opportunity to purchase property on Banderas Bay, before these lower prices begin to rise.

Banderas Bay No.1 For Luxury Homes

Mexico’s real estate market provides investors and homeseekers with luxury that is affordable. Luxury real estate on Banderas Bay is available at reasonable prices, which means that the house of your dreams is within your reach. You are sure to find a lucury second home that perfectly suits your budget and needs on Banderas Bay.

The choices for luxury real estate on Banderas Bay are diverse, especially in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. You can choose from stunning mansions on the beach to luxury condo units with swimming pools and resort facilities like restaurants, room service, world class spas fitness centers. The prices you can expect to pay for luxury real estate on Banderas Bay are highly influenced by the kind of neighborhood where your property is located and the future of the area.

Why you should invest in luxury real estate on Banderas Bay

A list of benefits awaits you if you decide to invest or make Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit your second home for luxury real estate:

  • many hours of sunshine and comfortable, warm temperatures year round.
  • affordability; both in terms of cost of luxury real estate as well as cost of living
  • large expat community with several social clubs (poetry, yoga, fishing clubs, painting, reading groups etc).
  • accessibility, including cheap flights to USA and Canada and international airport.
  • quality selection of fine dining restaurants
  • day spas
  • bars and live music venues
  • boutique theatres
  • sunsets over the ocean every evening
  • walks along the Malecon boardwalk
  • art galleries

Living on Banderas Bay does not only mean staying in your own elegant home or standing on a portion of luxury realty, but it’s having the simple pleasures of life that are worth sharing with your family and special ones.

For more information about the best luxury real estate on Banderas Bay, check out the full and fractional options at Villa La Estancia Residences.

Montgomery Fruit Company arrival

Montgomery Fruit Company in Banderas Bay

When you think about making a place your second home, you may be interested in knowing a little about its background and history. Banderas Bay has been one of Mexico’s favorite places, where many foreigners have settled and treated it as their home away from home. Many don’t know that this very scenic place has its share of history to tell with many mysterious twists and turns that has influenced much of what it is today. Below you will find some insight into how the Montgomery Fruit Company contributed to Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay’s development, thanks to information provided by Facebook group: el Viejo Vallarta, lugar de los Patasaladas (Old Vallarta, place of the salty feet people).

The Arrival of the Montgomery Fruit Company

Montgomery Fruit Company arrival
The Montgomery Fruit Company arrival to Puerto Vallarta (Archive)

It all started when the Montgomery Fruit Company’s representatives arrived to Banderas Bay in 1923 and bought a vast area of land in Ixtapa, which is a town right next to Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. The land measured a staggering 45 thousand hectares and was the Ixtapa Hacienda, then owned by an affluent German resident, Don Alberto Beach. The international company used these lands as an extension of their base in Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador, bringing their knowledge in the banana cultivation industry.

Bananas For a Living in Ixtapa

The Montgomery Fruit Company began to plant bananas and soon experienced a flourishing economy with abundant harvests during their first two years from 1923 to 1925. However, it was short-lived as a devastating cyclone hit the place causing havoc on the banana plantation. This has forced them to look somewhere and leave the area temporarily until they returned in 1926 with new American investors, which marked a turning point for the region. According to historian, Carlos Munguia Fregoso, at this time, Ixtapa’s economy and infrastructure was much stronger than that of Puerto Vallarta.

An economic boom

Puerto Vallarta
Archive

With such rich investment and successful harvests, the Ixtapa town soon became a boom for employment opportunities, commerce and other factors, all of which contributed to a fast economic surge. Soon, there was widespread construction of comfortable wooden houses, irrigation canals and a big hotel to house workers coming from far places like Mexico City and from the mountains that surround Banderas Bay. The Mascota River was the site of a newly installed steel bridge and a new railway was constructed, which efficiently transported the harvested bananas from Ixtapa to Boca de Tomate, from where the harvests would be taken by ship and marketed to faraway places.

Migrants arrive to Banderas Bay

These movements changed the way of life for those living and working in Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta. The arrival of workers and migrants of the Montgomery Fruit Company from such towns like de El Cuale, San Sebastian, Mascota and Talpa after the faltering silver industry and Mexican Revolution, brought much progress to the areas. What was most interesting was that the migrants who came to settle in Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta shared similar cultural backgrounds and customs, and many were already friends or acquaintances. This meant that a sense of community grew up very quickly as people created their new home away from hom.

Corn, Tobacco, Beans and Coconut Oil

Thereafter, the area began to harvest a whole range of regional products, such as corn, tobacco, beans, chilis and coconut oil, all of which were exported by sea, even to Mexican destinations as there were no reliable highways at this time.

The decline of the Montgomery Fruit Company

Come 1931, the Montgomery Fruit Company’s success began to decline, its operation badly affected by the Mexican government’s decision to enforce the “ejido” program. Under this program, local Mexican workers were granted the land upon which they could make their living.

What were once parcels of land owned by the legitimate foreign company were divided and shared among local custodians known as “ejidos”. This eventually forced the company to close.

The Montgomery Fruit Company’s short, but successful stretch greatly affected Puerto Vallarta’s demographics and stature in a very positive way. Its reputation as a proficient port area was then established and its total influence of what Puerto Vallarta today is still felt around the region. It left a legacy that will forever be etched and will have its own place in Puerto Vallarta’s rich history.

References:
CACHITOS DE HISTORIA By Yolanda Pita McCullough; Facebook Groups

Boat Excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico

One of the great pastimes that homeowners at Villa La Estancia Residences can enjoy anytime of the year is exploring Banderas Bay on a boat tour. Boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico are one of the best ways to get to know the beauty of Banderas Bay. There are many different boat cruises on offer for both day and night excursions on Banderas Bay, in addition to private yacht charters and fishing tours. With so many amazing boat tours, you could try something different each time your visit your home away from home.

Booking boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico is easy, especially for Villa del Estancia residents who can use the services of the onsite tour agent. Alternatively you can make bookings via the internet. A lot of different activities await; dancing, singing, snorkeling, eating out and indulging in great music will make memories that last forever. Whether you are an adult, a child or a kid at heart, boat excursions on Banderas Bay will provide the time of your life.

sunset on banderas bay

Marigalante Pirate Ship Day and Night Tours

Have you ever dreamed of being a pirate sailing the vastness of the ocean with reckless authority? The Marigalante Pirate Ship can make that dream come true as you sail aboard an authentic wooden pirate ship with staff that dress and act like real pirates. On both the day and night tour of Banderas Bay, a pirate show will leave you in awe as acrobatic stunts, pirate music and other live performances literally fill the deck of your boat.

During the Pirates of the Bay night tour, the show is the center of attention with a delicious three course meal and as much to drink as you are partial to. You will enjoy an award winning pirate battle as though you had been transported back in time to the Golden Age of Pirates, followed by fireworks. The focus of the pirate ship day tour is more towards outdoor pirate fun, and your day will be full of merry things like dancing, exciting games, water sports and even treasure hunting on the beach. It’s an all ideal Banderas Bay cruise for an all out family affair that will leave you breathless.

Rhythms of the Night Boat Cruise

If you are looking for romantic boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Mexico to share with your nearest and dearest, the Rhythms of the Night cruise is highly recommended for you. It promises a night full of romance as you start off cruising the scenic coastline of Banderas Bay en route to the remote beach cove of Las Caletas. The slow beat of ancient Aztec drums can be heard as your boat arrives to the shore and you are escorted to an amphitheatre in the jungle where you will enjoy an artistic representation of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history through dance and music. All of this followed by a candlelit dinner under the moon and the bright, sparkling stars for a night to remember affair.

Las Marietas

A day jampacked with a host of activities is what you can expect of Las Marietas boat excursions in Banderas Bay. From the shore, you will make your way by boat to the famous Las Marietas islands which boast a unique location formed out of volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. While cruising your way, music and dancing will create a festive air, with an open bar and a full lunch provided to satisfy your hunger. You may be lucky enough to see a wide variety of marine life like manta rays, humpback whales and dolphins from the side of your boat.

When you reach Las Marietas, you can jump in for some snorkeling and discover the underwater riches that these remote islands offer. You can also access a hidden beach by swimming through a cave to discover the hidden gem that makes Las Marietas so famous on Banderas Bay.

Las Animas Boat Cruise

If you love exploring underwater and admiring the beauty down below, Las Animas boat excursions on Banderas Bay will fit you to a tee. Two destinations are the order of the day and awaiting discovery. First is the Los Arcos Underwater National Park, where snorkeling is at its best. A professional guide will accompany you and provide snorkels, fins and life jackets for your safety. Prepare yourself for close encounters with underwater creatures and colorful fish and corals that dominate the sea landscape. The Las Animas beach comes next on the agenda, and this is where facilities for beach volleyball, kayaking and banana boating are available. If you don’t feel like taking part in the action, you can simply lie on the sandy beach and enjoy the wonderful scenery surrounding you. As you head back, the fun never ceases. You can party, dance and drink all the way back to port.

Princess Sunset Cruise

The two and a half hours you will spend on the Princess Sunset Cruise on Banderas Bay will leave you enchanted. This elegant cruise offers simple luxury like drinking at an open bar with great snacks for company as you take in the spectacular views of the bay. If you want to let your hair down, you can dance and party the night away in the lower decks where you will be joined by others who are in the mood for a fiesta.

For more information about boat excursions on Banderas Bay, Villa la Estancia Residents should contact the onsite tour agents.

Riviera Nayarit’s Pueblo Magico

Mexico’s famed beach resort towns of Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas continuously attracts visitors from all over the world. Impressive beach settings and countless commercial establishments that offer fun and entertainment are their major selling points. What many don’t know, however, is that Mexico has other cultural attractions that will surely charm and enchant visitors as well as those lucky enough to make Mexico their second home – Pueblos Magicos.

Riviera Nayarit - Pueblo Magico

Pueblos Mágicos

Pueblos Magicos (magical towns) are classified quaint villages that offer a glimpse of the country’s rich culture and tradition. The Mexican Secretary of Tourism has endorsed around 80 towns throughout Mexico with the “Pueblo Magico” seal of approval to guide visitors to find new and exciting ways of discovering Mexico and its great people.

Pueblos magicos are selected towns that are rich history and cultural heritage. It’s a program that was started in 2001 and acknowledges places like San Sebastian del Oeste, a quaint town located just over an hour from Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta A 1605 mining town, San Sebastian showcases the Mexican way of life and the traditional means of its people. Every visitor’s heart and emotions will be touched and mesmerized, and it’s within easy reach of your home away from home at Villa La Estancia Residences.

A perfect day trip from Villa La Estancia, San Sebastian del Oeste pueblo magico offers a variety of activities. Its beautiful landscape that is surrounded entirely by the picturesque Sierra Madre Mountains is a scene changer for anyone whose busy life centers around the city. One can simply walk around and view old buildings which are great examples of traditional colonial architecture or sit in the town’s tree lined plaza people watching.

If you are feeling a little more energetic, you can take a hike to the nearby Cerro de la Bufa and be with the company of clouds while the dusk provide a stunning sunset drama unfolding right before your eyes. For coffee lovers, visit Quinta Mary and have a taste of a purely organic coffee and a chance to see the meticulous production process it undergoes. Experience a different kind of experience where the contemporary blends with the traditional, taking visitors back in time a hundred years or more.

Today, San Sebastian is a home to just 600 inhabitants, a far cry from what used to be 20,000 population sustained through a thriving mining industry. Nowadays you can simply sit back and sit idly in a wooden chair admiring the overall appeal of this stunning town. The next time you visit Riviera Nayarit, take the time to explore San Sebastian and you’ll never forget the magical experience it will bring.

Villa la Estancia Hurricane Patricia

Villa La Estancia and Riviera Nayarit Safe n’ Sound after Hurricane Patricia

Villa La Estancia Residences in Riviera Nayarit is pleased and thankful to report that Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit were unaffected by the passing of Hurricane Patricia on Friday October 23rd, 2015. Besides prolonged rain and a significant scare, Banderas Bay was spared the potentially catastrophic effects of the hurricane that was classified as category 5. It would seem that the Sierra Madre Mountains that surround Banderas Bay once again protected the area from a meteorological disaster.

Hurricane Patricia and Riviera Nayarit

Making the record books as one of the most intense hurricanes to have made landfall on the North and South American continents, Hurricane Patricia generated wind speeds of over 200 mph and one of the lowest ever recorded pressures. It was for this reason that the imminent threat of Hurricane Patricia to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta was taken so seriously by local authorities, hotels and security forces. For the sake of precaution, Banderas Bay were held under a curfew from 2pm on Friday afternoon before Hurricane Patricia’s predicted time of landfall.

Fortunately for Banderas Bay, Hurricane Patricia’s route took a turn to the east, making landfall more than 150 miles south in a relatively unpopulated area (although there are many communities in need of intensive help for the clean up operation), where it quickly lost intensity once it hit the Sierra Madre Mountains. Within hours, Hurricane Patricia downgraded to a category 1 hurricane and by midday Saturday it was classed as a tropical storm. Protect by mountains, Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit was sheltered greatly from the potential gales of Hurricane Patricia which brought to our shores only rain with very little wind.

Villa La Estancia During Hurricane Patricia

Guest who were unable to evacuate, or who had decided to stay at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit were safe within its structures that have been built to withstand hurricane forces, although staff enforced the precautionary procedures providing safe havens for guests and removing all furniture from the beaches and pool areas that could potentially cause harm in the event of a hurricane.

It is worth noting that the area of Riviera Nayarit and Banderas Bay is not a major target for hurricanes in general as the Sierra Madre Mountains form a strong shield from the destructive forces of hurricane winds. However, when faced with the powerful forces of nature, the necessary precautions for the safety of guests and residents are the foremost concern of the team at Villa La Estancia.

Puerto Vallarta Sculptures on the boardwalk - Nostalgia

The Malecon – A Stunning Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico boasts an amazing feature that is beloved by many people including locals and visitors: The Malecon. This famous boardwalk has a beautiful view of the ocean overlooking Banderas Bay, and it is a mile long. It makes up a wall which protects the many restaurants, shops, and bars from Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Malecon is considered to be the focus of the downtown section of Puerto Vallarta and is enjoyed by locals and tourists everyday of the year. When you become an owner at Villa la Estancia Residences, a Sunday stroll on the Malecon will become part of you personal story too. Just think, you can look out to sea and watch the sunset without getting sand in your shoes.

Anyone who visits Puerto Vallarta should definitely visit to the Malecon, and it is one place that you will return to time and again. You can never tire of the Malecom. There are several restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs as well as other attractions. It is possible to see the sun set as you eat your dinner on the boardwalk or walk hand in hand with an ice cream or frozen yogurt. Banderas Bay’s Malecon is surely one of the best places to view a sunset, second only to the comfort of your own balcony at Villa La Estancia Residences.

2011 Renovations

If you haven’t visiting Puerto Vallarta in a few years, then you might be interested to know that in 2011, there were renovations done to the Malecon, which has made it all the more beautiful. Pedestrians can now enjoy an even better experience at this locale, with beautiful surroundings of tropical plants, palm trees, and bugambilia. The indigenous tribes of this area also are honoured with artwork on the streets to represent sacred Huichol symbols. They depict nature, the cosmos, and animals. This is a wonderful sight to behold.

Art and Theater

Speaking of art, there are sculptures all along the boardwalk that have been created mainly by the local Mexican artists. You might wish to go on a guided English-speaking tour to learn more about the sculptures, which tell you a lot about the artistic heritage of Nayarit and Jalisco states in Mexico. You can request additional information at Galeria Pacifico. Free performances are held at the outdoor amphitheatre that is near Our Lady of Guadalupe church and the plaza. Street performers, merchants, and artisans entertain and sell their items at this location.

The New Pier on Los Muertos Beach

Travel towards Old Town and you will also find a brand new pier, from where you can go on a water taxis to travel to idyllic beaches which may only be accessed by boat.