what to do in puerto vallarta

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Top Puerto Vallarta Activities in 2020

Can you believe that the year 2020 is already here? Many tourist towns across the world enjoy a peak in tourism over the summer, in Puerto Vallarta the winter months mean high season. Due to the pleasant weather the area enjoys from November through April, visitors flock to the region to take advantage of great weather and escape cooler temperatures up north. Local restaurants, shops, and resorts are anxiously awaiting to welcome guests as 2020 is nearly upon us. Do you live at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit and are expecting houseguests during this year’s high season that you want to show around town? If so, here are some of our recommendations on the top Puerto Vallarta activities to enjoy in 2020.

  • Take In a Live Musical Performance

One of the top Puerto Vallarta activities to enjoy in 2020 is a performance at one of the area’s local theater groups. Puerto Vallarta is home to several local theaters that offers visitors the opportunity to take in a variety of world famous musicals and theater performances in a cozy setting. For example, Act II is one of the best spots in town to watch a live musical or theatrical performance. The venue boasts several different areas where talented local actors and singers take the stage. At Act II, guests can sit back, relax, and even sip on a cocktail or two as they watch incredible performances by local talent. Get ready to enjoy lots of interaction between the guests and performers. Watching an amazing show in such a comfortable and welcoming setting is one of the top Puerto Vallarta activities to enjoy in 2020. In addition to Act II, Incanto is another local theater company that offers a wide variety of musical acts and live performances. Make sure to check out their large outdoor terrace with lovely Cuale River views where you can enjoy drinks or dinner before or after a performance. Another great spot to enjoy live music is at Bambinos Trattoria which features an endearing 4 brother ensemble that sings the best classic hits in English and Spanish. They also offer a full Italian menu that is delicious and well priced, too.

  • Become a Local Foodie in 3 Hours 

Locally based Vallarta Food Tours recently won the 2019 TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Awards for Experiences. Vallarta food Tours has been giving visitors to Puerto Vallarta insider tips on the best foods to enjoy since 2012. One of the top Puerto Vallarta activities in town, what better way to get to know the best of the local cuisine than hitting up the most popular spots in town? Vallarta Food Tours has creatively and efficiently created a variety of food tours that give attendees a taste of authentic Vallarta cuisine from casual street vendors to fine dining. Join Vallarta food Tours and savor some of the best foods in Puerto Vallarta as their knowledgeable and friendly guides share interesting tidbits and local history. Make sure to come hungry, and get ready to taste the best that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

  • Try a Mountain Bike Tour With Eco Ride

Whether you live in the area or are visiting, everyone should take the time to get outside and enjoy nature. Are you ready to get some exercise at the same time? Seasoned bike riders or novices should check out locally based mountain bike tour company Eco-Ride. Eco-Ride can accommodate beginner riders up to advanced riders, and offer bike tours in the area that offer incredible views along with a great workout. Skip the beach for the day, and spend time exploring the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains just minutes from the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta.

In 2020, there are tons of Puerto Vallarta activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. To start with, we suggest you watch a live show, try the top local food tour, and take a bike ride on the outskirts of town. Try our top 3 suggestions on Puerto Vallarta activities and let us know which was your favorite and why. If you decide you want to stay longer or buy a vacation home in the area, remember to check out Villa La Estancia private residences. Located in the tranquil neighborhood of Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit, our luxurious beachfront homes have it all – style, privacy and access to world class resort amenities. Contact us at Villa La Estancia today if you are ready to become part of our exclusive beachfront community. Before you know it, you could be living your dream life in Mexico.

 

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, Destinations, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Real Estate, Residences

All About Tacos!

Are you a Villa La Estancia Cabo homeowner loving life at your second home in Mexico? Many expats just like you from around the world are thrilled to purchase a second home in Mexico and soak up the good life. From its delicious food, incredible weather and welcoming locals, it is easy to see why Mexico continues to be a top destination for expats who want to purchase a dream home in paradise. Wondering what kinds of great foods you can enjoy at your second home in Mexico? Mexican tacos are without a doubt one of the easiest and most delicious foods that people love to eat while in Mexico or wherever they may be. Easy on the budget and simple to make, tacos are delicious, too. See below for our 3 top Mexican tacos, and we even included an easy fish taco recipe that you can make at your second home in Mexico, too.

What to Eat at Your Second Home in Mexico:

Beef Carne Asada Tacos
Our top choice for the best tacos to try at your second home in Mexico are beef carne asada tacos. Carne asada tacos are grilled and seasoned beef cooked with spices such as salt, pepper and cumin. You can spice up your taco with toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, and spicy salsa. Want to really make your taco special? Add melted cheese on top for a tasty addition that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Pork Al Pastor Tacos
Our second pick for a great taco is the classic pork al pastor taco. Seasoned shredded pork is served on a corn tortilla and topped with diced onions, cilantro and slices of juicy pineapple. Your taste buds will love the unique blend of savory and sweet flavors. You can even add fresh avocado salsa or a cool and refreshing twist while you enjoy tacos in your second home in Mexico.

Grilled or Battered Fish Tacos
Fish tacos originated in Baja California, Mexico but are now enjoyed in countries all over the world. You can choose from grilled or battered fish, and then add cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. Add fresh lime juice on top is for a tangy punch of flavor you will love.

Villa La Estancia Cabo residents and homeowners should try making the below easy Fish Taco recipe at your second home in Mexico.

Simple Fish Taco Recipe:
Sauteé chunks of fresh fish and diced garlic in a few teaspoons of olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Yellowtail or Mahi Mahi are great choices to use.
Season the fish with salt, pepper and lime juice to taste.
Heat up corn or flour tortillas on medium heat, and remember to flip the tortilla back and forth to avoid burning.
Choose from a variety of fresh and healthy toppings including cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, or even carrots.
Try a simple creamy chipotle sauce topping to make your fish taco even better. Simply mix mayonnaise with a few canned chipotle peppers. It is a great topping that perfectly compliments your fish taco. Squeeze some fresh lime juice on top for just the right amount of zing!

Are you a Villa La Estancia Cabo homeowner living the dream at your beautiful second home in Mexico? If so, why not make our simple fish taco recipe tonight. Mexican tacos are fresh and convenient and sure to please the whole family. Bon appetit!

by VLEAdminRE,
Riviera Nayarit

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 MĂ©xico, 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.

by VLEAdminRE,
Residences, Riviera Nayarit

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 LĂĄzaro CĂĄrdenas Park. This annual event is organized by the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura y el ComitĂ© 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 “kermĂ©s” 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!

See more things to do in Puerto Vallarta:

Golf, Golf and More Golf in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta’s Local Art Galleries

Puerto Vallarta Icons – the New Pier

Puerto Vallarta: Dream Vacation Homes

by VLEAdminRE,
Riviera Nayarit

Vallarta Botanical Gardens January 2019: Chocolate & Vanilla Festival

Who doesn’t appreciate delicious chocolate and vanilla? Chocolate and vanilla are important parts of Mexican food culture and history, and these delights are being celebrated on January 11th, 2019 at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just 20 minutes south of Old Town Vallarta, plan a day to reconnect with nature and enjoy a sensory-filled day of tastings, educational talks and so much more. Continue reading below about the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival that will take place soon at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens: History and Admission

Established in 2004, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens first opened its doors to the public in 2005. With a focus on propagation, study, discovery, conservation, and display of Mexican native plants, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a must do activity in Puerto Vallarta. Both Puerto Vallarta’s residents and visitors will enjoy learning and seeing Mexican orchids and other plants that are native to the region. Entry for adults costs just $200 pesos which is around $10 USD with the current exchange rate, and kids under 4 years old get in free. As a small non-profit that relies heavily on memberships and donations to operate, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens does not allow outside food or beverages on the property. If you’re in the mood for a bite, there is an excellent restaurant on the property called Hacienda de Oro Restaurant. The sales from the restaurant help to maintain general operations at the Botanical Gardens.

January 11th, 2019: Chocolate and Vanilla Festival

Guaranteed to be an exciting day for the whole family, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be held from 10am to 5pm on January 11, 2019. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens will feature a variety of scrumptious vanilla and chocolate tastings that will tantalize your taste buds. In addition to delicious tastings, visitors will learn about the history of Mexican chocolate and vanilla. Want to take a treat back home or a gift for friends or family? There will be homemade Mexican chocolate for sale that is sure to impress. Visitors at the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will also be treated to an energetic performance by local folkloric dancers.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Not only people love the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Bugs and insects also adore the flowers and plants so make sure to come prepared with insect repellent to avoid getting insect bites. If you come unprepared, check at the ticket booth where you can purchase natural insect repellent. In addition to insects, the Vallarta sun is quite strong even during winter months so make sure to wear or bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In the mood for a refreshing dip in a freshwater river? Head down to the small river that runs along the lower portion of the property where you can wade along the sandy banks or jump in to cool off.

Vanilla and chocolate lovers need to mark their calendars for January 11th, 2019 so they can experience the natural beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be a wonderful experience for everyone. We hope to see you there!

Vallarta Botanical Gardens Location:

Carretera Barra De Navidad Km. 24, Las Juntas y los Veranos,

C.P. 48447 Cabo Corrientes, Jal. Tel. +52 322 223 6182

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, FAQ, Riviera Nayarit

What to Expect from a Vallarta Lifestyle

So, what is it that foreigners do once they make the move to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit to join the full-time community there? The list of potentials is endless, to be honest, as there is really something for everyone here. Get to know the Vallarta Lifestyle:

The Beach | Vallarta Lifestyle

The beaches and coves around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are, not surprisingly, at the top of this list, and for good reason! There is such variety in the beaches of Banderas Bay that you can be absolutely certain of finding the right beach on which to practice your favorite sport (whatever that may be!). Whether you wish to find stunning scenery to photograph, amazing coves to explore, or you want to swim, surf, paddle board, snorkel, scuba dive, or even freedive you can be sure to find the perfect place to do it all when you live in Puerto Vallarta. Get ready to put your hiking boots on, however, because there are simply not enough days in the year to see all that Puerto Vallarta’s coastline has to offer.

Vallarta’s Farmers Markets

During high season (October to May) you will find that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is the hub for some really lovely farmers markets! On Sundays there is a market in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle which benefits from stunning ocean views and access to some of the freshest seafood in town. Don’t forget to watch the street performers when stop to grab a bite to eat! On Saturdays from 9:30am to 2:00pm you will find the Old Town Farmers Market in Puerto Vallarta. This market has everything from street food and live music to art, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and locally grown produce! You can find the Old Town market at Lazaro Cardenas Park (adjacent to Los Muertos Beach).

Charity and volunteering

There are few better ways to make friends than through passion for a shared cause, and in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit there are plenty of wonderful charitable causes which would benefit from your time and attention. There are animal shelters, orphanages, and old people’s homes; there is also “children of the dump”, a women and children’s refuge. There are also some schools for disabled children which could benefit from your experience and help. What better way to make friends than by giving back to the community in which you now live, laugh, and love?

Movie Theatres

Puerto Vallarta has almost as many movie theatres as gas stations (well, maybe not quite), and they’re generally reasonably priced as well as utterly charming. Thanks to this variety you can be sure you’ll find one that suits you to a T fairly quickly! At the Isla shopping center, for example, there is a VIP cinema which features in show waiters who will attend to your needs through each showing. If you have kids, on the other hand, there is the cinema adjacent to Pitillal which has a slide running all the way from the top row to a pre-show kids area.

Live Theater

If you’re a lover of live theater you should definitely get involved with Act II entertainment (found on the corner of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes Street). They are always on the look out for fresh talent, and besides the viewings are affordable; even if you don’t want your shot at stardom you can enjoy the productions they put on! The theatre itself also has a lovely piano bar which is a great place to kick back, have a drink, and meet new people for those who enjoy a bit of luxury.

Taking a road trips

When you live in Banderas Bay, there are plenty of place to explore. Hire a car or take to public transport and explore the many wonderful colonial towns, lakeside villages, and seaside cities which pepper this landscape.

Share with us what do you like the most of the Vallarta Lifestyle!

by VLEAdminRE,
Vallarta botanical garden orchid
Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

Recommended Day Trip – the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

One of the advantages of purchasing a slice of paradise at Villa La Estancia Residences is the choice of wonderful things to do for a day trip or afternoon excursion. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta make a short road trip from Nuevo Vallarta and are a delightful day out for all the family or a leisurely afternoon with your loved one.

Cooling off at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The gardens themselves are further up into the mountains on the south shore of Puerto Vallarta, a good hour’s drive from Villa La Estancia Residences in Nuevo Vallarta. As such, you can expect the climate to be much cooler, which is a dream come true during the humid summer months. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a great place to go if the heat down on the beaches is getting too oppressive. When you arrive at the gates you’ll be greeted by a member of staff who’ll take a small entry fee from you before you go in. If you are a permanent resident at Villa La Estancia Residences, you might even think about joining the gardens as a member.

Best Kept Secret

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, and what they do, are probably the best kept secret in Puerto Vallarta. All the money made from these stunning gardens go to the upkeep of the gardens themselves as well as a number of educational and conservation projects. Proceeds from the gift shop, entrance fees and restaurant go to these charitable foundations and, indirectly, help to educate locals in conservation, protects and support Macaws as well as other Parrot species, and keep the local flora and fauna in good health. Many of the plants you see on the new Malecon in Puerto Vallarta were also donated by the gardens. A visit to these gardens is an indirect contribute to the health and welfare of Mexico’s wildlife and landscape.

Recommendations

When you arrive in the park you can head straight to the main building, if you wish, and get a bite to eat in the restaurant which, like the gift shop, showcases local produce alongside its other delicious fare. In the main building you will also find the Orchid Gallery (which the gardens are rightly proud of) and the day beds, where you can sit back and relax in tranquillity. Taking a book, kindle tablet is a great way to while away an afternoon in the cool fresh air.

The many trails through the park are well sign posted and have been designed to show you the very best of the landscapes encompassed by the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. You can, for example, take one of the trails that goes down by the river and take a dip, if you’re brave enough to face the cold water. Alternatively you could take one of the extremely popular jungle trails which will take you through dense, lush jungle scenes. Either way you’ll see a variety of plants including, but not limited to, Vanilla, Coffee, Tobacco and Cacti.

The Gardens are open 9am – 6pm (Tuesday to Sunday) from April to November, and if you come at the right time you might catch the bird festival or flower show!

by VLEAdminRE,