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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

by Vicki Skinner, Doin it Right in Puerto Vallarta


Get away from the cold this winter

Thanks to Vicki Skinner of Doin it Right in Puerto Vallarta for supplying most of the information for this article. Vicki has been "Doin Puerto Vallarta" for years, and specializes in accommodations for GLBT folks.

Vicki's "PV-PS - Puerto Vallarta Purple Sheets": 150+ pages + a map giving you much more detailed descriptions & addresses of the ins-&-outs of Puerto Vallarta, restaurants, tours, clubs, medical info & other important contacts & info, along with over $75 per person in FREE drinks, internet time & other discount coupons are a gift ONLY for clients that book their Accommodations through Doin it Right-in Puerto Vallarta.

For more information on Doin' It Right in Puerto Vallarta, please see her Website at http://www.doinitright.com. Or write to her at Info@DoinitRight.com to sign up for her PV mailing list!


(pronounced is "PWHER-to vah-YAHR-tah) - Those "in-the-know" call it "Vallarta"

Puerto Vallarta is a magical tropical paradise located on the Pacific/West coast of Mexico in the NorthWest corner of the state of Jalisco – kinda/sorta half-way between Acapulco & Mazatlan, a quaint, colonial seaside village with cobblestone streets & red tiled roofs, smiling/helpful locals & some wonderful restaurants. Vallarta’s surrounded by the rugged tropical jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains (facing East) & Banderas Bay (Mexico's largest natural bay)! Vallarta’s the SAME latitude as Hawaii giving it similar lush tropical jungles & similar weather - except it’s been forever since a hurricane’s ventured into Banderas Bay!! And which Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii – heck – even Cancun & Acapulco & even Cabo destination can boast of that?

The heart of REAL Vallarta is divided by the Rio Cuale. One of the popular areas is a place of many names - everything from the Playa los Muertos (beach of the dead – yikes!) to Old Town, Playa del Sol, South of the Rio Cuale " & the latest - "Zona Romantica". It's also called "SouthSide" which sounds sooooo cool (aren’t most areas with "south" in them THE areas – SOMA, South Beach?!?!)!!

SouthSide is an area where you’ll find a good balance of locals, Nationals, tourists, gay, mainstream, families, honeymooners, singles, young & old (& young at heart!) coming together – something for everyone! You have many condominiums, some very rustic/budgety National hotels, gay hotels & B&B’s (bed & breakfast for those that don’t know!) & just a smidgering of more rusticy villas.

If you’re looking for quiet & peaceful vacation, just a couple of minutes south (& an easy $2.50 taxi ride!) experience Conchas Chinas – the "Beverly Hills" of Vallarta, Garza Blanca, Punta Negra & other areas along the Gold Coast! Like centrally located areas throughout the world – SouthSide offers you the general sounds - roosters, trucks shifting gears, shore breaking waves, mariachi’s, etc within it’s 11 block by 5 block radius. You come to the SouthSide area for a mixture of action & charm!!! Whether it’s world class restaurants, water sports, parasailing & jetskiing, chocolate dipped frozen bananas from Choco Banana, dance clubs open till dawn, unique shops – you’ve got just about everything you could desire here!!!

Take a bus (yes – it’s very safe & only 3.5 pesos!!) 30 minutes south, through the tropical jungles, along rugged windy roads that sometimes hug the water’s edge to the VERY charming fishing village of Boca de Tomatlan where you can sit under a palapa (a palm leaf umbrella) & eat a whole fish roasted in garlic & rice & beans for under $5!! Then hire your own panga (a small boat that can comfortably seat 8) or take a water taxi to Yelapa, an artist colony & special place where all the power is run by generators or solar, where you can horseback ride or hike through the jungles up to one of three waterfalls or sit on the beach & do nothing!!!

15-45+ minutes north of Old Town/SouthSide & Downtown is the mainstream, mega touristy resorts just like the ones you have in most major vacation destinations – the Hotel Zone, Marina & Nuevo Vallarta (some people like this & that’s ok as we’re all so unique.). Vallarta is very safe, the people are wonderful & the food is fantastic!

Puerto Vallarta's permanent population is approximately 350,000 with 2 million + visitors annually. This article doesn't discuss the history of Vallarta, but here are a couple of great sites out there that do a good job with the historical info:

www.frommers.com/destinations/puertovallarta
www.puerto-vallarta.net/ingles/historia/historia.html

Puerto Vallarta is a MAGICAL tropical paradise with wonderful locals welcoming ALL people!!

Whether you're a couple, single, gay, mainstream, just friends, relatives, honeymooners, co-workers, a corporate incentive group or a business meeting we have something special for you!

Wonderful Locals!

Cobblestone streets!

Awesome sunsets! Romantic!

Safer than most cities in the US!!!

Fun Nightlife or Chill & do Nothing!

Restaurants that rival SF & NY (full meals $3-$10+)!

 Amazing lightning shows over the bay June-Oct.

Watersports

Great shopping & LOTS of activities!

Tropical rain forest/jungle (same latitude as Hawaii but 1-1/2 hrs. closer & a lot less $$)!

 ALL this at a fraction of other destinations' prices!

One of the things that makes Puerto Vallarta stand out from other places as a hot gay-friendly destination is the fun/unique tours that are offered!! Something for everyone!! Just like the gay properties, clubs & bars, each tour is as different from the next (even each of the cruises are very different from each other).

Most tours run only during Peak season. Call immediately when you get into town to reserve your space as they need a certain amount of people for these to happen & ALL TOURS REQUIRE RESERVATIONS! Tips are not included! Please be very generous as most service workers make less than $4 a day & these people wait on you hand & foot. Most tours don't run during value season but they'll often do them if they can if they can get enough people interested (create your own!). Some tours aren't as reliable (don't always run when they say they are) - so always double check. Don’t even think of bringing drugs on these tours or anyone under 18!

Amadeus Tours:

Gay-Day-Bay-Party Cruise/South (Thur. & Mon. 11am-5pm) - Amadeus Tours is the oldest gay tour company in Puerto Vallarta - 5 years! Continental breakfast, lunch served on the beach, afternoon snack, open National bar & approx. 2-1/2 hours of sun & fun on a secluded beach! On your way back to town you might see dolphins or whales frolicking with their young (Dec-March, no guarantees). The party continues at their Vallarta Cora hotel (2 blks from pier) for a free drink @ their wild Poolside Pool Party & Happy Hour. Meet @ Muertos Pier at 10:30 am, space limited to 20. $60 or 600 pesos (cheaper to pay with U.S. $)

Guadalajara City & Shopping Tour (Fri.-Sun.) - Staying at the San Francisco Plaza Hotel, with a visit the village of Tequila (where tequila was invented) & the shopping havens of Tonala & Tlaquepaque & nightlife. They must have 3 people for this to go. Transportation: 800 pesos for transportation. Accommodations: 270 pesos/single, 300 pesos/2.

Boana S.A de C.V.

Horseback Rising at Rancho Bronco (Daily) - Called the best horseback riding tour... breathtaking views & some of the best staff also!! You have 2 guides so if you want to gallop ahead you’re free to do that!! Great quality horses!!! Even if you're just 1 person they'll take you!! $35 includes lunch & soft drinks & horseback riding through the mountains & a river. Daily year round. Gay - 2:30-6:30pm. Mainstreamers - 9am-1pm.

Boana's Sailboat Cruise/ North (Noon-6pm) - On this cruise the guests choose the style/direction/mood!! Normally it goes south but if the majority of the guests want to spend more time following the dolphins or whales or snorkeling, more beach or water time – that’s what you’ll do – it’s up to the consensus of the guests – this is your cruise! This cruise is on request with as few as 6 & up to just 20 people so if this one’s the one you choose contact them to reserve asap!! Normally - North to Maritas Island (bring your scuba equipment if you’re certified or rent in Puerto Vallarta @ Outcast for a special rate) & includes lunch, open bar (not a booze cruise), activities on a nice beach & relaxing or lively music (depends on the people). Also featuring sunbathing on cushions instead of a hard wood deck & a smoke-free area! After - everyone's welcome to Condo Boana Torre Malibu for their Happy Hour (when the bar's open) & a free drink! ($50)
Prestige/Diane's Tours

Diane (ex Les Be Travelling & Mz Adventures) is now working with the wonderful Prestige Jeep & Car Rental & is a great person to contact for booking any tours or creating your own!!

Sailing On The Bay/South (Fri. 10:30am-6pm) - This CRUISE is THE most WATER INTENSIVE (the most time on the bay & snorkeling!) with wonderful food & the lowest price. Depart for the experience of your life with Diane on a private trimaran heading towards a private beach where you can snorkel, swim & sunbathe at your leisure. They'll stop the ship to watch dolphins & on a good day, maybe a whale (no guarantees. Nov.-March-ish)! For lunch, Diane prepares a wonderful gourmet buffet that will make you come back for more... & more (she’s also available for catering!)! Sail back quietly towards town, relaxing & watching the coastline. Included is a continental breakfast, snorkeling equipment, a delectable buffet lunch, soft drinks, cerveza & sangria!! (450 pesos/$45)

Nature Tour•Horseback Riding &/or Hot Springs (Tues.) - Hop through wild terrain & cross over shallow rivers to arrive for a rest in unique natural Hot Springs (this is not a sex tour!). Includes transportation to a private ranch, horseback riding (depending on which tour), lunch, juices or soft drinks, natural hot springs & transportation back to el Centro – (400 pesos/$40).

Private Tours: Hire Diane to show you the Unique sites in/around Vallarta (you can even drink cause you don’t have to worry about driving – Diane will do that for you!!)!!! $20 per person (2 people min.) for up to 8 hours of sightseeing/partying (plus you pay for the car). Tour ideas (or create your own!) - Find the best bargains in town in this El Pitillal Shopping & Tequila Tour! Following your shopping frenzy, go to a "comida casera" restaurant for a real Mexican breakfast, visit one of the best Folkloric museums in Jalisco. Learn the history & taste a few of over 150 brands of worldwide renowned tequila. See live Huitchol artists make beautiful handcrafts. End at the Centro town market where you can shop some more.

Beach Tour/North: Visit some of Vallarta’s most beautiful &"private" beaches. After a swim, some sun & a delicious light lunch, discover the picturesque town of Bucerias. Shop a little before your home-style dinner at Rosa Mexicano Restaurant. Enjoy the &"family" ambience.

Restaurant Night: Meet at a well known Vallarta restaurant & enjoy a succulent meal & make new friends! Also catering.
Rainbow Dancer Sailing & Beach Cruise " A Panga takes you out to the Rainbow Dancer!"

Sailing Adventure Cruise/North (Friday - Noon-6pm) - to Playa La Manzanilla near La Cruz de Huancaxtle on the North shore of the Bay where you can enjoy the beach (or stay on-board) almost two hours. You can swim & snorkel there in the rocks of Piedra Blanca. Breakfast & a gourmet lunch included!!

Rainbow Dancers Cruise to Paco's Paradise/Cruise (Sat., Sun., Wed. & Thurs. – Noon-8pm) - Sail on the bay + 3 hours at Paco’s Paradise (food/drink while at Paco's Paradise not included). Includes a late breakfast & dinner (return to the Marina). 1st class yachting for the discriminating guests with an emphasis on relaxing, food & good company (not a big party cruise) with just 1-20 guests set sail from Muertos Pier onboard the Hans Christian 52' yacht!!

Rainbow Dancer has a great chef (Carlos) aboard that prepares wonderful dishes including Key Lime Pie. Everything is home-made by them either in the company kitchen right on board - from munchies like Quesadillas & Strawberry Salsa to Smoked Oysters & Salmon Eneldo!! Buffet includes - BBQ Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Mexican Chicken Mole & Cold Roast Pork Poblano (subject to change)!! Open bar for house drinks & National beer (premium drinks & bottled wine extra $).

Either meet at their boat slip in the Marina (G-19) at 11am &/or sail down to pick up the others at Muertos Pier at noon (your pick but you must let them know in advance which way you’re doing it). 50 pesos from each ticket is donated to Organizacion Puerto Vallarta Contra del SIDA AIDS foundation!! Marcos & Carlos are your great hosts. Peak Season: $60 or 600 pesos year round. Summer hours: Thur., Northbound Cruise. Sat. Paco's Paradise (no sunset cruise till fall or so). Return to Muertos Pier, both cruises start at 11am.
Sunset, Dinner & Dancing Cruise!! with Vallarta Alegre (Thurs.- meet at 6pm at the Marina [near Playa de Oro Hotel/Sams Club – not the other Marina– the cruise goes from 6:30-9ish/pm!!) – This is a floating restaurant with dancing!! Includes an elegant dinner, open National bar (with champagne, national drinks, beer, wine & soft drinks. Premium liquors $4+), desserts (like fambéd flan!) & dancing. $57
Paco Paco's Gay Hot Springs Tour: Tues. & Fri. 6-mid. - $40. Hot springs, shish kabob b'bque– a wild time!! Needless to say, this is clothing optional & use your imagination on it cause it will probably happen! Just don't get water in your mouth or put anything in your mouth that’s been in the water as it’s a hot springs & the water doesn’t circulate (this is standard for all hot springs visits).
Paco's Hidden Paradise: Wed.-Sun. - Private beach on 20 tropical acres with a tiny beach, a couple kayaks, volleyball, snack bar, nature trails - 1-1/2 hrs south by panga (the only way to get there is by boat) from Puerto Vallarta. Either meet at Paco’s Olas Altas at 11am or take the bus marked "Boca de Tomatlan" (going south after Mismaloya – 35 pesos [40¢]) & catch the "La Rosita" panga (only 30 pesos [$3.25 US$] round-trip this way!!) departs Boca – 10 & 11am, noon, 1 & 2pm. Returns: 1:30, 2:30, 4, 5, 6, 7pm.

Bar/club-hopping is the thing to do as most bars are within walking distance of each other. Many gay bars & clubs in Puerto Vallarta have transvestite shows (drag shows, usually on weekends & late, check times as they vary/change. Shows don't always start on time) & some have "exotic" dancer shows.

Many gay bars & clubs in Puerto Vallarta have "straight" employees & dancers so don't assume & come on to them! Some gay bars & clubs in Puerto Vallarta don't get happenin' til really late (midnight-ish). Always ask the price before you order a drink & double check your change (some clubs are more guilty of this than others)! Tip well (minimum wage in Vallarta/Mexico is under $4/day)! If you see the word "Alternative" in Mexico it's usually the code word for gay!

For our safety - police conduct random body pat-down searches for drugs both on the streets & in clubs (straight & gay clubs). This often happens when you're walking between clubs & especially if you're alone or with a known drug user/dealing. Do not resist & immediately pull out/empty my pockets (like rabbit ears) & pull up your shirt (or open it if you're a guy) - just in case. Also take your money out of your wallet & hold it in your hand & if they ask to see it, count ityourself but do not give it to them as hands can be tricky sometimes (this is not to say that all police might take your money but there are few who might). This is not a gay issue as it happens in/near the straight places also! Don't do or have drugs on you in Mexico (unless you have a fantasy about experiencing Mexican jails).

Please Tip while you're in Vallarta - a little from you can make a big difference

= Gay

• = Mixed/ALL Welcome

Apache Martini & Cocktail Bar • Olas Altas 439 @ Francisco Rodriguez-Southside - Vallarta's 1st Martini Cocktail, Hors Duerves/Tapa Bar!!! Classy!! Enjoy 20 different martinis or create your own (National brands 2oz-25 pesos, 4oz-40 pesos, non-National brands 2oz-40 pesos, 4oz-80 pesos), wine, beer & non-alcoholic drinks. Hors' include everything from Cream of Caviar & Bourbon Liver Paté (uhmm) from 12-35 pesos!! Happy Hour 4-8pm - Coronas, margaritas, Apache Martini 2-for-1. Quaint but Great! Catering. I really respect & support many of Marianne's (say hi) business values/ethics. Mixed clientele! Mon. 5pm-1am, Tu.-Sat. 5pm-2am, Sun. 5pm-1am.
Aria Piano Lounge /• Pino Suarez 210 @ Francisco Madero-Southside (caddie corner to Casa Fantasia @ old Paco Paco) - A wonderful/Beautiful Piano Lounge with live music by Darrell (9:30pm), good quality clientele - a great alternative/break from the pounding disco beat. A class place where ALL feel welcome. Check their new bar downstairs. 9pm-2am
Balcones/Los Balcones Juarez 182 @ Libertad (down the stairs at the Southbound bridge, then a sharp left & quick right, & down a block)-DT/Centro!! - Vallarta's oldest gay disco (16 years!).

Redone to a more disco feel but they’ve still maintained that wonderful Mexican feel (though they’ve lost the great bar!) & the best balance of locals (more than the other clubs/bars. Did you come just to meet others from the States??) & tourist with a few intimate balcony tables overlooking the street (get there early to get one of these as they're THE place to sit!). Newly improved now with a stage, a new Mezzanine level over the dance floor & a rooftop for sunset happy hours!

If you don't have to be a follower & go where the crowds/followers go, want great service & the best & classiest ambiance a Vallarta disco has to offer - THIS is where you want to be!!!

Nightly - Unlimited Margaritas 10-11pm - 50 pesos. "Erotic" bar dancers 11pm-12:30am ($2 cover. Might be on hold). Covers only for special shows/events/fund-raisers though a drink's usually included. 9pm-4am

Boana's La Boana Vida's Poolside Bar & Cafe /• Amapas 325 @ Condominiums Boana "Torre Malibu" (1 block directly behind the Green/Blue Chairs) - Lounge around their large pool (everyone's welcome to bring their suit & take a dip), enjoy alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages with nice relaxing music in the background & their daily Cocktail Hour specials 4-6pm. You can also book tours & check out their rainbow chachkees!+ @ their office. Hours: 8am-9pm (Nov.-April 23). Limited hours or closed May - Nov.
Kit Kat Bar /• Pulpito 120 (next to Chile's)-Southside - Beautiful upscale lounge/restaurant with a New York-ish feel/attitude & a large martini menu, 11:30pm-Drag Show some nights. Mixed clientele. New! The wonderful jazz singers Beverly & Willow (ex. Cuiza's) perform on weekends!! a/c. 5pm-1:30am Southside
La Bola Hotel Vallarta Cora's Poolside Palapa Bar, Snack Bar & Tea Dance-Hotel VC, Pilitas 174 @ Amapas-Southside - Can sometime get a bit wild/risqué! "Movie" night Mon., Tues. & Wed. 8-10pm. 3-10pm
Los Amigos• Carranza 239-Southside - A Cantina that welcomes all. Happy Hour all day.
Luni Toons /• Southside - At the Green Chairs beach (next to the blue chairs)! 2-for-1 drinks till 5pm, 3-for-1 5-?? pm honest/friendly waiters (if you treat them well - they'll treat you well!). Good food at great prices!!! The hot spot to be during the day.
Movimento •/ Morelos 666- DT/Centro - a great club with lots of locals! A mixed crowd every night, Gay on Wed. A younger crowd, many from Guadalajara. A real Latin club!!!
Paco's Olas Altas Olas Altas 465 @ Emiliano Zapata- Southside - Happy Hour 4-7pm, Mon- Movies 10pm, Tues-Happy Hour all day, Wed-Pool Tourn. 11pm, Bingo-Th. 8-1pm & Sat. 7-9pm, Fri.-Ladies Night 10pm. After Hours Sun. 6-11am
Paco Paco Ignacio L. Vallarta 278- Southside - 1st Level-dj disco with 70's disco-ie feel (mirrors) (10pm-6am). 2nd Level - Mexican Cantina (3pm-6am). The rooftop bar has entertainment with a great singer - Carolina - 11pm-2am. More tourists - a real club boy crowd. Trans shows 1:30am Fri., Sat., Sun. Always a cover (30p-80p) & more expensive drinks. Noon-6pm
Paco's Ranch Venustiano Carranza 239 (walk-thru to Club PP)-Southside. Daily "dancers" (when it happens) 8:30pm, 12:30 & 3am (cover charge). Mon-pool tourn. 11pm, Tu-Western night, Wed-Beer bust, Th-Leather night. (8pm-6am). Happy hour 8-11pm.
Por Que No: (formerly Zotanos) Morelos101 Plaza Rio & Rodriguez/Encino-DT/Centro - on the West/left side just after the end of the Southbound bridge - 3-levels-romantic candlelit Rooftop bar, Basement Disco, Game Bar with pool table & backgammon.

Adding a restaurant on the rooftop with continental Mexican food! Happy Hour (noon-8pm) w/drink specials. Mon. Pool tournament 11pm. Sat.-Special Parties (varies) Noon-4am. More nationals!!

Tito's The bar at the Blue Chairs - Southside

Many restaurants listed are on Basilio Badillo - "Restaurant Row" &/or in the "Playa del Sol, South of Rio Cuale, Old Town, "SouthSide," Playa los Muertos Beach (& the latest name - "Zona Romantica") area where you have a great mix of Nationals/locals & tourists!Please tip & treat everyone well (especially service workers) as min. wage is under $4 per day!If you're used to ordering your meats "medium-rare" you may want to order them at least Medium as I found medium-rare often means Steak Tartar!

Montezuma's Revenge

Water in Puerto Vallarta - The water in Vallarta is one of the best in Mexico (even better than many cities in the States) but water is only as good as the pipes it goes through. You can get bottled water everywhere & most restaurants & many properties have filters. If you think you're going to get Montezumas Revenge - guess what you'll get!! The mind is a very powerful tool.If you choose to eat at street taco stands here are some helpful hints - #1 - make sure that at least 2 people are working there - 1 handling only money, the other only food, or #2 - if there's just 1 worker they use & immediately throw out disposable gloves to handle the money.MR is a bacterial infection which obviously travels well on money & from not washing your hands often (take lots of those little towelettes or better & stronger than those - a bottle of the waterless hand sanitizer (Purell is a main brand though most stores generic brand have the same ingredients) with germaciders (they claim to kill germs within 15 seconds).Another thing is to drink lots of fluids (not just the alcoholic types) as it's easy to become dehydrated & the symtons of dehydration can be very similar to MR. Especially stay away from shell fish during rainy seasons.

Prices and Policies:

Hours/prices subject to change & some places close during summer. Always double check your bill. Prices listed below are an average range/per person - not including drinks (prices have increased recently as the peso's doing better).All restaurants mentioned below treat everyone with equal respect (some popular SouthSide restaurants are not listed here as they have requested not to be associated with a list of GF businesses [though they'll gladly take your money] or people in the community have not been treated well there.

Abadio Basso Hidalgo 224 @ Libertad-DT/Centro Stuffed chilies, quiet & very intimate/romantic! Charming! Live classical & guitar music, wine bar.
Adobe Cafe Basilo Badillo 252-Southside
(http://www.
adobecafe.
com.mx)		 Chicken, beef & gourmet MX dishes. cc, a/c, alfresco. 6-11pm, closed Tu & Aug-Sept.
Agro Gourmet Basilo Badillo 222- Southside Natural/organic/farm fresh foods, gourmet store & catering (take-out) & vegetarian pizza.
Archie's Wok Francisco Rodriguez 130 @ Muertos Pier-Southside (www.
hypermex.com/
htmlads/wok.htm)
 Thai, Filipino & Chinese. John Houston's ex-personal chef started it - now run by his wife, Cindy. A hidden oasis. Classical music Wed-Sat 2-11pm. Mon-Sat. Closed Sun & Sept. cc
Asaderos Basilio Badillo-Southside (next to Fajita Republic, one block west of Adobe & also in Pitillal, where many locals live) All you can eat steak, chicken, bbq ribs (really good!), chorizo, chips/salsa & cactus salsa, handmade tortillas, beans, quesadilla, taco with fried beans!!! Big sangrias for 25 pesos. A more economic version of Brasil-Popular with locals & tourists alike! Only 60 pesos!!! 2-11pm
Bakery, Sweets, Cakes
Pasteleria Los Chatos Francisco Villa 359 The best bakery in town with wonderful carrot cake & Tres Leche cake & they deliver!!
Pasteleria Yarita Basilio badillo 244-Southside A new bakery with cakes that can feed 40 for around 150 pesos, feed up to 4 people - 50 pesos
Balam Basilio Badillo 425 Southside (1 block East of CMQ Hospital) Seafood, owner a former fisherman & oyster diver! Casual dining, fried calamari, red snapper & fish soup. cc. Noon-Mid.
Barra 2000 Morelos 586 at Aldama/Corona-DT/
Centro		 Café, Bar, Fine Deli & Art Gallery. Mon-Sat 9am-10pm.
Bombo's Corona 327 @ Matamorous - DT/Centro Very upscale gourmet dining with wonderful bay views, table side cooking, one of best upscale seafood International restaurants. Take a cab there! Reservations often necessary. 4pm to Mid. $$$$. Hi to Roberto.
Brasil Venustiano Carranza 210-Southside Great/fun! Brazilian barbecue/Steaks/Beef - All-You-Can-Eat! They walk around with skewers of 12 different meats & shave it off! Large portions of veggies, soup, 2 salads, rice for 110 pesos! 2-11pm.
Buenos Aires Olas Altas 507 @ Rodolfo Gomez-Southside Argentinean - steaks (U.S. meat), pasta, alfresco. 5-11pm, closed Tues. a/c, cc.
Cafe de Olla Basilio Badillo 168-Southside Ain't so cheap anymore (though people line up still thinking it is), NY Steak, Mexican, a/c.
Cafe de Artistes Guadalupe Sanchez 740/Leona Vicario-DT/Centro
www.
cafedesartistes.
com		 World class dining & now a 5 Diamond Award of Excellence recipient from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences!!! & one of Puerto Vallarta's best & most famous!!! Great decor with Mexican touches added to a French kitchen (great soups!)!! Live contemporary classical music, large menu (200+ items). Unique atmosphere. Dine in or alfresco. Great presentation! (previous recipients are Ritz Carlton/SF, Crillon/Paris, Peninsula/Hong Kong). Popular, so reservations are highly suggested. Also, waiter Agustin Pina Rendon received a scholarshp from Casa Beard/Vatel club de Chefs to attend the Hotel School of Lausana, Switzerland. 6-11:30pm. cc.
Cafe Frankfurt Basilio Badillo 300-Southside Breakfast Buffet $4.50, German, open-air beer garden, alfresco.
Café Lido Big pink building @ Pino Suarez (across from Fajita Republic) Light meals & the most decadent desserts.
Cafe Primitivo in Boca de Tomatlan (a wonderful/quaint fishing village about 30 minutes by bus south of Puerto Vallarta where you can pick up a panga or water taxi to Yelapa or many of the places south!) Enjoy good native food, wonderful sunsets & a friendly pet coatimundi hostess named Dolly!! (if he came back). 10am-10pm - BOCA
Carisma Basilio Badillo 273-Southside Italian with homemade pasta & seafood. We love the upstairs open balcony dining area (look over the street below!) & there's even a more romantic secluded table for 2 if celebrating something special! A new courtyard & a garden & pond! a/c in upstairs interior. 5pm-Mid.
Carmen & Peter's Cart Corner of Olas Atlas & Dieguez (just west of Southside) Typical but really good cart food (quesadillas, burritos) with cheese, pork, chicken & carne asada. Cheap & good!! Only open in the pm.
Chavas Lazarro Cardenas (across of the Iguana Center where they do Fiesta Mexicana) Good, real Mexican food!! Specialities - Chicken Chipolte, 58 pesos; Fish Filet, 62 pesos. Alfresco on 2nd floor, cc, 5-11pm
Cheese Burgers in Paradise Malecon 740-DT/Centro The Hawaiian chain, very touristy, Fun live 70's music, good/huge burgers (though expensive for Mexico - $7+ for a burger), views!
Chef Roger Agustin Rodriguez 267-DT/Centro International & Swiss specialities, alfresco on balcony or inside with its unique decor & great ambiance at the entrance to Old Town. cc $17-$30. 6-11pm. Closed Aug/Sept.
Chez Elena Matamoros 520-DT/Centro
www.
cuatrovientos.
com		 Hillside downtown (take a taxi - near Bombo's), this garden restaurant offers alfresco/patiodining with everything from Mexican dishes from various regions, seafood to international & vegeterian, at affordable prices & very fresh. Check out their rooftop bar "El Nido" (The Nest) with spectacular sunset views & make sure to order the "Green Flash" drink! 6-11pm Closed Aug1-Oct15. Gloria hosts a great New Years Party every year that's fun & reasonably priced!!!!!
Chianti Olas Atlas 509/Redolfo Gomez-Southside Italian.
Chile's Pulpito 122-Southside Good whole chickens (39 pesos), flame broiled burgers (big) & sandwiches (32 pesos), hot dogs (19 pesos). Driinks 7 pesos, beers 10-15 pesos. Big patio available for parties. Closed June to mid-Oct-ish. 11am-6pm.
Choco Banana Amapas 147 (behind El Dora-Southside Great Breakfast for on the go! A bowl of fresh fruit with granola & yogurt for around $3!! Bagels & great coffee. Wonderful chocolate Bananas & other fruit. Not sure if she's still selling the "Eroticas" - a refreshing frozen banana with a strawberry on the tip & 2 on either sides on the bottom, dipped in chocolate, sprinkled with coconut at the bottom & shaped like it sounds!!! Uhmmm good & refreshing (rumor has it she was banned from selling them). 9am-8pm-ish.
Churro Man Corner of Aguacate & Carranza to the side of the Santa Cruz church-DT/Centro 6 churros (handmade long deep-fried donutee things) for 25 pesos!!
Coconut Man Just after you cross the Lower/South-bound Bridge take a left at the 2nd street-DT/Centro He has the best Coconut drinks in town!!!
Coffee Houses
Net House Cyber Cafe Ignacio Vallarta 232-Southside 7am-2am, Cafe, cyber cafe/computers, wonderful homemade desserts (great apple pie!!), sandwiches, favorite hang-out for locals & tourists alike!
Big Kahuna Basilio Badillo 162-Southside Bagels, coffees
Cafe. com Olas Atlas 250-
Southside		 Cafe, bar, cyber cafe/computers, alfresco, sandwiches, salads & desserts
Page in the Sun Olas Atlas 299 New/used English bookstore. 7:30am-11:30pm.
Senior Books Olas Atlas 490-
Southside		 New & used books in English, cafe & restaurant. 8am-11:30pm
Viva Café Coffee Lazaro Cardenas 292-Southside Coffee, bagels, a cool coffee café ambiance! Hi to Sonny! 8am-11pm.
Cuale Paraiso After Buenos Aires Neighborhood-just before Paso Ancho "PA" bus turn-around Special! Ask for a table on the sand on the banks of the river
Daquiri Dick's Olas Altas 314-Southside www.
hypermex.com/
htmlads/
new_dick.htm Beachfront at Playa Dorada condos on Muertos Beach		 California-ish/gourmet-ish menu! Live music (harp/flulte/guitar) Sun. noon-3pm. cc. May-Aug 11am -10:30pm (closed Wed. Value season).
de Santos Morelos 651 - DT/Centro An upscale Italian restaurant with great seafood, & a hip, slick, cool decor that looks like some trendy San Francisco place. Moderate prices. Reservations a must in season
Deli Cioso Hidalgo 536/Corona-DDT/Centro Fresh sandwiches & salads. deliver in immediate Downtown area but call cause sometimes they'll deliver to Muertos ifr they have the staff or it's enough $$. 10am-10pm.
Dianita Francisco Madero 243 Southside Amazing cheap prices for full meals with soup & drink (under $3)!!! Hamburgers/fries 13 pesos, sandwiches 10 pesos. 1 day a month they have Mole Day (often last day), Menudo (on Sat & Sun.) 18 pesos, cheese pies/flan 6 pesos.
Domino's Pizza (DT) (31425/6) Delivery
El Dorado Pulpito 102 - at El Dorado Condos Southside Dining beachfront &/or on the sand under a large palapa.Great crab soup which is a big bowl for 29 pesos! Breakfast $2-$5, Dinner $13-$20 8am-10pm.
El Dragon Rojo Insurgentes 323 (20175) Southside Good Chinese food (you don't go there for the ambiance though they're really nice), Deliver! 1pm-mid.
El Set Off Highway 200 heading South Great place for sunset on Conchas Chinas beach, seafood, prime rib, bar+.
Fajita Republic now @ corner of Basilio Badillo & Pino Suarez Southside (23131)www.
fajitarepublic
.com.mx		 Alfresco. Noon-11pm.
Full-o-Bull (ex-Santos) Francisco Rodriguez 136 Southside International cuisine, friendly with Mexican specialties. Closed Mon. & summer.
Graffiti Miramar 217 (DT) (by flea market, up colored steps next to BikeMex & near Liz Taylor's) (31002) - Omelettes, Mediteranian cuisine, fondue, bagels, burgers. Great Ginger Mahi Mahi. Hidden/quiet! "You don't have to be a star to leave your mark behind!" is their theme so write your own graffiti on the wall! Closed Thur. 8am-11pm
Ichi Sushi Juarez 797 (DT) (26100) Fresh Sushi & Japanese. Even a sushi store around the corner. Deliver. 1pm-mid.
Kit Kat Pulpito 120 Southside (38893) Beautiful new upscale New Yorkish lounge & restaurant & some of the cutest waiters. Martini T-Dances Sun. 5-7pm. V/MC, a/c.
La Antigua Cafe Galeria Juarez 800 (DT) (21185) A quiet oasis.
La Dolce Vita Diaz Ordez 674 (DT) (23852) Italian, live music.
La Mejor Opcion Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez 212 (DT) (22355) Tasty, unique take-out & Catering by Rossana.
La Palapa Pulpito 103 (in front of La Palapa Condos) Southside (25225) Beach Bar/restaurant. Good breakfast (good prices)! Drink specials 9am-5pm on the beach ($1+), great music (Mon.-Wed. - flute, guitarist & percussion with owner Alberto singing Thurs.-Sun. Guitar playing ala James Taylor 8-11pm), 15 candlelit tables on the beach for dinner to enjoy seafood. $10-$30. Reservations. 8am-11:30pm.
Le Bistro Isla Rio Cuale 16-A (Southside) Newly redecorated, Art Deco dining on an island in the middle of the River Cuale at the old bridge. For that special dinner as it has great ambiance (expensive 140 pesos+). cc. 9am-mid. Closed Sun. No reservations. The place to be New Years Eve (around $120) but it's only for 225 lucky guests which aren't available till 2 weeks before.
Le Kliff Km 17.5 - 5 min. south of Mismaloya (40975/80666) For that special romantic night (you must get there for sunset as it's the most romantic place) under a huge palapa on a cliff overlooking the bay! Definite touristy prices but ahhhhh so romantic with live music & dancing! Taxi $7-$8 or take the bus - 3.5p. noon-11pm
Looney Tunes @ Green Chairs (next to Blue Chairs) on Muertos Beach (Southside) With a great chef from Taos this has got to be one of the best deals around!! Amazingly low prices & good food & breakfasts - from 14 pesos & seafood/chicken/Mexican dishes from 28 pesos-50 pesos! 8am-8pm
Los Pibes Basilo Badillo 261 @ Ignacio Vallarta (Southside) - (31557) Upscale Argentinean restaurant - great steak, a/c! $10-$20 5pm-1am.
Los Tres B Basilo Badillo 414 (Southside) Eat with the locals! Breakfasts (huevos rancheros 14 pesos, omletes 15 pesos, chiliquiles 14 pesos) & lunch (machacha & beans 22 pesos! 8am-5pm. Closed Thurs.
Lunatic's Ignacio Vallarta 179 (Southside) (26442) Alfresco rooftop patio, International, lite, pastas, seafood, lightly seasoned/fresh, homemade desserts. $5-$15 Noon-4pm, 6-11pm. Closed Wed., cc.
McDonald's Downtown - Ventanilla 4 de la Manaña open 24 hours, Plaza Marina (24602/11011) - they deliver!! No Fish Fillet!
Memo's Pancake House Basilio Badillo 289 (Southside) Breakfast only 8am-2pm. Wonderful cheese blintzes 30 pesos, waffles 20-32 pesos, pancakes 20-22 pesos, chiliquillas 21 pesos, huevos rancheros 30 pesos, fresh oj 10 pesos! No reservations & long lines but worth it! $1.50-$5 (cheap). Ask about evening Mexican Cooking classes!
Molino de Agua Restaurant Ignacio Vallarta 130 (Southside) (21957) For a quiet lunch in the midst of the insanity!
Papaya 3 Olas Altas 485-Southside 100% naturally healthy food and drinks! A great Vegetarian's heaven! 8am-mid.
Pueblito Real Hidalgo 614 (DT) (25321) Beautiful terraced courtyard, trees surrounded by small galleries & shops. On a busy street but a tranquil hidden paradise! Near Abadio Basso
Red Cabbage Calle rio Ribera 206-A Great neighborhood restaurant with regional Mexican food & good prices amidst a nice/funky decor (cabbage theme throughout). Mexican Combo - a great value (chile relleno, chicken enchilada, steak [filet soooo tender it practically melts in your mouth] + & only $8)! Relaxing music Fri. evenings, worth the taxi ride (1 blk East of Los Arbolitos)! 5-10:30pm.
Rio Grande Across from Ley's Southside (20095) Mexican, seafood, char-broiled, a/c. 11am-11pm
River Cafe Isla rio Cuale 4 (on the Northbound bridge) Southside (30788) Dine along the banks of the Rio Cuale. http://www.rivercafe.com
Romano Basilio Badillo 419 (on the other side of Insurgentes) Intimate Italian restaurant with a chef/owner direct from Italia. Good homecooked Italian - pasta dishes, pizza & chicken caccitori from 40-95 pesos, a/c. 5-11pm.
Rosie's Cafe Moved to Olas Altas "Why would anyone on vacation from the US want food from the States while in MX?" After a week you'll be craving meatloaf & mashed potatoes!! Hungry for some home cooked meals? This is it! Chicken fried steak, roast turkey with stuffing & the trimmings & good prices $5-$10. Nightly specials (Fri. is Prime Rib night!!) Great Choclate Pudding Cake! V/MC.
St. Angel Sidewalk Cafe Olas Altas 449 Southside "House of Crepes"
Señor Dorado For that Airport wait! - Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 4512 (or 4518) Near the PemEx station near the airport (something to do after you've checked in!) - Fresh seafood/Mexican cuisine. Even a game room upstairs! 8am-10pm
Shanghai in front of Vilas Vallarta in the Marina (41962/3) listed because they Deliver though not positive how far south. Claim to be one of Vallarta's finest Chinese restaurants. 1-11pm.
Super Pollo front of Rizo's Southside 50 pesos for the most tender/wonderful chicken & 8 pesos for awesome potatos (really greasy but soooooo tender & tasty!! They cook the potatos under the chicken as it's roasting)!
Sushi Nippon Ave. Mexico 1124 (DT) (31503) Good Sushi & Japanese. Also in San Diego's Hillcrest area.
Tapas Bar Basilio Badillo 300 @ Constitucion Southside Hot Latin music, sangria, best calamari in town, tapas (like hors deurves), good prices, a/c, AmEx. 2-for-1 Sangria Tuesdays! 5pm-1am!!! Sounds fun!
Trio's Guerrero 264 (DT) (22196-reservations recommended) The great chef Bernhard from Maximilians has opened his own restaurant & it's popular with Jazz & Italiano music & good food. The Filet Mignon (112 pesos) & the calamari with cilantro, ginger marinade, avacado, smoked tomato & jalepeño sauce (46 pesos) are wonderful. Pastas 48-64 pesos, seafood. Lunch noon-4pm (live gypsy guitar music!) - 6pm-mid. Around corner from Abadio Basso. Closed Sun.
Vegetariano Iturbide 270 (DT) (23073) Buffet style, clean, Vegetarian food.
Viego Vallarta Morelos 484 (up 2 flights of stairs look down below overlooking the Malecon) (20589) Home of the Raging Bull & 10 pesos beers. 11am-Mid

Delivery Service:

Master Service (11011/11611) Delivering from Carnitas Uruapan, El Pechugon Rostecerias, Archie's Wok, Inoky Sushi & Fonda Pietro Italian & some of the restaurants listed above

These restaurants also deliver: Deli Ciosco, Domino's Pizza, Ichi Sushi, McDonalds, Pancho's Pizza, Rojo, Rosie's, Shanghai, & Subway.

Culture/People of PV

Please remember that first & foremost Vallarta is a Latin, conservative, Catholic village!! You are in their home. Please respect their customs. If you have any prejudices - leave them at the border or don't come - these are some wonderful people. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated & you will be treated as royalty as the Mexican people are very warm & hospitable & many are some of the hardest workers I've ever met!! Do not check your values at the door/airport & be respectful of their culture.
The word "Alternative" in Mexico usually is an discrete way of saying "GAY"!

Latin Males

Vallarta has the Latin/Catholic/machismo influence which does not openly accept gays yet there's a big "Don't ask-don't tell" attitude. Though numerous locals have been/go both ways (often blamed on a combo of "hot Latin passion" & what some described as "being just sexual" - not bi or gay of course) & some are only with men, they often don’t consider themselves gay as long as they’re tops. Many Latin males don't like to use condoms (they're expensive there considering how little they make!! If they make less than $4 per day & a box of condoms is $3 . . .) so plan in advance & don't let tequila & risea (Mexican moonshine-a potent hallucinogenic) make you do stupid things!

Hustlers:

Whether you're male or female, young or old, hot or don't think you're hot - chances are you'll "make the acquaintance" of one of the local hustlers. No one's immune to it. Due to a combination of a bad economy, the promise of a better life with gifts & $$, & just human nature all over the world - be wary of hustlers that charm you (no matter how hot you are!). Chances are they're looking for $$ & if you don't give it to them worse might happen (hence no flashy jewels, hide the $$ in your room, etc.). If you choose to be with a Latin guy - ALWAYS USE A CONDOM - NO MATTER WHAT!!!! AIDS is very bad in Vallarta with both guys & gals though it's only recently being dealt with & barely at that (most of it is undocumented & not talked about-that "don't ask/don't tell" thing).Vallarta is a tourist/vacation/transient town like MOST vacation towns - you're in one day & out the next! DON'T TAKE ANY CHANCES WITH YOUR LIFE just cause you're on vacation!!! Don't check your brain at the airport!!There are many wonderful locals that sincerely want to enjoy your company while you're visiting (don't even dream/fantasize of it being more - it's soooooo rare!!). Because locals make soooo little $$ plus they always have friends visiting them, it's very appropriate for you to pay for their meals, entertainment & their taxi home. It's not buying anyone - just being realistic to their economy .
Minors
Legal age of consent is 18+ so If they don't look 18 & over, stay away from them. Immediately ask to see their Military ID card which they must carry on them at all times. If they "don’t have it" that’s a really good warning that they’re not of legal age & don't even think of going there as there's a good chance you could get in trouble! Bringing a minor onto the property you’re staying at can & will be grounds for removal as well as arrest so don’t be stupid! If you're not sure - don't go there as you could get arrested & do you really want to visit a Mexican jail + you run the risk of being deported back to the U.S? Often these kids will really push/follow you but please do not give in - no matter how tempting it is.

Condoms/HIV Drugs/Things - Important Information!

Many Latin guys don’t consider themselves gay if they’re "tops" & don’t like to use condoms (+ they're expensive for them) so plan accordingly. Bring your own condoms as AIDS is very bad here. Because of the bacterial infections++ - no rimming! If you have contacts for condom donations or know someone that no longer needs HIV drugs/things (canes, crutches, testing equip, hats+) they're desperately needed so either bring them & share them with Org. Vallarta Contra el S.I.D.A. A.C., Calle Hidalgo 533, Col. Centro (22-22414) or Dr. Flores ("Medical"), Vallarta Cora or Boanas, bars & gay hotels who will get them distributed. Send them to: c/o: Oscar Toledo, 825 Alton Rd. #3, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305-672-6833) or DIR, 1010 University Ave., #C113-741, San Diego, CA 92103 619-297-3642 & they'll bring them (even the smallest quantity is appreciated & greatly needed!!).

If you have attachment to any of the following you may want to bring your own from the states as they either don't exist in Puerto Vallarta or are just different.

Documents & Luggage

Valid/Current Passport or copy of original stamped birth certificate & state ID
Airline Tickets
"IMPORTANT INFO!" - Before you go, make copies of your documents (passport, drivers license, birth certificate, credit cards) + for each trip create an Important Info sheet which has phone/fax #'s/addresses/e-mails of family, friends, people at your bank, people to notify in case of emergency, doctors, blood type, lawyer, co-workers, account #'s, your Itinerary, friends you're staying with/seeing+++!! Once in Vallarta, make a copy of my Tourist Card & have a set of all above on you at all times (don't carry your passport on you unless exchanging travelers checks & even then the above copy usually works. Lock these items up with your valuables). Put a set of this in each suitcase, your main bag/purse, give a copy to your manager or a neighbor, and your main friends/connection where you're going, 1-2 family members & 1-2 good friends that can take care of anything if you need assistance. Better to be overly prepared than not. It's also a good idea to have 2 sets of the Important info – one with ALL the details for trusted family/friends/lawyer & another without the credit card #’s, etc. for managers, neighbors, other friends).
Locks – combination lock only. Do not use the tiny suitcase locks or other generic key locks as there are some unscrupulous baggage handlers that have the keys.
Special Tape – Wrap some sort of decorative/special type/color tape around your suitcase – this way you can tell if someone’s gone through your luggage. Some airports have a machine that shrink wraps your luggage. It’s about $20 a bag. Great idea! (also good if your zippers bad or your bag’s overstuffed!!).
Special material/ribbon on your luggage - In this age of big black suitcases on wheels & sooo many of them looking alike - do something to make yours stand out - otherwise you leave yourself open for someone "accidentally" grabbing yours!!
Plastic Tie Strips (by the bundle at hardware stores) – to lock your suitcase each time you’re out of your room. Ensures no one gets into it. Be sure you have nail clippers, a knife or scissors to cut them off when you need to get into it.
Fanny Pack or Back Pack (ALWAYS have it facing forward!! If you take a backpack, wear it in FRONT!!)
Waterproof wallet carrier with neck cord
Money Pouch - with 2 areas & that zips so you can keep your pesos & dollars & coins separated

Clothes • Dress • Attire

Puerto Vallarta is very casual - no jackets or ties needed.

Swimsuits - 2 are smart as things take longer to drive in more humid areas
Shirts/blouses - lots! You can buy the gauzy shirts REALLY cheap there & they feel great with the breeze blowing through you!! Cotton things are also really important.
Shorts/Pants - Bring lots of shorts & maybe 1 pair of long pants for the handful of nicer restaurants.
Shoes – Walking Shoes are especially important if you’re staying in the Downtown/Centro or Old Town/SouthSide area what with the cobblestone streets & really high curbs. Keep the heels at home (except maybe 1 pair for that special night out!) • Rubber shoes - for rocky areas, hot sand & wading • Sandals to air your feet out!
Hat, cap or visor
Light Jacket for evening that can get a little chilly.
You may want to bring 1 nice outfit in case you go out to a really nice party/restaurant

Miscellaneous

Electricity / Voltage - The electrical power in Puerto Vallarta is the same as U.S./Canada (110 volts/60 current) BUT the 2 holes in the outlet are often both the narrow prongs (in the U.S. they're wider at the tip on one side) & 3-prong outlets are rare so you may want to go to your hardware store & get a little gray 3-prong adapter (80¢) & ask them to file the wider side down. I've yet to see a building that was grounded (hence you can get shocked fairly easily) + the plugs & wires can be very exposed/raw (even in some of the million $$ villas!!) so be careful. Units can get a bit over-heated or may have a mega power surge (especially in rainy season!!!) & burn out so be forewarned. Because of power surges that seem to happen alot you might want to bring a power strip with surge protector (especially if you're bringing something of value like a computer!!) if you're concerned about an electrical item.
Camera & lots of film (film is pretty expensive in Mexico) & batteries
Beach Towel - Beach towels seem to mainly be given at mainstream tourist mega resorts (& some charge $1 or so for them!). Very few condos, villas & specialty properties provide them since they often "walk off"
Extra empty bag/suitcase to pack all the goodies you buy (pack it inside one of your other suitcases & pack around it or buy one of those expanding duffel bags on wheels [my favorite!])
Sunglasses
Calculator – to accurately convert dollars to pesos.
A wrist coil key chain to keep all the keys you get on it
Garbage bags - for dirty clothes, stuff you no longer need, stuff you’ve bought to keep separate++
Lots of small pesos – for tipping (small pesos tend to be coins so something to put that it)
Pillows - If you’re attached to your pillow, bring it - you'll mainly find hard/big foam pillows there.
Underwater Camera (can get disposable ones)
If you're in a place with a phone you might want to bring an answering machine &/or fax machine if you need to stay connected &/or don't want to miss out on anything!!!
Baking soda if there’s a Jacuzzi
Umbrella (small) for the afternoon deluge or Disposable Poncho (mainly needed mid-June-Oct.)

Check out www.TravelSmith.com - a GREAT site for travel clothes & accessories!

Health Items

Gel hand sanitizer & Handy wet wipes to help avoid Montezuma’s Revenge
Soap – many properties have those horrible little pink soaps that dry your skin up!!!
Wash Cloths - Wash cloths seem to be a U.S. thing!! Even very few of the best properties have them.
Sunscreen - 45, 30, 15 spf
Lip balm (high spf. Also keeps those lips kissibly soft!!)
Aloe Vera gel for sunburn
Mosquito Repellant (ideally with Deets) – Avon’s Skin-So-Soft seems best!! (bath oil is fine & it’s cheaper than the "Bug Spray" version) (crucial mid-June till Dec.!!!!!!!!!!)
Zinc Oxide (for your nose)
Alka Seltzer - your favorite hangover cure (you can walk into a pharmacy & ask for a B-12 shot [bend over!!] just before you go out which will help alot. Do B’s before & after drinking for best results & less of a hangover!).
Tums, Pepto Bismo, or some other anti acid relief • Imodium AD
Aspirin/Tylenol
Cold Remedies – it’s not unusual to get a bad cold from the air-conditioning, bad reconditioned airplanes air & the extremes in change of climate.
Prescription Medications & a copy of the prescriptions (it’s illegal to bring some items like Valium back to the U.S. without proper prescriptions). Also, a copy of your eye glass prescription in case yours break or get lost. Consider bringing an extra pair of glasses if you really need them - they can take DAYS to get!
Ear plugs - for all the construction that seems to go on all over, from the loud people, cars/trucks & clubs!! Especially important if staying in tourist areas/downtown properties &/or beachfront (the waves crashing on the shore) & during Value Season (the heaviest construction I’ve seen seems to be May-June & Oct.-Dec.)
Baby powder - for sweaty areas like shoes & things that rub together/get chaffed, to remove sand/lotion

Kitchen/Edible/Drinks

Coffee - Mexican Coffee is verydifferent than U.S. coffee so make sure to bring this if you have attachment to your coffee (there ain't no Starbucks in Vallarta!)
Artificial Sweetener
Powdered Coffee Creamer
Special Drinks/Foods that you’ve gotta have!!
Zip Lock Bags - 1 gallon size to put opened things like snacks, chips, bread, desserts, etc. that you might keep out as the ants will get to them – even if it’s just 1 crumb!! Various sizes for wet bathing suits, things to take to the beach (lotion, keys, etc.)
Plastic bags – save the plastic bags from shopping &/or bring your own to line the trash cans with or throw things in.
Wine – If you have to have U.S. wines they’re much more expensive in Mexico (especially for us spoiled Californians!).You have lots of Chilean & Mexican wines (very different than U.S. wines)Bottle Openers - Wine & regular bottle openers (many bottles in Mexico aren’t twist off)
Munchies - Chips, candies (especially U.S. brands), gum, etc
Instant Drink Mixes - Ice tea, Crystal Lite, etc. (safe bottled water is everywhere)
Plastic utensils & paper plates for leftovers or munchies
Collapsible cooler - keeps water & drinks cool
Can Cooshies - keep your beer cold
Places with a kitchen - most places that have a kitchen provide the basic kitchen equipment (pots/pans, dishes, glasses, fridge, stove, sink) but not condiments, paper goods or anything (& if there is something there, they expect you to replace what you use) & most of the markets don’t carry U.S. products or they can be very expensive so if you have attachment to anything – bring it!!

A great time to be in Puerto Vallarta is when there's a celebration, annual event &/or lots of activities going on!! Plan your trip around one of them for double the fun!!! (Latins celebrate many holidays. Note that maids,cooks & many workers do not work on many of these holidays, so you many not get serviced).*= an official holiday when most things are closed
Here are a few (subject to change):

JANUARY
WHALE MIGRATION-WHALE WATCHING (Nov-March-ish)

1-3: New Years

1-5: Inauguration of the Cora governor in Jesus Maria, Nayarit (Cora Indigenous dances & ceremonies)

6: Feast of Epiphany (day 3 kings bring gifts to children/traditional gift exchange. Local charaities contribute to children's causes! A sweet roll with a plastic miniature Baby Jesus is hidden inside the roll. Whomever gets the piece with the baby gets to host the party on Feb. 2 [like King Cake for Mardi Gras!])

17: Dia de Sanb Antonio Abad (decorating & blessing of animals) Dixie Jazz Festival (Sherry Logan-Shlogan@telus.net)
FEBRUARY
WHALE MIGRATION-WHALE WATCHING (Nov-March-ish)

1-3: Festival of Sea (fishing) (San Blas, Nayarit - dancing, horse races & competitions)2: Candle Mass Day (a time of purification - blessing of candles, plants, seeds marked with fiestas, fairs, lantern-decorated streets & bullfights. Celebrated with a Tamale Party [& hosted by the person that found the plastic Baby Jesus at the 3 Kings Day party!]

5: Constitution Day (commemorating National charter which officially ended the Revolution of 1910, giving birth to modern Mexico)14: VALENTINES DINNER - The wonderful/generous owners of Le Bistro Restaurant donates a large % of their proceeds from dinner that day to SIDA-the local AIDS foundation!!!! Please support this! Reservations are a must (22-20283) as this is the event on Valentines Day!! (www.lebistro.com.mx)

24: Flag Day ~ The week before Ash Wednesday - usually late February or early MarchCaranival (great in Vera Cruz & growing in PV) - Celebrations start the weekend before Ash Wednesday!!!! Parades!! Food! Dancing! fireworks++!!ART AUCTION (APA) - '00's was on 3rd sun at Le Bistro from 3-6pm & was 125 pesos for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & live music & a GREAT silent auction!!) - International Friendship Club's Annual Bazaar/Flea Market (3rd sun.?), 9am-2pm at their school across from Daquiri Dicks (corner Olas Atlas & Carranza) (www.zona-virtual.com.mx/ifc) - a place to find treasures (flea market) & enjoy local delacicies!!FUEGO NUEVO - A celebration of dance, painting, poetry & song & sand castles!! Cuates Y Cuates just north of Muertos Pier (4th Wed?)-FREEINTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL @ Cine bahia (starts around the end of Feb. through March?) sponsored by the Municipal Department of Culture, Preparatoria Regional de Puerto Vallarta of the University of Guadalajara & the Puerto Vallarta Public LibraryAmerican School's Annual AUCTION & CASINO NIGHT (a big gala event!!! - '00 was on the 3rd Sat. at Westin Regina & cost 175 pesos & had auction items from a jet ski to Evelyn Boren paintings. Price included a buffet , bar & live performance by singer Rocio Barquells!)

MARCH

WHALE MIGRATION-WHALE WATCHING (Nov-March-ish)

beginning of March(?) - Feria('00-1st Sat. at Westin Regina) BECAS BALL-the American-Mexico Scholarship Foundation Dance (22-21478/22-24623) - tickets 350 pesos & includes free margaritas from 8-9pm, a full gourmet dinner, raffle, dancing, door prizes & a silent auctionMid-March ('00 2nd Sat)-DESSERT COOK-OFF!! (22-24839) - Ummmm!!! This is the Animal Protection Association (APA)'s Anniversary benefit!! Baker entries are free, Eaters only 20 pesos admission & 15 pesos for eac serving you taste (4 servings for 50 pesos!!). Take it with you for 50 pesos a serving!

Mid-March ('00 ws on the 3rd Sun.) - Spring Biathlon-begins at the Malecon with the swimming competition of 250 meters (begins at the Sea Horse on the Malecon & heads South) followed by a 4-mile run! Entry 20 pesos! Register at the Municipal Department of Sports in the Presidencia Municipallast weekend in March?? Banderas bay Boat Regatta headquaratered at Paradise Villate/Nuevo Vallarta (contact Jim Ketler at 044-329-70163 / jjpicante@pvnet.com.mx

19: Dia de San Jose (Da y of St. Joseph)

21: Benito Juarez birthday (Lincoln of MX - their most beloved president & leader of the 19th century Reform movement - 1806)

Ash Wednesday - MANY businesses are closed til noonINTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (see Feb)
APRIL
15: Gala Benefit Dinner Dance benefitting Escuela para el exito ("School of Success"-helps kids in crisis realize their potential [I'm not sure yet if it's an actual school]) - '00 at the Marriott Casa Magna. Dinner, dancing & open bar - just 480 pesos! Sat. at 8:30pmWeek before Easter celebrations start!!! Celebrations & somber processions are held in observance of Christ's resurrectionWeek after Easter-"Semana Santa" (processions, services & other events culminating on Easter celebrating the death & resurrection of Christ) - big time for Nationals to go on holiday

Jazz Festival
MAY
A busy month!! "Fiestas de Mayo!!" The whole month of May is full of celebrations, parades, bullfights, soccer, games, dancing, street music, amusement park rides, children's performances, exhibits & food. Lots of activities are held in the main square (by City Hall) & at the southern end of the Malecon at the "Los Arcos" stage!

1: Labor Day (no one works!!). Concludes with a fiesta at 7pm at the Los Arcos Amphitheatre !

3: Holy Cross Day (construction workers plaace decorated crosses atop unfinished buildings & get the day off & often have a fiesta at a work site)

5: Cinco de Mayo-Battle of Puebla (anniversary of the defeat of the French Army at Puebla in 1862. Celebrted much more in the U.S. & touristy bars than in Mexico! Some stores close)

8:Hidalgo Celebration

10: Mother's Day (always the same date, not like the changing Sundays in U.S.- I believe most females get this day off whether they're a mother or not)

15-16: Sheraton Buganvilias International Sports Classic & Women's Pro-Beach Volleyball Tourneymount, Basketball clinics with ex-NBA players. Also at the municipal stadium. Party afterwards at Carlos O'Brians

15: Feast of San Isidro Labrador (blessing of new seeds & animals) & Teachers Day (kids get off!)

23: Students Day

The end of May has lots of festivities marking Puerto Vallarta's Birthday/Founder's Day (181 years old '00!) with a parade along the Malecon ('00 it started at 5pm at the Sheraton Buganvilias, along the Malecon & ended at Paraque Lazaro Cardenas-cool to watch but plan accordingly if you need to get anywhere even remotely near any of these areas??) (many activities are held on the Sunday before) & the main Plaza & great fireworks!!).
JUNE
TURTLES HATCH! (June-Sept)

1: Navy Day (especially colorful in Acapulco)

June 7: River Clean-Up

24: Dia de San Juan Bautista (for St. John the Baptist, fairs & religious festivals, playful dunking of people in water)Dia de San Pablo y San Pedro (Day of St. Peter & St. Paul)

Gifts

Many people like to bring gifts down to give to new friends, maids, hosts, etc. are appreciated. Take them out to their/your favorite or a new restaurant, nice bottle of U.S. wine (you can bring up to 3 liters), perfume/cologne, nice decorative or aromatherapy soaps, candles & candle sticks, a picture of you from your vacation (with them even better! All sizes welcome), t-shirts/hats with logos (cities/sports teams), name brand/label clothes, serving trays/bowels, nice wine glasses, latest cds/tapes (especially relaxing music), good feather pillows (I only find hard foams one's in Puerto Vallarta), Christmas ornaments, watches, English/Spanish dictionaries/tapes (especially to share with service workers to help them in improving their English!!), latest books++.ANYTHING/EVERYTHING is appreciated!!!

Children

PLEASE consider bringing gifts/things down to pass out to people who could use your help – ESPECIALLY the children!!
Actually, I think one of the best gifts would be a "Learn English" book aimed at very young kids (for people of ALL ages since some people don’t even know how to read)- with lots of pics, etc. as it will help them long term as opposed to candy that will give them only instant gratification. Picture books (in Spanish or English), crayons & coloring books, paint sets, games, puzzles, paper, colored paper, yo-yo’s, pencils, gum, candy, costume jewelry, stuffed animals, toys, dolls. Kady said they order stuff online like small toys (pinwheels and glider airplanes) & kid jewelry from the Oriental Trading Co. http://www.oriental.com. They have fake beanie's for about $1 each. Clothes & shoes are very needed!! Pick up at garage sales & thrift shops before you go. You might want to be discreet with passing them out as word can get out really fast what you’re doing & next thing you know you’re being mobbed by kids that can really use your assistance which breaks your heart!A dollar here & there is also very appreciated though their parents might take it (isn’t it nice to have something that’s yours – for no one else but you!?!?!). Your maid, the cook at your favorite restaurant, your favorite bartender - they all have kids or friends with kids!Leave clothes you no longer need behind for those that could use them! Either ask the property you're staying with or leave them with one of the organizations below.

Associations

FEED THE CHILDREN (22-12793 / 044-329-40022-cell / amf@pvnet.com.mx / Office: Libramiento 546 across from the Regional Hospital)– a non-profit devoted to feeding over 1,200 underprivileged children per day!! Look for cans around town for your $ donations
Club de Club has been specifically established to provide the help needed to bring donations legally & successfully into Mexico. The Club de Club is comprised of the International Friendship Club, the U.S. Navy League, The Rotary Club, The Lions Club, Project Hope, & the Sisters Cities group. The Consular Agents of the United States & Canada provide legal & procedural support to the Club de Club. Mari de Banos22- 45438 & Warren Johnson 22-15174
INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB (IFC), Edificio Parian del Puente 13, (22-25466/22-22934/ www.zona-virtual.com.mx/ifc o Annette Sutton (aksutton@acnet.net//Mailing address: APDO. Postal #604, PV, Jalisco, MX - Serving the humanitarian needs of the community including their "Cleft Palate Project," eye clinic, surgeries, family emergency & need children’s program, school construction & maintenance - donations needed: clothes, bedding, books, etc., also do a Toys for Tots (Jack Willis-22-23298/22-30155 x209/ Pres. Joan Hanson-22-50695) to drive program!!! - Purpose: To promote friendship through social & cultural activities, To collect & distribute funds on response to humanitarian needs of PV, Help organize the community into one united effort. Meets monthly on 2nd Tues., most members foreigners living in PV. Also "Home Tours" Wed. & Thur. in peak season) 25,000p – meet at Hotel Molina de Agua
CLOTHING DONATIONS - For local students on financial aid (22-21786-Judy Galeano)
PV's Scholarship Committee o Albergue San Jose Unwed Mother’s Home, Manual M. Dieguez 308 - for low income mothers, needs women’s & baby clothes
American-Mexico Scholarship Foundation - a 30 year old U.S. tax deductible foundation funding junior high through university education for over 200 young people in Puerto Vallarta
There are also many people that live at the dump that can really use any assistance you’d like to give them!! The dump is on the northern edge of El Pitillal and would be about straight East of the airport. From the main road into town turn East at Sam's Club and go about a mile until you get to a street called Etzouio Corona. Turn left (only your can't because it is one way the wrong way for one block) and go north about 1/2 mile and when the road turns East head North East on dirt roads for 1/4 mile to the dump. It's kind of hard to find the first time you go there but it's only a few blocks from town so you can't get very lost. If you're luck you can follow a garbage truck which looks like a dump truck in the USA
ANIMAL PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (APA) - PLEASE donate $$ to feed & spay dogs & cats (to date they’ve spayed & neutered over 1200 cats & dogs!! You’ll see LOTS of dogs running around – many strays, but there are no leash laws in Vallarta & when they roam freely, the breed freely!!! Please help!), see Lucy at Lucy's CuCu Cabana & Zoo, Basilio Badillo 295 (22-24839) - A certain % of her sales goes to this wonderful cause she's spearheaded [& doing mainly on her own!). They're in big need of donations ($) for their Spaying Program & food (if you have any animal toys or food I’m sure they wouldn’t turn those away also!!).

English/Spanish Dictionaries/Books & Tapes

Don’t need your dictionaries/tapes? PLEASE leave them behind for your maid or other workers!!! A REALLY valuable gift!12/00

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