When your clients vacation in Puerto Vallarta, they may find themselves with a limited amount of time, wondering what the not-to-be-missed attractions and activities in the region are. We reached out to several hotel and resort concierges for their tips on what to do, as well as their favorite activities that they enjoy in their free time.
“If a person has only a couple of days in Puerto Vallarta, I recommend they book the private City and Tropical Tour [from Puerto Vallarta Tours],” said Martina Amaral, concierge for Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea.
The tour combines plenty of history with the area’s most beautiful settings, she says.
“This is a full-day guided tour that begins in the city, with stops at the malecon (waterfront promenade) and downtown Puerto Vallarta,” Amaral said. “Then, the tour moves outside the city to observe some of the most scenic natural sights, including the town of Mismaloya, which is famous for being the location of the classic film ‘The Night of the Iguana.’”
Don't miss all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Credit: 2018 Puerto Vallarta Tourism BoardWhen Amaral has downtime, she heads to one of the scuba diving sites in the area. Or, if the weather is ideal, she swims in the region’s rivers.
“Of course, I recommend that visitors find time for the beach,” said Ioana Bolocan, concierge for Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa. “I also advise them to hike to one of the beautiful waterfalls in the area; one of the finest we have is the Palo Maria waterfall.”
Because the trail isn’t marked, it’s advised to obtain a guide for the hike to Palo Maria. The first waterfall is 20 feet high and features a natural pool. There are additional waterfalls farther upstream, although it’s a strenuous scramble to reach them.
During her free time, Bolocan likes to gather the family and head over to Rio Playa Grande.
“It’s a wonderful spot to spend the day,” she said. “If the weather is warm, we can go for a swim.
We usually prepare our own barbecue and bring along our own music. It’s a great day out for families with kids.”
If a client is in Puerto Vallarta on a Monday, recommend they take Casa Cupula’s bilingual walking tour of the Old Town, says Logan Miller, chief concierge for the LGBTQ-friendly boutique hotel.
“It offers a great glimpse into the stories behind buildings that visitors would otherwise just be passing by on the street,” he said.
When he’s not working, Miller heads to the beach with his dogs.
“I usually start in the Old Town beaches and head south — my favorite beach is Playa Conchas Chinas,” he said.
If guests have limited time in the area, suggest they take a boat tour to the Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach, says Luis Fierros, concierge for Casa Velas.
“If they have their heart set on visiting the popular Hidden Beach, they should make arrangements in advance, since only 80 people per day are allowed to visit the beach,” Fierros said.
Vallarta Adventures is an excellent and experienced tour operator that offers Marietas Islands excursions.
“On my days off, I like to head into the countryside and the mountains to visit the small towns and enjoy small-town cooking,” Fierros said. “Two of my favorite towns are Talpa de Allende and Mascota.”
The Details
Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea
www.bluechairsresort.com
Casa Cupula
www.casacupula.com
Casa Velas
www.hotelcasavelas.com
Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa
www.garzablancaresort.com
Puerto Vallarta Tours
www.puertovallartatours.net
Vallarta Adventures
www.vallarta-adventures.com
