Tips and Favorite Places in Vallarta
by Bernie Santos
Here are
a few tips to make your visit to PV more enjoyable:
•
The water (gasp!). No need for fear. Vallarta’s water source, Seapal, has
won many water quality awards. It is one of, if not the, best in Mexico. No
problem with the source – the problem is with the destination. Water must of
course travel through many miles of piping, some of which may be damaged or
corroded or rustic. Therefore, use common sense when drinking water out and
about in town. Even mixed drinks or salads may be contaminated. Now, having
said this, remember that hotels or restaurants want you to have a nice trip so
that you’ll return. Almost all large hotels and restaurants use purified
water. But to be as safe as possible, it’s best to use and drink bottled
water. (Beer works great!)
•
Driving. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, costing on the average about
three or four dollars (minus tip). Before you get into a taxi, always agree on
a price to your destination. Generally taxi drivers are courteous and honest,
but like in all large cities there exists some bad mazanas (apples). If you do
encounter a dishonest driver, jot down his name and taxi (sitio) number and
time of day. Report this information to any or all of the following:–
Department of Tourism.– PROFECO– American Consulate.(Buses,
rental cars or your own personal vehicle, we’ll cover in a later
article.)
•
Information. Do your homework in the US by reading books, magazines,
newsletters, and/or surfing the Internet. Once in Vallarta make a beeline to
the main tourist office located at the corner of City Hall. This is near the
south end of the Malecon and one block west of the Main Cathedral. The tourist
office provides tons of free literature and advice – and they are quite
helpful.
Out and
About, in a peanut shell! Vallarta is an artisan community, famous not only
for its painters
Having
said that, here are some of our suggestions:
The
Malecon. This promenade is a great way to get a general feel for PV. Stroll
along the seawall. Notice the famous sculptures by Colunga, Ramirez and
Bustamante; note the large variety of dining establishments. You’ll see
Cuban, American, Mexican, Oriental and Italian cuisine. Unfortunately this is
Daiquiri
Dick’s is located right on Los Muertos beach. Longtime owner Bowman has
changed the menu
Really
Rosie’s located North/Central. Rosie Sorenson creates really good American
cuisine such as
Other
mentionables are: De Santos, La Fiesta, Café de Olla, Felipes, Rincon de
Buenos Aires, and Los
Salud,
Bernie