Villaencantada Blog

You’ve done the beach, you’ve walked the Malecon, and you’ve dropped some coin in more than one cervicería (bar). You love your villa Puerto Vallarta, you love the bay – the thing is, you’re in the mood to see a bit more of the countryside. Why not pay a visit to Mascota, a lovely farming area just down the road.

It’s a bit of a drive – well, okay, it’s a two-hour ride on the bus; if you don’t want to sit, sign up for a tour that flies into the local airstrip. You’ll find when you arrive that Mascota offers a realistic look at life in Mexico, away from the beach. It has become a particularly rewarding destination for horse lovers, and although it’s quiet, there’s plenty to do around town.

The National Geographic Society hosts a museum that features artifacts from ancient cultures and you can learn more about the local art scene at the Mascota Casa de Cultura. Heck, you might as well walk around town a bit and admire the classic structures and cobblestone streets.

When you’re done admiring and you’ve enjoyed all the culture you can take, find a small restaurant, preferably one with a patio that overlooks the street. Order a beverage and enjoy the way time passes in the cool countryside.

Posted by synapse at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It’s true that Banderas Bay is a huge draw for folks who visit Puerto Vallarta – it is the centerpiece of every sunset, and it’s the backdrop you enjoy when you’re on the patio of your villa rental Puerto Vallarta. If you can tear yourself away for a day or an evening, though, you can reward yourself with a tour of the fine arts in town.

Whatever medium your particular artistic tastes run to, you’ll discover an artist in Puerto Vallarta who works with it. From fiber arts and wearable art to paintings and sculpture, you’ll find it in one of the local galleries. The Old Town Art Walk, on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 10, is an organized circuit that includes several splendid galleries. Be sure to pick up a folleto (brochure) as a guide.

And while you’re at it, take some time to enjoy the performing arts. If you’ve been enjoying recorded mariachi music in your villa rental Puerto Vallarta, slip on down to town and listen to some live performers. You might find a group performing al fresco, perhaps in the square or the Malecón’s open-air amphitheater – you’ll know them by their instruments (strings and brass) and by their traditional silver-studded costumes.

Posted by synapse at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You love the city, you love Banderas Bay, you love your villa rental Puerto Vallarta. The only thing you’re not absolutely, positively crazy about is the huge crowd that convenes each and every day on Los Muertos beach. You can forgive them – it’s a stone’s throw away from town and it has everything you’d expect at the beach, including sand and surf. Still, you’re looking for some elbow room to stretch out.

One really good alternative is Las Gemelas beach. You won’t find the big crowds from town at Las Gemelas, largely due to the fact they’d all have to crowd onto the bus to get there. So ask the chef at your villa rental Puerto Vallarta to pack you a lunch and hop on the bus to Mismaloya. Get off at the El Presidente hotel and walk on down to the slender, secluded beach.

There are actually two beaches here (Gemelas means “twins”). They both offer a lovely slice of white sand, and the north beach also offers a dollop of shade for those beach lovers who prefer not to embrace the sunshine full on. The quiet coves also serve to calm the waters of Banderas Bay, so you can bob gently on the waves with your water wings, if you choose.

Posted by synapse at 05:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)