Villaencantada Blog

There they sit – the bay and the beach – gently but insistently calling your name as you sit on the balcony of your villa Puerto Vallarta. They’re waiting to offer you another day of sun and sand; your reluctance to answer the siren song stems from sunburn and chafing. So, take a day off and try something new – a day at the zoo.

It won’t be just any old day at the zoo, though. The Zoologico de Vallarta in Mismaloya is unique in many ways from the zoos you may be familiar with. First of all, this one cares for its residents in a natural jungle setting. The animal habitats are as close to each species’ natural home as possible.

The Vallarta Zoo has two separate and closely related purposes. First, zoo officials are committed to conservation, in particular, the preservation of species that are threatened. And they believe that education is the way to bring that message to visitors and supporters.

The zoo is a short bus trip from your villa Puerto Vallarta, south of the city. Visitors are welcome every day from 8:30 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. While you’re there, ask if there’s anything new in the nursery – zoo babies are adorable.

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Most Puerto Vallarta villas look out over Banderas Bay, and for good reason. The bay is the focal point of this resort city, and there is no end to the fun you can have on and around the bay’s clear water. 

You can enjoy the bay in a number of ways, from the north end to the south. For instance, at the far north end of the bay, just around the point, you’ll find the small beach-front town of Sayulita. This is the go-to place for surfing fans of all skill levels. If you don’t have your own board, you can rent one on the beach.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the bay without leaving the city. Charter a deep-sea fishing trip at Marina Vallarta; stroll along the Malecon and step off the boardwalk onto the beach; kick up some sand at los Muertos beach. No matter how you picture a perfect day on the bay, it’s within easy reach of Puerto Vallarta villas.

Further south, visitors relax in the quieter atmosphere on the beaches at Amapas and Conchas Chinas. There’s so much to do on Banderas Bay, in fact, that you may need to book another visit to do it all.

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Puerto Vallarta offers a nice mix of entertainment options, and you’ll probably encounter many of them during your stay in a villa Puerto Vallarta. Most visitors find time to enjoy musical performances by local Mariachi groups and to wander through art galleries. If you’re looking for something that offers a bit more action, spend the day at a Mexican rodeo, or charreada.

Leave what you know about rodeo back at your villa Puerto Vallarta; as soon as you pass through the entrance gate of the Lienzo Charro Miguel Prieto Ibarria , you’ll see that charreada is different from rodeo in the US. It’s only natural, since this is more or less the national sport of Mexico. Here are just a few of the signs that you’re not at a local punkin’ roller:

For starters, the opening ceremonies feature Mariachi music to help introduce the competitors.

And when they ride into the arena, you can’t help but notice the distinctive costumes. Men wear long-sleeved shirts and pants decorated with silver studs; long sleeves, full skirts and feminine ruffles identify women participants.

Then there’s the matter of teams – charreada is a team competition. The events are designed to test each team’s skills with horses and ropes. The ladies who ride in the escaramuza demonstrate their precision horsemanship skills.

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You are staying in a villa rental Puerto Vallarta for a week or two, and the folks at home are green with envy, if they’re not blue and shivering with the cold. The least you can do is choose some meaningful souvenirs to take back with you, thoughtful gifts that will reassure them that you thought of them often and fondly during your days of fun in the sun.

Gifts that reflect the area’s cultural richness are always winners. You can find special pieces that recall the warm colors of the sunsets over Banderas Bay, the lively noise of nights in the city, the cool splash of waves on sand. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Glassware, pottery and ceramics crafted by Mexican artisans make tasteful and lovely gifts. Shop with your villa rental Puerto Vallarta in mind – items like the distinctive drinking glasses, the colorful tile, the decorative pots and vases are perfect reminders of your stay.

Textiles are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. You can find beautiful woven pieces made locally, so try to avoid knock-offs made overseas and select the real deal. To stay within budget, select smaller things like a table mat or a belt.

Cool Mexican silver makes a great gift. You don’t have to spend a fortune – choose some nice earrings or napkin rings that carry the “Mex” and “.925" stamp on the back.

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