Saturday, February 18, 2017

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico




Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican beach resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahia de Banderas in Jalisco State. It is known for its beaches, water sports, night life and diverse and friendly population.

(All photos in this post will enlarge, for easier viewing, if clicked on)


As our cruise ship, the Ruby Princess--see prior post-- approached Puerto Vallarta, the morning fog was just beginning to lift off the shoreline and Sierra Madre mountains in the distance. The weather was warm and comfortable in the high seventies to low eighties during our visit at the end of January.


Disembarkation from the Ruby Princess in the port was very easy and convenient.  My husband and I then boarded an optional excursion bus trip for the day to see some of the highlights of the city.


We stopped along the beautiful beach front, to view "El Malecon," which is a long promenade along the beach that is lined with numerous sculptures, restaurants, and boats, which can be rented for paragliding trips over the bay.


Our tour bus then traveled into the "El Centro," the old town center, which is divided by a densely foliage banked river. The streets here were paved with cobblestones, palm trees and large bougainvillea shrubs that were in a large array of luscious colors.

A statue of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

It was easy to see why Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love with Puerto Vallarta when Richard Burton was here on location to film a lead role in the 1964 movie, "The Night of the Iguana." The interesting tale of their love affair during this period, and the times they returned to spend in a house they bought in town, where they could live without the pressure of celebrity, can be read on this link.  


I loved the old town's picturesque flair, from its flowered balconies, colorful windows, ceramic plaque street signs and variety of silver, leather and ceramic craft shops.


On our tour we visited the very ornate  "Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe --- Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church.


Note the unusual wrought iron crown, hoisted by angels, on top of the steeple. It is said to resemble the crown worn by Empress Carlota of Mexico.


The interior of the church was beautiful -- please click on the photo collage to enlarge it. More about the history of the church can be read on this link.


As part of the tour we were driven up a steep hill into a lush jungle to the Don Tadeo Tequila Distillery, where the process of making tequila from the blue agave plant root was described to our tour group. We were given small samples of all the flavors to try and a chance to purchase what we liked.  We had a relaxing lunch in their restaurant patio afterward, where we were very entertained not only by the resident parrot, but also a number of tropical birds that flew around the canopy of palm trees above us.


I found it interesting to learn that Puerto Vallarta has become a popular retirement destination for both US and Canadian retirees. Rapid growth in tourist volume has also given rise to growth in condominium, hotel and rental apartment construction.  This growth has spilled over from the city limits to Nuevo Vallarta in the neighboring state of Nayarit, and is becoming one of the fastest growing regions in the Americas.

In my next post I'll show you our visit to the next Mexican Riviera city of Mazatlan, Mexico an equally beautiful resort town where we saw cliff divers perform and visited an amazing indoor market.

To see more about the Ruby Princess Cruise Ship see this post.

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48 comments:

Daniela said...

What a stunning, cheerful place you've visited during your cruise, dear Pat, thank you for sharing your amazing shots with us !

Wishing you a lovely Sunday and new week ahead,
with utmost gratitude

XOXO Dany

Tanna said...

Puerto Vallarta is one of Evan's and my FAVORITE places!! Great post, Pat. blessings and hugs ~tanna

Linda W. said...

Great photos of a beautiful town. That church is absolutely gorgeous!

Saleslady371 said...

This brought back so many memories of times we visited there. One of my husband's very favorite places. You did a great job showcasing the town.

Jackie McGuinness said...

We first went to PV in 1982 and then vacationed there for several years. Then finally went back last year for a month stay. It is a nice town, but I feel it has more of a spring break feel and prefer Mazatlan for long stays.

The Gathering Place said...

Pat, what a wonderful vacation! I like the idea of relaxing and doing what you feel like doing. I've never been on a cruise, but I've heard they are great.

Anonymous said...

Looks like a great cruise. Beautiful things to see in Mexico!

Pondside said...

Your holiday sounds perfect, Pat. It has been about 10 years since we were last in Puerto Vallarta, but we loved it. I hear it has grown a lot in those ten years. I think it would be fun to visit from a cruise ship!

Michelle said...

This looks like a wonderful trip. No doubt, you enjoyed all of it! Looking forward to more photos.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Pat your photos are stunning of lovely Puerto Vallarta! We went on a very similar tour that you took when we transited the Panama Canal. Our cruise left out of Ft Lauderdale and ended in San Diego. I remember it with much fondness. Thank you for taking me back. ♥

Ruth Hiebert said...

There is certainly much to see and do. I have never been to this area, but it looks lovely from your pictures.

Lea said...

A wonderful series of photos!
Love the seahorse sculpture!

Janet said...

Lovely city! I love all the flowers!

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Puerto Vallarta, like much of Mexico, is an amazingly colorful place, and you've captured the color (including lots of blues) delightfully. Thanks for linking to Blue Monday!

Maggie said...

Puerto Vallerta looks like a beautiful place to visit, the church is exquisite and the steeple with crown is fantastic, I'm glad you looked up and captured the shot.
Happy MM.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Beautiful post - love the ornate top of Our Lady of Guadeloupe

kidcandoodle said...

I never knew Burton & Taylor fell in love there! I've only been to the Cancun area of Mexico. cheers, kid can doodle

Tamar SB said...

So colorful!

Gillena Cox said...

Wow!!! these are awesome shots, thanks for sharing

much love...

Lady Fi said...

What lovely, colourful scenes.

Jim said...

Amazing

Mary K. said...

Pat after a cold winter I am delighted to see that you have gone to warmer shores. That is such a lovely location and the church is stunningly beautiful.

Pamela S said...

I cannot even imagine the beauty of this cruise. Your pictures are amazing as usual.

Vee said...

Colorful and beautiful! Something you said sent me googling how to disembark...that was interesting! Where will the next cruise take you?

Anonymous said...

Wow, so much to see! Jackie of Junkboat Travels also posted a Mexican vacation - I can see it's the same country - and the art reminds me of much of what I've seen in Southern California. Of the many details I like to mention the crown on top of the church - beautiful! Thanks you for all your posts and kind comments for the first year of ALL SEASONS, Pat!
Now I'm off to see more of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton...:) Have a wonderful week!

Ciao Chow Linda said...

What a beautiful town. How lucky that you got to go there and in the dead of winter too! A perfect getaway.

LV said...

I have been to several places in Mexico, but not here. Looks like a nice place to go. Glad you enjoyed your cruise. I have many on the past, but not anymore.

riitta k said...

Qué lindo, me encantaría visitar! Beautiful, I would love to visit!

Lorrie said...

Puerto Vallarta looks like a beautiful, sun-filled city to visit. Some of our friends fly down there every winter for a few weeks. It would be a welcome break from grey skies and drizzle. Thanks for sharing some of the wonderful sights!

Photo(Geo)grapher said...

What lovely and scenic city to explore. Truly great photos

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

What a fun trip - that church is really amazing!

Rajesh said...

Wonderful shots of the city. That clock tower is interesting.

carol l mckenna said...

Great to see your travel photos ~ terrific ~ fun for you too ~ I almost went there on a Yoga retreat ~ alas, didn't make it but glad to see your photos ~ thanks,

Wishing you a Happy Week ~ ^_^

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Years ago, we stayed at a Nuevo Vallarta all-inclusive resort. (Not our favorite way to vacation, but Bill was recovering from a broken foot and surgery, so staying in one place was the logical choice). We were able to take a taxi into PV for one day and really enjoyed it, always wanted to go back on our own, but never did. It sounds like the area has really really grown -=- I think it may just have been starting when we were there.

Lovely pictures.

Ruth said...

So lovely! No doubt I want to visit Puerto Vallarta. The abundance of colors makes me happy.

krishna said...

All the pictures from Mexico are so gorgeous....

Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

Lowcarb team member said...

I still can't get over how big the cruise ship is!
A wonderful array of photographs, love how you've done the mosaics.
Puerto Vallarta looks like a beautiful and vibrant place to visit.

Looking forward to more -

All the best Jan

Klara S said...

Wonderful place.You have a beautiful collection of photos. The first collage of four is my favourite. Have a good week.

Sharon said...

Love all the bright colors, starting with those flags in the first photo. That's quite a cruise ship, too! What a memorable trip for you!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

You have shared your beautiful trip in a wonderful way. Your collage of pictures and comments makes me feel as if I virtually went there with you. Such a beautiful city, and you captured the little details so well!

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat. I'm visiting from Pink Saturday. I've never been on a cruise. Your pictures are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them with us.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I have fond memories of a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta. It's a beautiful location, and I can see why people would like to retire there. Great photos!

Michelle said...

Thanks for linking up! Have a great weekend!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

What a beautiful place! I'd love to see it sometime. I'm so happy to get to see so many beautiful sights from your lens, Pat, in case I don't get there myself. :) Enjoy your weekend!

betty-NZ said...

It looks like a wonderfully grand city with the ancient along side the modern. Nice photos.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you have a fabulous time. I have never bent o Mexico, it is not high on my list but I bet I'll still make it there someday. Great post as always Pat!!

Lisa @ LTTL

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

We've been there twice. Once on a cruise ship and once to stay a week. We had so much fun!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann

A Crafty Mix said...

It sounds absolutely stunning Pat. That church is beautiful and the scenery is so vibrant and it looks like you had a lovely time. I'm going to have to add Mexico to our bucket list