Puerto Vallarta: Been There, Not Done That

I have been going to the city of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico  for the last 20 years. Don't freak out; I've also traveled to other places during those 20 years as well. I even lived in PV briefly during college. Puerto Vallarta has certainly changed over the years, but it also remains the same in many ways too. I've seen new businesses built up and beloved old ones go away. I've seen once-cherished beach spots become overrun by 20-something hipster tourists. But then again, I guess me saying I knew it before it was cool makes me a hipster too right?

After 20 years though, you'd think I had seen all there was to see in Puerto Vallarta. That's when you realize that sometimes father really does know best. This past December, I met up with my folks down in Puerto Vallarta. They came from Michigan, and I came from LA. So, shout out to my dad for providing me with some new experiences this last trip to Puerto Vallarta. That, and he insisted on getting credit. Humility comes and goes in our  family.

So for those who think they've seen it all in their travel destinations, I am here to tell you that even after 20 years of visits, I was able to have new experiences and discoveries in this wonderful city.
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New Discovery #1: Lo De Marcos

The furthest up the coast from Puerto Vallarta I had ever ventured to was Sayulita, so when my Dad suggested a tiny beach town called Lo De Marcos, which is just about 15-20 minutes north of Sayulita, I was intrigued. He had been there before and spoke so highly of it, plus it was somewhere I had never been and I was craving something new. Coming from Old Town Puerto Vallarta however, it was almost 2 hours via bus to arrive in Lo De Marcos, but when we finally got there, it was well worth the trip. To say the town was small would be an understatement; You saw more street dogs around than you did residents. For someone who craves a local experience though, it was perfect. With only just a few others along the beach, it was clear that Lo De Marcos had yet to be overrun by tourists, though I fear the hipsters and surfers will soon catch on. Shhh. Don't share this blog with them! Ok. I'm just kidding. Well, maybe...

The beach and ocean are also way better than in the city of Puerto Vallarta. With no rocks at the shore and big waves to play in, I had a blast swimming in the ocean that day. Just be mindful that sometimes people on horses come through there, so keep your eyes peeled when walking through the sand. We had to shout after a young woman who almost ended up stepping in horse poop with her bare feet. Not all heroes wear capes...
 
New Discovery #2: Jungle Hiking

Another fun adventure my dad showed me was the hike from Boca de Tomatlan through the jungle to Las Animas beach. Boca de Tomatlan is to the south of the city and is where you can go to catch water taxi boats to the more secluded beaches down the coast. Instead of taking a water taxi though, my Dad and I hiked along the trail through the jungle. The trail can be somewhat strenuous, so if you are new to hiking in the heat I might suggest building up for that hike before you do it. It's a fun challenge though and an absolutely gorgeous route. You get to hike through a beautiful jungle and look out onto the ocean at the same time. Plus, the waters down the coast of Puerto Vallarta are much more of a pretty blue color. If you need a break along the way, or just a really great photo op, stop at Colomitos beach, which is about half way into the hike.  It's a cool, small beach spot and the water is a really pretty emerald green color. Finally, when you get to Playa las Animas you can enjoy a refreshing Pacifico beer at a local restaurant and even encounter a talking parrot there. I kid you not.

After 20 years visiting Puerto Vallarta though, this hike had some of the most beautiful views I have ever seen in the area. It's absolutely worth it.
 
New Discovery #3: Live Jazz Music

Over the years I've been exposed to different music while in Puerto Vallarta. There's the live Mariachi band performing along the Malecon boardwalk or the Salsa band at La Bodeguita del Medio. And there's even the nightclub that plays nothing but techno while you sit and pray for some Beyonce to come on while fending off drunk male tourists. From my knowledge, Puerto Vallarta hadn't really been much of place you go to listen to jazz. My father, a lifelong professional musician and music teacher, has more recently gotten involved with the local music community in Vallarta. It's through this that my parents met a trumpet player originally from Havana named Josvani. They suggested we go watch him perform with his group at a new venue along the Malecon called The Jazz Foundation. You don't always get many opportunities to catch live music here, so to see a new venue that not only has frequent live music performances, but also in a style not commonly performed there, was actually quite cool to see.