Attractions

Botanical Gardens

Description: If there is one place outside of Vallarta that you you should carve out time to visit, let it be the 20-acre, which features a hacienda-style building that serves as restaurant, boutique and event center. Take a walk down to the river (Rio Los Horcones) and enjoy the rushing water as it heads over the centuries-old rocks toward the sea. Wander through the fern grotto, agave and rose gardens and orchid conservatory. If you've never been face-to-face with orchids our native, take this chance. Buy one or more if you wish, as seedlings and established plants are for sale.
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El Centro

Description: Downtown (El Centro) Puerto Vallarta offers some important points to visit, and several great opportunities for snap shops. One of the more photographed buildings is the Church of Guadalupe, located right off the Main Plaza. Be sure to check out the kiosk for information live music performances. Along the bay-side is the sculpture-lined ocean walk, Malecón. Here, you'll likely see jugglers and other street performers or maybe even happen upon a free public event.
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Los Arcos Natural Marine Park

Description: BAHÍA DE BANDERAS. Even if you're not into snorkeling, Los Arcos is a natural attraction that you see from anywhere along the coast of Banderas Bay. Snorkeling is fabulous, with the opportunity to see marine life such as angelfish, damsels, puffer fish and even the occasional manta ray. The natural formations are a landmark and have been declared a natural marine park. Visit them by boat but keep off the rocky slopes that are such a haven for birds. Even if you don't snorkel, you can't help but see the schools of fish right below the surface of the water. Swim through the natural arches that form an above-water cave. Numerous companies offer snorkeling trips or stop to visit Los Arcos en route to the south coast.
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Marina Vallarta

Description: Marina Vallarta is an area within Puerto Vallarta that was created specifically as a deluxe neighborhood with marina for yachts, charters and tour boats, a lighthouse, shops, clubs, restaurants and boutiques along a circular marina walkway. An 18-hole golf course with private club is housed in the area, as are numerous resorts. Very close to the international airport, Marina Vallarta continues to be a quiet, sophisticated playground for more affluent visitors and residents.

Teatro Vallarta

Description: DOWNTOWN. This modern theater seats nearly 1000 people and brings an entirely new level of evening events and performances to Puerto Vallarta. Locals and visitors alike love the house show, Fandango, a modern take on traditional Mexico folklore dance. During your stay, check to see what's playing, as other performances include singers, balladeers, ballet, drama and dance. Truly, a venue created for a wonderful evening out in a wonderful town!
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Whale Watching

Description: BAHÍA DE BANDERAS. Every year, humpback whales arrive to make Banderas Bay their winter home. A program of photo identification allows research to continue each year as local marine biologists collect and interpret data to share with whale specialists in other areas of the world (www.whalephoto.org). Day tours are available only during the whaling season by various companies, some with 12-person pangas like Ecotours Vallarta(www.ecotoursvallarta.com), others such as Ocean Friendly Tours offer customized adventures (www.oceanfriendly.com). Vallarta Adventures (www.vallarta-adventures.com) even offers a excursion that includes breakfast and lunch.
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