Page 13 - NBY December 2020 Issue

On the Go...... The Magic of Puerto Vallarta
On the Go......
On the Go...
On the Go
On the Go

By Ronnie Greenberg a bed and breakfast.
Photos by Joe Hilbers Outdoor adventures
Favorite marine activities are
Puerto Vallarta, nestled in the white
sand beaches of Mexico’s Pacific coast, is boating, sailing and yachting excursions.
where dolphins frolic, and sunlight Banana boats towed by speedboats, para-
sailing, water-skiing, diving, and
catches the laughter that drifts along the
breeze. Embrace its traditions, passions snorkeling in the waters of Banderas Bay,
and warmth, and Vallarta’s magic will make this area excellent for water sports.
find its place in your heart forever. Deep sea fishing for sailfish, bonito,
Warmed by the breezes of trade yellowfish, billfish, marlin and dorado
winds filled with the scent of spice and are favorites.
flowers, romantic and exhilarating Puerto Mountain bike and hike up
Vallarta sits beside the silver ripples of mountain trails to primitive villages,
the largest natural bay in Mexico, Bahia de swim in waterfalls or bike along the
Banderas. Set in the heart of the Mexican Pacific Ocean’s edge. Travel on horseback
through the foothills of the Sierra Madre
Riviera, with Mazatlan to the north and
Acapulco to the south, its one hundred mountains and discover the natural
miles of coastline enhanced by the bluest wonders of the tropical forest. The trail
of skies, is cuddled by the lush tropical shows the rich diversity of plant life
greenery of the Sierra Madre mountains. found here.
For the more adventurous,
This magical paradise known
throughout the world is an international bungee jumping and hot air ballooning is
tourist resort. It is loved for its natural available.
beauty, its crystal waters that flirt with Ecoturism
Whale Watching: Every year
pristine beaches, and unhurried lifestyle. from November to March the humpback
It savors the flavor and charm of a small
Mexican town with the luxuries of a city. whales visit Banderas Bay on a
Senses were stirred in the 1930s reproduction process searching for
when small groups of international warmer waters. Turtle Protection Project,
tourists discovered the tranquility of this from June to September, turtles nest in
Banderas Bay. The eggs are collected and
quaint fishing village. By the l950’s word
was out, and the serenity and natural transported to protected areas. The day
beauty of sleepy Puerto Vallarta emerged after the turtles hatch they are released
into a small town. But it wasn’t until the into the sea. Bird Watching has Vallarta
filming of “Night of the Iguana,” in 1963, home to an abundance of birdlife
including egrets, herons, ducks, pelicans,
that it was put on the map.” It was then
that thousands flocked to see where the ibis, and many other species.
scandalous love affair of Elizabeth Taylor Attractions south of town
and Richard Burton took place. Los Arcos, the arches formed by
Sights to see three rocky islets is a favorite for diving
and snorkeling. Swimming near the beach
In the downtown area around the
Rio Cuale; whitewashed red-tiled roofs affords the best views of these ancient
border cobblestone streets that wind up cave-riddled rocks.
the hills. The Malecon, the center of town, Mismaloya Beach, six miles south
is a promenade lined with restaurants, of town, is hidden in a small natural cove
surrounded by high cliffs. In the hills on
flower filled patios, tiled floors, chic
boutiques and souvenir shops. the south side of the cove are the remains
The sculptures of The Dolphins, of a set from the, “Night of the Iguana”.
and The Arches (Los Arcos) are the Where to stay
The magnificent Westin Resort &
symbols of the Malecon, but the crown Spa Puerto Vallarta is a lush world-class
and bell tower of the Church of our Lady
of Guadalupe, is Puerto Vallarta’s most oceanfront resort across from the
distinct landmark. Alongside the covered breathtaking Marina Vallarta, with its
market are the traditional government golden sand beach and breathtaking
buildings. The Municipal Palace has a views of Banderas Bay. Bathed in
sunshine, wavering coconut palm groves
mural by Manuel Lepe, Mexico’s favorite
artist, and the Museo Del Chale, a small surround four meandering swimming
museum, has displays of pre-Colombian pools, three lighted tennis courts and a
artifacts. full health and fitness center. In a tropical
In Gringo Gulch, the Elizabeth atmosphere, the ambience of colonial
Taylor-Richard Burton old house Casa Mexico abounds with shapes and hues in
Kimberly, looks out over Banderas Bay. stone, terra cotta tile and wood. The
The seven story, nine bedroom, twelve interior decor is highlighted by Mexican
bath, abode is connected by a walking crafts. Tastefully blended are luxurious
bridge to the guest house. John Huston’s amenities, featuring the custom designed,
plush and sumptuous beds.
passion for Puerto Vallarta, was
responsible for leading Taylor and Burton Westin Kids Club offers a
to the home, during the time he was children’s program designed to make the
directing “Night of the Iguana”. It is now stay of all children under 7 a lot more fun, Continued on Page 14 - Puerto Vallarta

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