The next place you should go in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta. I was once told that it is better to visit Mazatland, then Puerto Vallarta, then Cancun if you are planning more than one trip to Mexico because then the ocean and experience will get better and better every time you go. If you deviate from that order, I’ve heard that it may hinder your experience because of the cleanliness of the cities and the clarity of the oceans.
Puerto Vallarta was turned into a tourist spot when the 1964 movie “Night of the Laguna” came out. You can tan on the beach, fish or sail around, walk through the Plaza de Armas and Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, and visit Miamaloya Beach near Los Arcos National Park.
When I got the chance to go to Puerto Vallarta last year, I arrived on a Wednesday which unfortunately was the day of the Bullfighting. I thought it would be a great experience to see Mexican Bullfighting (although a bit gross to see a bull die and people pay to watch that). I also saw signs for cockfighting (which would also be something new to see with a great story attached, I’m sure).
While on the resort, I swam with dolphins, rode a zip line, parasailed, walked the Boardwalk, partied on New Years 2007, and had a blast with all of the tourists. For a couple days, I went off the resort to the flee markets and bartered my way into great deals on a bunch of knock offs! I’m just waiting to be able to visit Cancun and see what it has in store!
Thank you for sharing you insights into Puerto Vallarta. I hear it is one of the top places for Baby Boomers to retire. I will be traveling down to Puerto Vallarta this summer to see what everyone is talking about.