Food Recommendations
Some of these restaurants are within easy walking distance. A short taxi ride away is the Versalles neighbourhood, 'foodie' heaven. Further away are the Malecon, Romantic Zone and Marina restaurants, with a slightly longer (but still affordable) taxi ride.
Within easy walking distance:
Outback - Burgers & Steak. Main Rd next door to Abbraccio. Within walking distance.
40 locals recommend
Outback Steakhouse
4690 Blvd. Francisco Medina AscencioWithin easy walking distance:
Outback - Burgers & Steak. Main Rd next door to Abbraccio. Within walking distance.
Within easy walking distance:
Abbraccio - basic Italian favourites. Across the road from where the street from the Krystal Hotel intersects the Main road. Within walking distance.
Abbraccio Cucina Italiana
2590 Boulevard Francisco Medina AscencioWithin easy walking distance:
Abbraccio - basic Italian favourites. Across the road from where the street from the Krystal Hotel intersects the Main road. Within walking distance.
Within easy walking distance: Zeferino’s provides tasty, authentic Italian pizzas. Looks like a hole in the wall at first, but the unpretentious entrance opens into a delightful open air courtyard. Within walking distance.
Zeferino´s Pizza
2700 Av. Francisco Medina AscencioWithin easy walking distance: Zeferino’s provides tasty, authentic Italian pizzas. Looks like a hole in the wall at first, but the unpretentious entrance opens into a delightful open air courtyard. Within walking distance.
Within easy walking distance: Porfirio’s - Mexican. South on Main Rd at Peninsula Centre. Within walking distance.
31 locals recommend
Porfirio's Puerto Vallarta | Restaurante de comida mexicana
2485 Av. Francisco Medina AscencioWithin easy walking distance: Porfirio’s - Mexican. South on Main Rd at Peninsula Centre. Within walking distance.
Downtown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Veggitalia - Italian - small, intimate - authentic. Malecon Zone, Calle Corona.
26 locals recommend
Veggitalia
172 CoronaDowntown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Veggitalia - Italian - small, intimate - authentic. Malecon Zone, Calle Corona.
Downtown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Barcelona Tapas - Spanish - for a special night out. Malecon Zone. Calle Matamoros.
171 locals recommend
Barcelona Tapas
906 C. MatamorosDowntown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Barcelona Tapas - Spanish - for a special night out. Malecon Zone. Calle Matamoros.
Downtown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Jerusalem Express - Falafel - vegan - hole in the wall - closes at
8pm. Romantic Zone. Calle Venustiano Carranza.
6 locals recommend
Jerusalem Express Restaurants
368 Venustiano CarranzaDowntown - needs a taxi or bus ride: Jerusalem Express - Falafel - vegan - hole in the wall - closes at
8pm. Romantic Zone. Calle Venustiano Carranza.
In the Marina - by taxi or bus: Pezlimon - Seafood - limited menu, but great prawns and spicy octopus. Marina boardwalk.
PezLimon
In the Marina - by taxi or bus: Pezlimon - Seafood - limited menu, but great prawns and spicy octopus. Marina boardwalk.
In the Marina - by taxi or bus: La Terazza - Italian - classic Italian with white tablecloths. Marina boardwalk.
9 locals recommend
La Terrazza di Roma
In the Marina - by taxi or bus: La Terazza - Italian - classic Italian with white tablecloths. Marina boardwalk.
At entrance to the Marina - by taxi or bus: Sonora Grill - Steak - high end, full service - extensive menu.
143 locals recommend
Sonora Grill Prime - Puerto Vallarta
121 Av Paseo de la Marina At entrance to the Marina - by taxi or bus: Sonora Grill - Steak - high end, full service - extensive menu.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic with attention to detail. Recommended for a casual, relatively inexpensive meal, with friendly and attentive service. Short taxi ride to Versalles neighborhood.
10 locals recommend
OPA Greek Bistro
199 D FranciaVersalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic with attention to detail. Recommended for a casual, relatively inexpensive meal, with friendly and attentive service. Short taxi ride to Versalles neighborhood.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: What a treat: small scale family restaurant. Recommend garlic prawns and grilled tuna. Perfection. Warm, friendly attentive service. Inexpensive but superb margaritas. Short taxi ride to Versalles neighborhood.
Punto Mariscos
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: What a treat: small scale family restaurant. Recommend garlic prawns and grilled tuna. Perfection. Warm, friendly attentive service. Inexpensive but superb margaritas. Short taxi ride to Versalles neighborhood.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic Greek, in a lovely setting. Located in the Versalles 'foodie' neighbourhood. Slightly higher end than the other Greek restaurants in the area.
Olive Mediterranean Cuisine
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic Greek, in a lovely setting. Located in the Versalles 'foodie' neighbourhood. Slightly higher end than the other Greek restaurants in the area.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Their tapas are simply excellent, especially the Camarones. We enjoyed the outdoor seating, attention to detail and superb service. Recommended without a doubt.
Tony's Bodega
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Their tapas are simply excellent, especially the Camarones. We enjoyed the outdoor seating, attention to detail and superb service. Recommended without a doubt.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Oregano Caribbean Cuisine - Another "foodie" must-visit in the Versalles neighbourhood. I thoroughly enjoyed the oxtail stew. Attentive service and good vibes abound. Recommended for sure.
10 locals recommend
Caribbean Cuisine
130 AldanacaVersalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Oregano Caribbean Cuisine - Another "foodie" must-visit in the Versalles neighbourhood. I thoroughly enjoyed the oxtail stew. Attentive service and good vibes abound. Recommended for sure.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: If you enjoy ceviche and aguachiles, then you've come to the right place. Theirs has to be the best ceviche served on a tostada ever. Located in the "foodie" Versalles neighbourhood, they're open only for lunch. Highly recommended.
72 locals recommend
Lamara
108 HamburgoVersalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: If you enjoy ceviche and aguachiles, then you've come to the right place. Theirs has to be the best ceviche served on a tostada ever. Located in the "foodie" Versalles neighbourhood, they're open only for lunch. Highly recommended.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic Italian. I can personally recommend the Risotto di Mariscos.
11 locals recommend
La Tosca Trattoria da Gaetano
323 C. EspañaVersalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Authentic Italian. I can personally recommend the Risotto di Mariscos.
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Specializing in tacos "Al Pastor'. Well priced and open late.
Tacos Sonorita Versalles
Versalles "foodie" neighbourhood - 30 minute walk or 80 peso taxi ride: Specializing in tacos "Al Pastor'. Well priced and open late.
Farmers' Markets
Olas Altas - Romantic Zone
Saturday 9am until 2pm.
A substantial number of food stalls, as well as handicrafts and
artwork. Worth a visit.
There is also:
Marina Market
Thursday evening 6pm - 10pm.
Pretty much a repetition of the Olas Altas vendors, but easier to navigate. Worth a visit. A nice stroll as well.
75 locals recommend
Olas Altas Saturday Market
Lázaro CárdenasOlas Altas - Romantic Zone
Saturday 9am until 2pm.
A substantial number of food stalls, as well as handicrafts and
artwork. Worth a visit.
There is also:
Marina Market
Thursday evening 6pm - 10pm.
Pretty much a repetition of the Olas Altas vendors, but easier to navigate. Worth a visit. A nice stroll as well.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
It is a 45 minute car ride to La Cruz, but this market is the best of the lot, and La Cruz is worth visiting. Highly recommended if you have your own vehicle. Sunday morning.
14 locals recommend
mercado huanacaxtle
Del MarLa Cruz de Huanacaxtle
It is a 45 minute car ride to La Cruz, but this market is the best of the lot, and La Cruz is worth visiting. Highly recommended if you have your own vehicle. Sunday morning.
My Favourite Walks
BOCA DE TOMATLAN HIKE to Playa Colomitas - is a 8km out and back trail located just south of Puerto Vallarta, that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. For details and comments from hikers, visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/mexico/jalisco/boca-de- tomatlan-hike From comments on this website, it appears that it is possible to hike one way and take a water-taxi back. Get to Boca by taxi or bus.
90 locals recommend
Boca de Tomatlan
BOCA DE TOMATLAN HIKE to Playa Colomitas - is a 8km out and back trail located just south of Puerto Vallarta, that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. For details and comments from hikers, visit https://www.alltrails.com/trail/mexico/jalisco/boca-de- tomatlan-hike From comments on this website, it appears that it is possible to hike one way and take a water-taxi back. Get to Boca by taxi or bus.
ART WALK - is a self-guided 90 minute walk in Centro, which is home to at least 12 galleries that showcase the best of Mexican art. The galleries are open Wednesdays 6-10pm until May 27th 2020. For further info, and map, visit https:// www.puertovallartaartwalk.com/ and https://www.puertovallarta.net/ what_to_do/puerto-vallarta-artwalk
190 locals recommend
Puerto Vallarta
ART WALK - is a self-guided 90 minute walk in Centro, which is home to at least 12 galleries that showcase the best of Mexican art. The galleries are open Wednesdays 6-10pm until May 27th 2020. For further info, and map, visit https:// www.puertovallartaartwalk.com/ and https://www.puertovallarta.net/ what_to_do/puerto-vallarta-artwalk
VALLARTA FOOD TOUR WALK - a 3.5 hour walk. For details visit https://vallartafoodtours.com/food-tours/the-original-downtown- tour/
190 locals recommend
Puerto Vallarta
VALLARTA FOOD TOUR WALK - a 3.5 hour walk. For details visit https://vallartafoodtours.com/food-tours/the-original-downtown- tour/
MALECON BOARDWALK
Get there by taxi or bus (see below) or car. The walk is 20 blocks, 1 mile along the seashore.
The “traditional” stretch begins at 31 de Octubre street, right next to the Rosita hotel (one block away from the Miguel Hidalgo plaza and underground parking garage), and continues southbound for several blocks as far as the Los Arcos public amphitheater. Beyond Los Arcos, the “new” Malecón continues southbound until the Isla Río Cuale pedestrian bridge. The walkway continues into Emiliano Zapata, ending at the Lázaro Cárdenas plaza and underground parking garage. Beyond this point, the promenade narrows to a sidewalk, continuing south along Los Muertos Beach until you reach Los Muertos Pier. For info about the Malecon sculptures, visit https://visitpuertovallarta.com/activity/the-boardwalk-malecon
770 locals recommend
Malecon Puerto Vallarta
S/N Paseo Díaz OrdazMALECON BOARDWALK
Get there by taxi or bus (see below) or car. The walk is 20 blocks, 1 mile along the seashore.
The “traditional” stretch begins at 31 de Octubre street, right next to the Rosita hotel (one block away from the Miguel Hidalgo plaza and underground parking garage), and continues southbound for several blocks as far as the Los Arcos public amphitheater. Beyond Los Arcos, the “new” Malecón continues southbound until the Isla Río Cuale pedestrian bridge. The walkway continues into Emiliano Zapata, ending at the Lázaro Cárdenas plaza and underground parking garage. Beyond this point, the promenade narrows to a sidewalk, continuing south along Los Muertos Beach until you reach Los Muertos Pier. For info about the Malecon sculptures, visit https://visitpuertovallarta.com/activity/the-boardwalk-malecon
Day Trips
BOTANICAL GARDENS
Requires 2 bus trips. First one is to Parque Lazaro Cardenas in
the Romantic Zone.
From PortoSanto walk to the bus stop, as shown:
• Bus fare is $7.5 pesos
• Take a bus that has BOTH Centro and Tunel written on
the windshield.
• Buses which indicate BOTH Centro and Tunel are heading
to Parque Lazaro Cardenas without stopping downtown.
• From PL Cardenas, walk 4 blocks east:
• Take a BLUE bus at the corner of V. Carranza &
Aguacate
• The windshield of the bus should state: El Tuito /
Botanical Gardens
• Buses come by every 20-30 minutes.
• Bus fare is $20 pesos
187 locals recommend
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Km 24 Carr. Costera a Barra de NavidadBOTANICAL GARDENS
Requires 2 bus trips. First one is to Parque Lazaro Cardenas in
the Romantic Zone.
From PortoSanto walk to the bus stop, as shown:
• Bus fare is $7.5 pesos
• Take a bus that has BOTH Centro and Tunel written on
the windshield.
• Buses which indicate BOTH Centro and Tunel are heading
to Parque Lazaro Cardenas without stopping downtown.
• From PL Cardenas, walk 4 blocks east:
• Take a BLUE bus at the corner of V. Carranza &
Aguacate
• The windshield of the bus should state: El Tuito /
Botanical Gardens
• Buses come by every 20-30 minutes.
• Bus fare is $20 pesos
MISMALOYA & BOCA DE TOMATLAN
• As above, catch the south bound bus to Parque Lazaro
Cardenas in the Romantic Zone.
• From PL Cardenas, walk 4 blocks east to the corner of
Basilio Badillo & Constitution (by the OXXO convenience store)
• Bus fare is $8 pesos
• Take an ORANGE & WHITE bus
• These orange & white buses only go as far as Boca de
Tomatlan
• These buses stop at: Conchas Chinas, Dreams Resort,
Presidente Intercontinental, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan
54 locals recommend
Mismaloya
MISMALOYA & BOCA DE TOMATLAN
• As above, catch the south bound bus to Parque Lazaro
Cardenas in the Romantic Zone.
• From PL Cardenas, walk 4 blocks east to the corner of
Basilio Badillo & Constitution (by the OXXO convenience store)
• Bus fare is $8 pesos
• Take an ORANGE & WHITE bus
• These orange & white buses only go as far as Boca de
Tomatlan
• These buses stop at: Conchas Chinas, Dreams Resort,
Presidente Intercontinental, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlan
From Walmart bus stop on the Main Highway, board a green-and-white Compostela bus with the word Sayulita written on the windshield. Fare is 46 pesos. Exact fare required or pay 50 pesos. No change given!
The village is vibrant, stylish, and has a super beach, well known as a premier surfing spot. The restaurant scene offers substantial diversity of cuisine from around the world. Worth a visit for sure. Especially if you come back to PV via Punta Mita and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
350 locals recommend
Sayulita
88 Avenida RevoluciónFrom Walmart bus stop on the Main Highway, board a green-and-white Compostela bus with the word Sayulita written on the windshield. Fare is 46 pesos. Exact fare required or pay 50 pesos. No change given!
The village is vibrant, stylish, and has a super beach, well known as a premier surfing spot. The restaurant scene offers substantial diversity of cuisine from around the world. Worth a visit for sure. Especially if you come back to PV via Punta Mita and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE has a marvellous Sunday Market. For more info on La Cruz visit: https://vallartatribune.com/busing-bay-destination-puerto-vallarta-la- cruz-de-huanacaxtle/
The bus to La Cruz also leaves from Walmart (see Sayulita above). However DO NOT take a bus that says Sayulita. You require a bus with “Punta de Mita” or “Mita” on the front window; they usually are “ATM” buses. You may see “Cruz” or a “+” on the window as well. Takes 60-75 minutes. Approximately 44 pesos.
116 locals recommend
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE has a marvellous Sunday Market. For more info on La Cruz visit: https://vallartatribune.com/busing-bay-destination-puerto-vallarta-la- cruz-de-huanacaxtle/
The bus to La Cruz also leaves from Walmart (see Sayulita above). However DO NOT take a bus that says Sayulita. You require a bus with “Punta de Mita” or “Mita” on the front window; they usually are “ATM” buses. You may see “Cruz” or a “+” on the window as well. Takes 60-75 minutes. Approximately 44 pesos.
PUNTA MITA attracts an upscale clientele, and features fine-dining at beachside. Worth a visit if you plan to visit Sayulita as well, especially if one takes alternative route via Punta back to Puerto Vallarta.
108 locals recommend
Punta Mita
PUNTA MITA attracts an upscale clientele, and features fine-dining at beachside. Worth a visit if you plan to visit Sayulita as well, especially if one takes alternative route via Punta back to Puerto Vallarta.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
Be gracious. Be kind. Be generous. Don't forget your manners
Good old-fashioned manners are alive and well in Mexico. Please and thank you, are used at the beginning and end of every conversation. So, begin with "Por favor" and end with "Gracias".
If a Vendor on the beach approaches you and you are not interested, just look them in the eye and say "No gracias". But be generous - buy something!
The PortoSanto Staff are just the sweetest, nicest folk. Be appreciative of what they do to keep the building so neat and tidy and well maintained. When you see one of them, just sat hello - "Hola".
Customs and culture
Be chill at the Airport!
The lines for Immigration are long but move quickly. Do not lose your copy of the ImmigrationForm as you need it at departure.
If you have checked bags, there are free trolleys located near baggage carousel 7.
Next is Customs. You will be required to tap a button which randomly selects passengers for physical baggage inspection.
Customs and culture
Taxis at the Airport
After Customs is a raucous free-for-all section
dedicated mostly to timeshare salesmen. Just say ‘no gracias’ to whomever approaches you.
Thereafter are the various ‘authorized’ taxi operators. Just choose one. They all seem to charge charge the same
ridiculous rates! You will be escorted to a holding area on the
sidewalk, where eventually a cab will come. Be patient. The arrival ‘challenge’ is nearly over, as the ride to PortoSanto takes about 10 minutes. Be generous to your driver, as he has probably waited for over an hour in the taxi holding pen for his turn!!
Book before you go
Before you arrive
Download the WHATSAPP app. It’s a cheap way to text or
talk locally or internationally. It’s also the easiest & fastest way
to make contact with our Property Managers.
Download the UBER app. It might come in useful, and is
lower cost than taxis.