Puerto Vallarta

TripAdvisor has released its list of 2011′s top twenty-five destinations in the world as voted by passionate travellers & aficionados. Once again, Puerto Vallarta proudly been honoured with an appearance on the list of top world tourist destinations.

Known as the top beach destination in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta as a beach destination offers over twenty-six miles of beaches that separate this coastal city from many of the other beach resorts on the honour roll.

The state of Nayarit expects to receive 2011, with 3 million domestic and international travelers, which means an increase of 7.1 percent over 2010.

Last year more than 2 million 800 thousand passengers visited from U.S. and Canada, in addition to the household, said in an interview with Edwin Hernandez Quintero, Secretary of Tourism of the entity (Sendetur).

Investments and 90 percent of the tourist infrastructure is concentrated in locations on the coast and Nuevo Vallarta, Compostela, Punta Mita, Sayulita, among others.

The official indicated that “60 percent of the tourists received at the destination are in North America, its main market and the strongest. ” Therefore, promoting the rule is aimed at that market. The remaining 40 percent coming from the interior of Mexico.

In the last three years the Canadian tourist arrivals increased 100 percent since promotion strategies were undertaken in that country with wholesalers, tour operators, travel agencies and airlines.

El estado de Nayarit espera recibir este 2011 cerca de 3 millones de viajeros nacionales e internacionales, lo cual significa una aumento de 7.1 por ciento respecto a 2010.

El año pasado los visitaron más de 2 millones 800 mil viajeros de Estados Unidos y Canadá, además de los domésticos, explica en entrevista Edwin Hernández Quintero, secretario de Turismo de la entidad (Sendetur).

Las inversiones y 90 por ciento de la infraestructura turística se concentran en localidades ubicadas en la costa como Nuevo Vallarta, Compostela, Punta Mita, Sayulita, entre otras.

El funcionario indica que “60 por ciento de los turistas recibidos en el destino son de Norteamérica, siendo su principal y el más fuerte mercado”. Por lo anterior, la promoción del estado se dirige a ese mercado. El 40 por ciento restante llega del interior de la República Mexicana.

En los últimos tres años el arribo de turistas canadiense aumentó 100 por ciento, ya que se emprendieron estrategias de promoción en ese país con mayoristas, tour operadores, agencias de viajes y aerolíneas.

When you think of Puerto Vallarta, an image of all-inclusive resorts and typical tourist attractions may spring to mind. Because of time constraints, many vacationers to Vallarta unfortunately miss the rich food, art and culture scene that bubbles beneath the facade. The city is a magnet for talented artists, chefs, writers, musicians and instructors.

I am in PV for a six-month solo writing sojourn and love the blend of metropolitan life with small-town heart.

For those who prefer a homey holiday, cooking here is a pleasure with the neighbourhood markets’ availability of freshly picked produce, herbs, cheese, fish, seafood and meat. On Saturdays, the Old Town Farmer’s Market is filled with gourmet goodies made by vendors from around the globe.

On Sundays, a similar market is held in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a beautiful town an hour north of Vallarta. The friendly ambience and live music are reason enough to go.

The Emiliano Zapata Mercado is a 10-minute walk from Old Town and thrills me each time I visit. The stalls burst with the colour of exotic fruits and vegetables, and you’ll find farm-fresh eggs, free-range chicken and meat from local butchers. The 5 de Diciembre Mercado specializes in fish with several good produce stands. There are a few small loncherias inside, including Chicama, with tasty Peruvian-Chinese cuisine served to order by world-class chef Fernando Tomasini.

Puerto Vallarta is a great destination on all parameters. It’s a one of a kind town which is blessed with natural beauty as well as an old world charm.

Many people from all over the world settle down in Puerto Vallarta in search of relaxation and pleasure. No wonder, Puerto Vallarta is ranked as America’s favorite retirement beach-resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta is rich colonial and historical center which is hotbed for cultural activity round the year.

But what draw the crowds to its shores are its beaches! Here are some of the best Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit beaches

1) Bucerias Beach: With its golden beaches stretching for miles and gentle waves this beach is a perennial favorite among families. Dotted with many beachfront restaurants and a small town, this beach is perfect for a relaxed day on the beach.

Seafood lovers will relish giant oysters among many other delicacies. Boasting of the longest beach, it provides ample space for everyone to play around.

A steady breeze makes the beach cool and fresh and is a boon during summers. The town also offers a lot in terms of dining and shooing. Tourists with any kind of budget can savor a wide range of local cuisines. A vibrant outdoor market is a great fun for those who want to shop for souvenirs to take back home. You will also get to experience the local culture Mexico is famous for.

2) Destiladeras (Punta de Mita): Puerto Vallarta locals simply love this beach. During holidays one can find the beach filled with families soaking sun as if it will go out of fashion the next day!

Sand is white which adds to the beauty of this beach. The beach is wide which give everybody enough space to frolic around.