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Exploring Old Town In Puerto Vallarta
ost visitors to Puerto
Vallarta are familiar with In addition to families that have
the beaches and resorts of lived and worked in the area for
the Hotel Zone and Marina generations, many expatriates
Vallarta. Yet, many tourists also reside here. These Americans
overlook historic Viejo Vallarta, and Europeans are drawn to the
the most authentically Mexican old-fashioned ambiance of the
section of this amazing city. neighborhood in addition to the
Here you can experience a true more relaxed way of life. Just
‘South of the Border’ environment like the residents, you will
with a friendliness not known in easily find everything you are
the more tourist-dominated areas. looking for on your Mexican
vacation, from shops with truly
Viejo Vallarta, also known as Old unique souvenirs to
Town, is a maze of cobblestone independently-owned markets with
streets lined with charming inns, all the essentials.
independently-owned restaurants
and galleries showcasing the One of Puerto Vallarta's most
area’s artists. Perhaps the first popular activities is to stroll
thing you will notice when down the famous Restaurant Row,
walking through Old Town is the located on Basilio Badillo Street
lack of modern development. in OldTown. This area features
Amongst the traditional brick several blocks of restaurants,
buildings and tree-lined paths, bars and cafes that can cater to
you will find bakeries turning any palette with everything from
out dozens of delicious pastries, gourmet European cuisine to
boutiques with handmade clothing, rustic local recipes. After you
relaxing sidewalk cafes and tiny are done eating, there is plenty
markets with unique local of entertainment to be found with
products. live music and dancing in the
numerous cantinas and clubs. Many beginning in 1929, the
of the bars and restaurants also cathedral’s open-air theater has
allow you to sample many of the been used for events and
tequilas that this region is festivals since its construction.
known for.
If you are planning a Mexican
Another popular event in Viejo vacation, the month of December
Vallarta is the Old Town Art may be the best time to visit
Walk. Every Wednesday between Viejo Vallarta. You will be able
October and April, 17 galleries to enjoy the 12-day Festival for
hold free cocktail receptions Our Lady of Guadalupe centered at
that are always open to the the grounds of the cathedral,
public. In the galleries, you wander through the galleries and
will find everything from enjoy some of the finest cuisine
authentic Mexican arts and crafts Mexico has to offer.
to contemporary paintings from
the region’s most challenging It should be noted that many
artists. Puerto Vallarta tours avoid Viejo
Vallarta altogether, opting
One of Puerto Vallarta’s most instead for more-expensive
recognizable landmarks, the tourist destinations. Try to find
Cathedral of Our Lady of a tour that highlights Old Town,
Guadalupe, also rests within the or simply visit the neighborhood
narrow streets of Old Town. The on your own. If for any reason
church towers above the you fear leaving the safety of
neighborhood and has been at the the Hotel Zone, keep in mind that
center of local religious life Viejo Vallarta is incredibly
for nearly 80 years. clean and safe for visitors of
all ages.
Built over a 12-year period
Unlike other areas of Puerto Hotel Zone, keep in mind that
Vallarta, Viejo Vallarta simply there is an authentic Mexican
allows you to meander, relax and town just around the corner. If
shop without commissioned you travel to Puerto Vallarta
salesmen. Furthermore, once you hoping to get a taste of the real
leave your resort, the values you Mexico, Viejo Vallarta should
will find in Viejo Vallarta might definitely be part of your
surprise you. Even if you enjoy itinerary.
all the glitz and glamour of the
About the Author:
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about travel in Mexico for the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort
Read more articles by: Justin Burch
Article Source: www.iSnare.com |
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