During my stay in Bucerias, Mexico, I made a day trip to Puerto Vallarta, a 20-minute ride from Bucerias where I am living.  This colonial city became famous back in the 1960s, thanks to a global tabloid sensation when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, both married to other people were carrying on a scandalous love affair during the filming of “The Night of the Iguana” (Can’t imagine that being a scandal today!).

Puerto Vallarta features both colonial and modern architecture recognized internationally as a resort beach town. Its boardwalk, known as El Malecon, includes unique surrealist sculptures along with boutiques, galleries, bars, and restaurants. I have visited this town several times over the past 15 years, and it has undergone significant changes each time, increasing its popularity. A fun place to stay or visit throughout the year….

 

First, A Bit of History

Back in the 17th century, Puerto Vallarta, known then as Las Peñas was a shipping port that evolved into a self-sustaining village. It also became known for its banana plantations which helped grow its economy in the 18th century. By the 19th century, it was attracting the attention of vacationers due to its pristine beaches and landscapes and with a bit of help from Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton forbidden romance escapades.

Today, Puerto Vallarta is not only a popular vacation resort, but it now is a place where there are many retirement and second home communities populated by Mexican residents and expats mostly from Canada and the US.

As Puerto Vallarta gained international recognition, areas like Nuevo Vallarta (renamed, Nuevo Nayarit) have expanded, creating job opportunities and increasing the population. Nuevo Nayarit is a more modern style resort area, a mix of hotels, condos, timeshares and marinas, whereas Puerto Vallarta is more traditional and older. They are only about a 15-minute drive from each other.

 Bucerias, where I recently purchased a condo is next to Nuevo Nayarit (approximately  6 miles).   The entire area, also known as the Bahia of Bandera is within 10 -15 minutes from the airport.  Puerto Vallarta is in an earthquake–prone region where people can experience slight tremors.  The area is rarely impacted by hurricanes due to the shape of the bay and the Sierra Madres mountains which helps deflect storms.

 

My Living in Bucerias

I am now going on three months living in Bucerias and most likely will be here all of June and most of July. Purchasing a place and getting it furnished and ready for renting does take time.  Here you learn to pace yourself and are reminded that there is always “mañana”.  Everyday there are deliveries and things to do besides walking the beach and getting to know the neighborhood. To learn more about my buying into Bucerias, click here. In next month’s newsletter, there will be more on the challenges and benefits of owning property in a foreign country.

As we enter the months of June and July, it is becoming extremely hot and humid in Mexico and Central America where I plan to go next. For now, I am on a mission to get this place ready and get back on my solo travels to other countries.

 

What Do in Puerto Vallarta?

 As mentioned earlier, this is truly a colorful resort beach town where water is king.  Just about every water activity can be done here, from sailing to snorkeling and much more.  I was down for a day and so my focus was on walking this colonial city packed with so much shopping, art galleries and dining options. Outside the center city there are ziplines, ATV rides and horseback riding. None, I did today, although I had on prior trips. I plan to revisit the city during my remaining days in Bucerias to take advantage of several of their tours and to continue to enjoy this city’s unique cultural vibe.

 

Final Note and Photos  

Not all is fine in paradise. The Puerto Vallarta region does have its fair share of environmental issues it must tackle.  The water crisis which is really a global problem is of concern as urbanization continues to spread, leading to air pollution, deforestation and the lack of clean water. Overall, it is a safe area having lower crime rates with strong foreign tourism interests.  It has a less than adequate public transportation system although Ubers are relatively cheap here. Over time, its rapid expansion will become a growing concern. My photos are mostly of the downtown center of Puerto Vallarta, its beach and people.

January 2020 was the last time I visited Puerto Vallarta, staying at a timeshare in Nuevo Nayarit.  This visit was three months before the Pandemic hit the world in March. I specifically made the trip to once and for all work on finalizing the development of my blog (which I did).  Click here to read this story and view photos taken.

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