I am a HUGE fan of Mexico! I've now been to almost every major resort area in the country and I have to say out of all the cities I got a very different (and GOOD) vibe from Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta sits on the Banderas Bay on the Pacific side of the country. Puerto Vallarta has quite a love story actually... It became a known tourist area with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's affair. The couple lived in Casa Kimberly (which is open for tours) for many years after the filming of Burton's "Night of the Iguana." Another great pop culture fact, the famous television series The Love Boat was centered around the Pacific Princess, a cruise ship that sailed between Los Angeles and Puerto Vallarta.
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My last trip to Puerto Vallarta was in October of 2009. I stayed at the All Inclusive Golden Crowne Paradise. The hotel was clean, friendly staff, had some good dining options, and ultimately was very cost effective, however, I would not stay here again. There are other properties available that are much nicer for only a little bit more $$.
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| Golden Crowne Paradise Pool |
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| Sheraton Pool |
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| Westin Lobby Entrance |
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| Velas Vallarta Art |
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| Hotel Cooking Experience |
While I was in Puerto Vallarta, I took an excursion to San Sebastian a very, VERY small town up in the hills of the Pacific coast. San Sebastian was a prosperous mining town in the 1700s and little has changed. Although it is no longer a thriving city, their church, cobblestone streets, coffee plantations, and 18th century haciendas remain untouched by time.
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| Hacienda artifacts |
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| Hacienda Jalisco |
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| Coffee Plantation |
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| San Sebastian Church |
Lastly, I'll leave you with some city views...
