It may be less than a month away, but spring break is here at last. The time of year when college students of all ages put their coursework to the side and travel to the coastal meccas of the world in search of an escape from academic life. Before hitting the beach, however, one must first determine their choice of location. Some destinations, for example, might be more expensive than others while some might have more to offer in terms of accommodations or recreation amenities.
So if you’re searching for an ideal place to spend your spring break, look no further. Because Boro has the perfect vacation spot in mind. It’s home to sparkling blue waters and lush green forests, cobblestone streets, and trendy nightclubs. We refer, of course, to…
PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO!
Situated on the scenic Bahía de Banderas and located in the western state of Jalisco, this beach resort city will have you itching to leave the plane before it has the chance to touch down. Read on to learn about everything Puerto Vallarta (P.V. for short) has to offer and maybe you’ll end up contemplating a trip here.
For this article, Boro will concentrate on four key factors that play an integral part in P.V.‘s tourism industry: sightseeing, recreation, nightlife and cuisine.
But first…
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Founded under the name Las Peñas, P.V. started out a small fishing village designated by Spanish mining companies as a loading-unloading site for supplies. By 1918, it was officially known as Puerto Vallarta (so named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco) and evolved into a spot known for its natural beauty and agriculture. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that P.V. was launched into the limelight.
In 1963, actor-writer-director John Huston used Mismaloya, an isolated cove located some 8 to 9 miles south of P.V. proper, as the backdrop for his film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana. During shooting, the city found itself at the center of worldwide attention due to the frenzy surrounding leading man Richard Burton’s decision to invite fellow actress and longtime lover Elizabeth Taylor to Mexico.
Huston’s purchase of a house near the filming location and the statue erected outside the Cuale River Island’s Cultural Center in his honor boosted P.V.‘s profile even further, attracting visitors as well as investors. From the 1970s onwards, what was once a mere village became a flourishing tourism metropolis.
This, of course, brings us to the present day and to the places and experiences that may have you excited to visit P.V. come spring.
SIGHTSEEING
Looking for things to do? P.V. has something for everyone, whether they’re into strolling through museums (the Naval History Museum and ChocoMuseo are definite musts) or walking past buildings that show off architectural beauty (Boro recommends a visit to the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, known for its spectacular crown). Should you wind up in Mismaloya (about a 20 minute journey by bus), you have a chance to see what remains of the Night of the Iguana set and imagine yourself watching Tennessee Williams’ story of lust, morality and redemption unfold.
RECREATION
Mountain biking through the Sierra Madre Mountains or snorkeling in the Bahía de Banderas. Going whale watching or going zip lining. No matter what catches your eye or what you decide, there are hundreds of options to choose from when it comes to recreation. Boro personally recommends the following locations: Nogalito Eco Park, which boasts an array of amenities (from tequila tastings to in-house shamans) that come included with all hiking and zip line tours; Majahuitas, a scenic beach retreat accessible only by sea that’s perfect for those who merely wish to disconnect and unwind; and EDENVA, an ecotourism natural park where adventure waits around every corner.
NIGHTLIFE
After lounging on the sand and soaking up sunshine, what better way to cap off a perfect day then spending a night on the town? If you’re searching for something simplistic, take part in a Mexican fiesta dinner show (complete with folk dances and fireworks) or stroll along the Malecón, a 1.5-mile seafront promenade that boasts quaint stores, colorful street performers and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at sunset. Looking for the exact opposite? Go club hopping. P.V. offers a wide selection of nightclubs, cabarets and bars that cater to your every whim, many of which are LGBT-friendly. Boro recommends La Santa and Strana, the ultimate discotheques for students who just want to dance until dawn, as well as Rhythms of the Night: Savia, a spectacular dinner theatre experience from the minds behind Cirque du Soleil.
CUISINE
Want to experience Mexican culture at its best? Take a Vallarta food tour and sample a wide variety of gourmet dishes, from handcrafted tacos to freshly-caught seafood. Should you find yourself in the mood to sit down and eat, book a table at the Café des Artistes (specializing in both French and Mexican cuisine, the perfect place for those in need of a romantic candlelit dinner to go).
We at Boro hope our in-depth profile provides inspiration as you and your friends start deciding where to spend your spring break. Interested in setting up a monthly payment plan? Click here to visit our payment plan guide and click here to start an online application today.