Puerto Vallarta is one of the most important tourism destinations in North America with an incredible number of tours, activities, shops and restaurants catering to visitors. But what about getting off the tourist trail and exploring Puerto Vallarta like a local? It’s easier than you may think and here are some of our best tips:
• Skip the sit-down dinner and choose one of Vallarta’s amazing taco stands
Seafood, fish, pork or beef… there is a taco for everybody! How do you know a good taco stand from a not-so-good one? Look for the lineup of locals. If locals are eating there, you should be too!
• Skip the packaged tours and venture out on your own
Instead of taking a huge tour boat to explore the south beaches like Yelapa and Los Animas, take a water taxi from Los Muertos beach and have your own private adventure.
• Skip the souvenir shops and do your shopping in Pitillal
Do you really need another screened t-shirt? Go to bustling neighborhood of Pitillal and poke through the shops where you can find really almost anything including hand-tooled cowboy boots, beautiful embroidery work, ceramics and more. Added bonus: stop and admire the beautiful church and grab a “raspado“(like a Mexican snow cone) in the central plaza.
Puerto Vallarta is a very safe destination with warm and friendly people, so don’t be afraid to get out and explore on your own. Talk to your Resorts by Pinnacle Concierge for more advice about experiencing Puerto Vallarta like a local.
