Story and photography by David Lewis Taylor

Cosmopolitan dining and vibrant nightlife are notable additions to the nearly overwhelming mix of offerings and activities for visitors to culturally rich Puerto Vallarta. Traditions and trends ramble together with the same stunning drama as the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean on Puerto Vallarta’s picturesque south shore. This seaside resort town is also the cultural and business center for the local and surrounding communities, and the residents have embraced the tourism industry and enjoy the festivities, excitement, and natural wonders like tourist themselves. During the day tourist filling the Mayan crafts shops of Folk Art Row, handiwork and emporiums, fine design shops and historical and cultural landmarks share the cobblestone streets with locals shopping in the traditional markets. Later in the day the many art galleries that present modern works and exquisite traditional Mexican arts and crafts are buzzing with energy. The day’s exciting crescendo for both locals and tourist alike is a leisure stroll along the Malecón in the evenings. As the sun sets over the Banderas Bay this wide sidewalk fills people who find and the sand sculpture builders, local performers and craft stands captivating. People watching is a major pastime here and the excitement of the young and old alike is palatable.

No matter how you have spent your day, shopping, golfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, visiting historic San Sebastian, horseback riding, or zooming among the tree tops on zip-lines at Canopy Tours De Los Veranos, you can further indulge your senses at night. High ceilings braced with vivid orange columns create modern elegance at Azul 96 a restaurant and sky bar that would be at home in any international capital cities most trendy district. This avant-garde gourmet restaurant uses global ingredients to create a distinctive and unique cuisine. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list and in 2006 received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for having one of the most outstanding wine lists in Mexico. The sky bar overlooks the town and stylishly hip guests revel with cocktails, music and moonlight. It is the place to be seen in PV at night.

Upscale world-class fine dining at Tikul is intriguingly delicious. Located on Marina Vallarta boardwalk with views to the harbor, the rich toned and sparkling interior is elegant and refined. The Pacific Cuisine is outstanding and the pairing of the finest ingredients is unique and innovative. Award winning master chef for Tikul Jose Guerrero, and corporate chef for the APG restaurant group which owns Tikul, La Palapa, Vista Grill and Quimixto Surf Taco, is an exceptional talent and an impressive addition to the culinary talents that have opened restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.

Many fine chefs from around the world have made Puerto Vallarta home of their signature restaurants and there is an abundance of great dining experiences to be enjoyed. During the yearly Gourmet Festival in November, a jovial excitement is in the air as the acclaimed chefs prepare special menus with invited celebrity chefs. At the world-class and award wining Café des Artistes Chef, and owner Thierry Blouet masterfully blends provincial Mexican flavors with classic French cuisine creating epicurean works of art.

At Trio chef-owners Bernhard Guth and Ulf Henriksson have created a culinary institution that is fondly revered for its outstanding cuisine, attentive service and welcoming atmosphere. For delectable oceanfront dining Las Casitas at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and captivating views of Banderas Bay, the Sierra Madre Mountains and downtown Puerto Vallarta.

Also at the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is the most spacious (22,000 square feet) and complete spa in Puerto Vallarta. To insure guest a unique and memorable spa experience the Ohtli Spa features both design innovations and specialized signature treatments.

Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination for the curious traveler offerings visitor’s opportunities for outdoor adventures, historical and cultural discovery, exceptional dining experiences, glittering nightlife and warm hospitality for all.

www.visitpuertovallarta.com