Categoría: 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta

  • Locked Up/Locked Out In Puerto Vallarta

    Puerto Vallarta has an abundance of locksmiths and we don’t say that lightly. Many ferreterias (hardware stores) will make keys, if you can find someone to help, but your best bet is to find the local locksmith that your friends recommend. They are everywhere. The first time we went searching for a locksmith in Puerto Vallarta, we walked around our corner and almost lost our hat on a large low-hanging wooden key, painted bright red that was strung above the sidewalk. There was another one directly across the street! Brothers, we found out, who both had learned the trade from their father, who had his own little shop several streets over.

    Since there is such a profusion of locksmiths, the competition is a little fierce. Speed seems to be the skill most widely performed in the process. Not always the best. We are a big fan of slow and methodical.

    Where we come from north of the border, having keys made is not expensive, nor is it in Puerto Vallarta but we usually don’t take our keys to be made. We have a different method of operation when we need a new key. It is so cheap to have a locksmith come to your home, and the end product will be much more satisfactory. We have never paid more than $500 pesos for the most complicated procedure and house calls seem to run about $350. Compare.

    When you take a key to be made on a cutting machine, a direct copy is made, notch by knick. Chances are you will get back home and find that it doesn’t work at all. The reason for this is simple: the key you handed off to be copied is most likely also a copy. You cannot keep making copies of copies. Originals can be hard to come by so we conquer that dilemma by starting out with a brand new lock and key. It’s the best solution.

    In Puerto Vallarta, the locksmith’s job is not completed until the lock is secure and your key actually opens the lock. It’s an amazingly quick procedure. When buying property one of the first things one should do it change the lock, regardless of what country you’re in; there is no telling who has copies and it is such an easy fix!

    Que cómo es es.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Vallarta Has A Shark Tank

    We have many friends who own and love their timeshare properties in Puerto Vallarta. Some purchased many years ago with older companies and have sustained and broadened their ownership over decades. The buildings are well maintained, with staff whose familiarity is the result of loyalty and trust.

    Newer timeshares are abundant and seem to pop up daily. We find that if we don’t cruise through all familiar areas on a customary basis, tall structures seem to appear like magic, surprising and amazing us.

    It’s not difficult to buy into a timeshare nor to find someone willing to sell you one. As a matter of fact, a simple stroll down the Malecón can be all that’s required. When someone asks are you on vacation? …you may find yourself in a conversation that leads to your vacation destinations for the rest of your life. That’s not always a bad thing. We do like planning ahead.

    There is, however, a navigable response for those who find themselves in what has come to be known as the Shark Tank at Puerto Vallarta’s airport. So named for the manner in which the timeshare representatives approach tourists disembarking from foreign flights. Many hold signs that might seem familiar to the weary traveler, whose main objective is more than likely an icy margarita and a cool pool. In a small arena where the noise is at a jet engine level and people shout from all directions, one can be easily distracted. According to some whom we’ve spoken with, The Tank is a great place to get free tickets for jet ski rentals, snorkeling trips, dinners, ziplines and what-have-you; all for the exchange of a 90 minute presentation and the possibility of buying a week or more at one of the fabulous hotels dotting the coast of our lovely bay. However, not everyone is interested, regardless of how persuasive the agents seem to be.

    For us, it’s easy to escape the sharks. We simply respond to their appeals with a quick and arrogant We live here, and are immediately dismissed. For our visiting friends, however, it’s a different story. Confused and often armed with their own sets of questions, they are embraced and welcomed by these Vendors of Vacation Values. To be forewarned is simply good preparation and one is able to make one’s own choices regarding time spent listening to little lectures and watching lively videos. If you’re not interested in timeshare, walk straight through this melee and shut your ears to any and all pleas for your attention. You won’t be hurting anyone’s feelings and you’ll not end up having been a participant in a feeding frenzy. It’s really as simple as that.

    Que es cómo es.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Puerto Vallarta’s Fabulous Weather

    The change of seasons is upon us. Fall is in the air and soon weather temperatures will drop and cold weather will arrive.

    More and more Americans and Canadians are spending their winters in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, as it is an ideal “snowbird” destination. Puerto Vallarta is a friendly place to live and it has a low cost of living, it’s safe and it offers many activities year round. It is located in the heart of Mother Nature’s lush jungle between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains.

    The main reason foreigners find Puerto Vallarta so attractive is this: the Average February

    Temperature (F) High/Low

    Chicago 34/18

    Seattle 49/38

    San Francisco 59/47

    Denver 47/20

    Vancouver 46/34

    Calgary 31/10

    Toronto 29/15

    Montreal 24/10

    New York City 40/27

    Puerto Vallarta 84/64!!!

    Sunshine, warm days and pleasant evenings all winter long makes the lifestyle here wonderful. Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to live out those cold winter months.

    This said, Puerto Vallarta has been my home for many years now and I must admit that the summer and early fall months can be magical. The lush tropical mountains offer deep greens and the ocean is an incredible deep to turquoise blue. The almost daily afternoon rains cool everything off in the evenings and Puerto Vallarta becomes a stunning display of Mother Nature. Welcome to Mexico, Bienvenidos!

    Russell Faulkner

    russell@timothytealestategroup.com


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  • Smile, Dance & Nap in Puerto Vallarta

    Have you noticed how friendly everyone is here in Puerto Vallarta? We walk down the street and all the Mexicans we pass bid us a good morning, afternoon or evening, depending on the time of day. “Buen dia“ (have a good day) is often a common parting comment. Everyone smiles! It’s easy to tell tourists and recent arrivals from locals; they stare straight ahead and tend to make one feel invisible. A good lesson to learn from Latin Americans is their amiability, good nature and willingness to lend a hand. We know that in the north if our car battery dies, for example while leaving the lights on in a parking lot, we need to call AAA for a jump. Here in Puerto Vallarta, we can barely get the cables out of the trunk before someone slams on their breaks, jumps out and pops open their hood.

    We also love the way Mexicans sing and whistle a tune, when going about their business. The ladies at the lavanderia, where we drop off our dirty laundry, sing love songs while they sort, iron and fold. We pick up our clean clothes and linens and tip extra for the lovely smiles and serenades. Our gardener whistles melodically and when having little jobs done around the house, the abañiles are almost always merrily humming and singing, sometimes in full harmony!

    Mexicans love to dance and start lessons as early as kindergarten. They exhibit a constant joyfulness and this carefree movement doesn’t stop with old age. At weddings, birthday parties, quinceañeras and other celebrations, everyone dances and Mexicans broke down gender barriers long before most of us have… they dance with whomever wants to get up and move, be it a grandmother, child or crazy drunk uncle.

    Along with the easygoing attitude one finds among Mexicans in Puerto Vallarta is the ability to have a good healthy nap in the afternoon or early evening. We’ve arranged a couple of hammocks around the casa to not just add color but as an inviting place to retire for an hour or so. Traditionally, the most filling meal of the day in Mexico is midday, even though work hours and the loss of traditional afternoon closing times have altered that convention. We continue to honor it, however, with grace, and when clubbing, advise submitting to a “disco nap” enabling one to endure dancing hours. Naps at all daytime hours are healthy and highly recommended.

    Que es cómo es.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Vallarta: The Reasons Are the Same For Owning As Renting

    Why Stay in a Villa?

    Puerto Vallarta has many villas for rent in different systems, all catering to similar and divergent tastes and requirements. Some are strictly gay villas and proprietors are permitted to decide these parameters. There are several who will not rent to families, starting with no one under 6, or 12 or 18, depending on whatever their criteria happens to be. There are so many more that are more than happy to welcome large groups and all ages, including as many generations as you’ve got!

    You may be greeted by an owner or simply have a code box with a hidden key. A houseman or mozo could be waiting at the door and some villas in Puerto Vallarta are fully staffed. This can mean one maid and a gardener/handyman or could extend to cooks, servers, chauffeurs, laundry personnel. It all depends on the size of the house and/or the budget.

    Why choose a villa over a hotel in Puerto Vallarta? The list is myriad but here are a few good reasons:

    • The staff either retreats to their own quarters after dinner is served or they go to their own homes in or about Puerto Vallarta, and return in the morning. You have the house to yourself and can do whatever you want within the constraints of legality and respectability. Usually a bar is left open and there are often leftovers to munch on. You can ask the cook, if there is one, to make something special for you. If you have a pet, it’s a much easier adjustment for them.
    • Avoid the hustle and bustle of offloading in a lobby, standing in lines; even the priciest hotels have check-in procedures. Skip them. If you rent a villa that has a staff, there’s a good chance fresh margaritas will await you, along with appetizers. If you’ve checked into somewhere that you’re the only people present, you can flop on a couch and check you’re your email; don’t have to be polite to anyone; or jump in the cool pool to unscramble your brain cells.
    • Cooking from home. You’ll most likely be asked for meal and grocery selections prior to arrival. If you cook some meals on your own, you’ll save a bundle on dining out. Staffed homes will add a surcharge, usually around 20% to the food and drink bill but it will still be far cheaper in the long run. Or you can experience a Mexican supermarket and do your own shopping.
    • If you want to bring a large group, this is really the way to do it. Do your research; don’t jump on the first offer you find. In a very short search, we found a villa in Puerto Vallarta, minutes away from town, sleeps 10, is fully staffed and has a large pool, $1,175/day. That, mind you, is $117 per person for a very luxurious vacation. Your friends’ jaws will drop when they see your photos.

    There are so many reasons to stay in a villa in Puerto Vallarta but this gives you the general idea and should get you excited, now! Start googling! Buen viaje!

    Que es cómo es.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.


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  • Valentine’s Day in Puerto Vallarta

    Luckily for many of us, just being in Puerto Vallarta says it all for Valentine’s Day!  But, if you really want to enjoy, relax and dazzle your friend, partner, husband or wife, please allow me to give  you a few tips or recommendations for this special day.

    Hotel La Galerita

    Two special getaway boutique hotels that I think are terrific are the Hotel La Galerita  and the Hacienda Matel  in nearby San Sebastian del Oeste.  Both are romantic spots where wonderful memories can be made.  San Sebastian is a very special place that I know you will enjoy and these two properties are both exceptional.  I strongly recommend reservations for each.

    OCEAN GRILL

    Puerto Vallarta has an incredible amount of fantastic restaurants and for lunch I love to recommend Ocean Grill,  located just south of Boca de Tomatlan.  The food, atmosphere and service is wonderful!

    One of Vallarta’s  (and mine) all time favorites is Vitea, located on the Malecon, in front of the statue of San Pascual Bailon (the patron saint of kitchens and cooks). This memorable restaurantr is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all delicious!

    A fun beach front restaurant that has great food is Barracuda, located at the north end of the Malecon, at the foot of Calle San Salvador.

    Best choice to me for a lovely dining experience is TRIO, located on Calle Guerrrero in El Centro.  Fantastic food, ambiance and service are what make this successful restaurant one to definitely not be missed.

    Happy Valentines Day, 2013!

     

    Timothy Real Estate Group has professional designers and stagers that can help you prepare your home for the war.  Gorilla tactics that work because it is a Price War and a Beauty Contest that can mean making and saving more with your property investment.  Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

  • Why Choose Puerto Vallarta?

    Of all the places to go in Mexico, why should one choose Puerto Vallarta?

    Other than the designation of Friendliest City by Conde Nast, Puerto Vallarta has also been called the most romantic place in Mexico. Appealing for both friendship and love, Puerto Vallarta has the best tours we have ever been on, land or sea, tourist or local. For absolutely no money at all, one can take a hike through relatively secluded jungle, starting from Boca de Tomatlan, heading south to the beach at Las Animas. There are several coves along the way and lovely nooks and crannies for some state-of-the-art handholding. Upon arrival, many small cafés await, as well as a beautiful Cliffside restaurant (reservations are recommended.)

    It’s hard to not name names when we ordinarily avoid naming names but The Rhythms of the Night is by far, our first choice when it comes to an evening with either friends or romantic interests. Reservations are also highly recommended for this excursion where you will take a boat down the coast to Las Caletas, where John Huston built his home when he fell in love with Puerto Vallarta. Dinner and a show are on the agenda for the evening and they do afternoon trips, as well. We don’t suggest bringing kids under the age of 10 but older youngsters will love the show, which is full of talent and wonderful surprises.

    Puerto Vallarta is perfect for retirees and AARP (North American Association of Retired Persons) claims it to be the best place in the world to retire. The IFC (International Friendship Club) gladly welcomes new members; there are volunteer opportunities for pets, rescue animals, orphans, schools and the disabled, to name a few. Golf courses abound and the area boasts two yacht clubs. Not just for the more comfortably retired, Puerto Vallarta is also a mecca for those seeking to live on low incomes with a touch of class.

    TripsAdvisor lists Puerto Vallarta in their “Top 10 Destinations in Mexico” and USNews maintains Puerto Vallarta is the “Best Destination in Mexico.”

    Activities include sport fishing, boating; yacht racing, SCUBA and snorkel diving, jet skiing, parasailing; hang gliding, horseback riding, hiking, climbing, bike riding, ziplines; world class hotels and restaurants, famous taco stands; shopping; concerts, shows, jazz, blues and rock and roll; nature and eco tours; spas and wellness clinics; LBGT clubs and events.

    Whether searching for a convention venue or a discreet hideaway, there is no place quite like Puerto Vallarta.

    Que es cómo es.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Puerto Vallarta: US Politics In Mexico

    What is it about the popularity of Bill and Hillary Clinton in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta? The country adores them! It’s not just that Mexicans don’t like (to put it mildly) the opposition; they also have a Mutual Admiration Society going on with the Clintons.

    It is a fact that the Mexican government has depended on the United States judicial system to expose corruption in Mexico and the current administration of Barack Obama has been very instrumental in assisting Mexico in some very tricky matters. To consider Hillary Clinton as an extension of Obama is certainly not a negative for Mexicans and they also see the same in regards to her husband, who was very well loved. In 1995, when the peso took a headlong dive into the shallow end of the empty pool, President Bill Clinton stepped up with a plan to help Mexico out of their financial predicament. At that time, however, his ideas were rejected by the United States congress; in typical Clinton fashion, he turned around and drafted a billion dollar loan package for Mexico. The idea was to bring back what was once an international confidence to Mexico. It worked, and the government of Mexico not only paid the United Sates back but did so three years in advance of their payment schedule.

    There is no doubt that President Obama is well loved in Mexico, as he is everywhere outside of his own country where a large section of the electorate has not been happy with his social programs or, in many cases, the color of his skin. Mexicans toss this negativity aside, since a great deal of those platforms has mirrored their own. A Clinton presidency, from the perspective of those we have spoken to in Puerto Vallarta, would look a lot like that of the current administration. There’s the opinion that Hillary Clinton will reach across the border in the same fashion as her predecessor and her husband, opening further the conversation of battling narcotics and continuing to strengthen an already sound trade agreement. She is much more inclined to invite those to a well laden table of combined import/exports than to build any type of wall.

    There is also the strong belief that a woman in the position of US president would empower women in the terms of politics across all of Latin America. Ancient faux pas on the part of Hillary Clinton are easily overlooked in light of the attitude of her opponent, who our friends in Puerto Vallarta intensely dislike. We have been nearly chased out of gatherings just for mentioning his name, so we won’t repeat that error here.

    Que cómo es es.

    Dont forget to Vote Folks!

    The opinions expressed are those of our guest blogger, Adam Garcia.


    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • ‘Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ A Beneficiary Of Upcoming “House Hunters International” Charity Event In Puerto Vallarta

    Timothy Real Estate Group will be hosting their second House Hunters International charity fundraiser event on November 24, 2014 at the new Mantamar Beach Club on Los Muertos Beach, benefiting four local charities. Their goal is to surpass the first event, which raised over $110,000 Pesos for the local organizations. Becas Vallarta will be one of the beneficiaries from this year’s “Gilligan’s Island” theme event.

    4 Coporate Logo Plate with shadow

     

    In the nine short years since the Vallarta Botanical Garden was founded, it has grown from a beautiful “best kept secret” for nature enthusiasts to a top area attraction and incredible regional resource for Vallarta residents, local schoolchildren, and visitors from around the world.

    Amazingly, this resource that so many of us benefit from receives no government funding but has sustained itself and continues advancing its great work through the dedicated labor of its staff and volunteers and through the generosity of members and donors.

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    The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a leader in local conservation initiatives from protecting endangered orchids and trees of our forests to protecting the critical habitats of animals including the Military Macaw, one of the largest and most beautifully colored parrots in the Americas. Garden staff and volunteers then share these messages with the public, especially local schoolchildren through a complementary visitation and educational program, which reaches thousands of area youth each year.

    This past year has heralded the most magnificent addition to the Garden yet—the new 320 square-meter Vallarta Conservatory of Mexican Orchids—the grand o犀利士
    pening of which is scheduled for Saturday, December 13th, 2014. The House Hunters International’s film crew were thrilled to learn about a world-class botanical garden in Vallarta and were delighted to shoot footage there as a stunning backdrop for the latest PV episode. Please join us in support of an organization that makes Vallarta an even better place to live. Visit: www.vbgardens.org

    For more information regarding ticket sales or to make a donation, contact:

    Timothy Real Estate Group

    inspired@timothyrealestategroup.com

    Office: (322) 223-5300

    USA/Canada Toll Free: 1-877-204-7730

    www.timothyrealestategroup.com

  • Best Shopping In Puerto Vallarta

    In years past, shopping in Puerto Vallarta was an adventure that took us all over town, beginning in the early morning, extending through the afternoon as we made several stops. We traveled in style in our roomy combi (VW mini-bus), which had a side door that refused to close properly. No problem; we simply found someone to watch the combi and paid a security fee of ten pesos. These guards usually were denizens of the neighborhood, well on in age and knew everyone in town.

    Customarily, our first stop was always Don Chuy on Aquiles Serdán across from the Rio Cuale. A well stocked liquor store, Don Chuy supplied us with bottles of tequila, rum, vodka, gin, triple sec and Grand Marnier for our margaritas. Now we find those supplies at Vinos América on Basilio Badillo. Super la Playa is also a good place to purchase liquor and there are often great sales at the grocery stores. For wine, we often head over to Cork and Bottle at Los Mercados on the west end of Aquiles Serdán. Discounts for cases and chilled wine are a specialty. While we’re there we stop in at Don Fresco to check out prices on produce and perhaps pick up spices and grains we can’t find elsewhere. Mikey’s, in the same location, offers wonderful sliced meats, deli items and will whip up a delicious sandwich for us to sustain us during our journey.

    The famed, now closed and sorely missed Rizo sits empty and forlorn. Though constant rumors tell of corporate takeover and a Soriana or the like in the south end, our understanding is the streets are prohibitive from allowing the large supply trucks.

    Ground coffee and whole beans were once nearly impossible to find in Puerto Vallarta. Now we fulfill this need with several great competitors, including K’Rico, also located in Los Mercados. Coffee is from The Hacienda Jalisco is another one of our favorites, when available.

    We still buy fresh fish daily off the pangas (boats). Fishermen come in about noon until around 4 pm, often dropping their daily catch in contracted restaurants. If bargaining on the beach is not your cup of tea, there are wonderful pescaderias; our preferences are in the mercado at Palmar de Aramara, the fish vendor next to the Rosita Hotel on the Malecón and in the south end on Calle Constitucion, across from where we used to shop at Rizo. Shrimp is seldom local and comes to town frozen from places like San Blas and Mazatlán.

    Meat is still the best quality and bargain in Puerto Vallarta at Carnicería Colin on Venustiano Carranza. For everything from ham and bacon to custom-cut beef and pork. Be sure to ask what is fresh for the day; you might get the chance to barbeque goat!

    Some prefer the convenience of the big stores like Soriana and Mega, while others love the convenience of running into an OXXO, or even Farmacia Guadalajara, both of which supply most daily needs. For an adventure, however, we recommend the old fashioned style of shopping and don’t forget to bring your own bags.

    Que es cómo es