Categoría: 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Safety in Mexico

The subject of safety in Mexico comes up often. A media machine in the US is not short on news these days but when shootings happen anywhere, it does garner attention.  Puerto Vallarta is a long way from Cancun, comparable to the distance between Los Angeles and New York, or Vancouver BC and Toronto.  Not to say that Cancun is a violent place; it’s just been in the news a lot the past few days. Reports have been very general and never get into the specifics. A woman was killed and the details are grisly, but this was no schoolmarm. It’s hard for some people to embrace the fact that a woman might be the target of violence when it comes to cartel activity. However, a female leader controls drugs sales in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Doña Lety, as she is known, was a police officer and with her son, is wanted on multiple drug trafficking charges. These people tend to go after one another and civilians are rarely at any risk.

Our advice is to stay away from areas that are known to be shady and probably dangerous. Where are these places in Puerto Vallarta? There are none. Puerto Vallarta is safe downtown; in the marina; Mismaloya and in the jungle above; Yelapa, Las Animas, Quimixto, reachable only by boat; the back roads that lead to spas, all-you-can-eat shrimp restaurants and golf courses; the beach; dance clubs; cruise ship terminal…we can’t think of anywhere in Puerto Vallarta we would be afraid to venture.

We have always recommended using common sense when traveling in and around Puerto Vallarta and that goes for any city, anywhere across the globe. There are always pockets of unrest that can be sought out if dangerously is really how one wants to spend their vacation. When going to Chicago, we limit our activities to such things as the Art Institute, Millennium Park, the Russian Tea Room, a show at the Chicago Theater and other delightful pastimes. We manage to avoid visiting Riverdale, Fuller or Washington Park areas, where scientific data has determined tourists should steer clear of. Same for Mexico; there are places we would shun, such as Tepito in Mexico City, where thieves will gladly relieve you of your wallet in such a quick manner, you might not know it’s gone until you reach into your pocket to make a purchase.

It’s not rocket science. It’s easy to stay safe when traveling. Don’t try to buy drugs. Our best advice.

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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Halloween in Puerto Vallarta

When we first began to visit Puerto Vallarta in the early-1980’s Halloween celebrations were scarce. On October 31, a few people would show up at local clubs in costume and some got in the spirit. For the most part, Halloween was just another night in Puerto Vallarta. Kids were just beginning to catch on to the holiday and often the Malecón would have families showing off little goblins, princesses and we recall a little boy in a Superman cape, with a big red S handed-painted on his chest.

Over the years we have seen this spooky and fun celebration catch on, with both children and grownups in full regalia of haunting, superheroes and cartoon characters. Each year we are amazed and delighted with the el borate details people are willing to go to and the sophisticated makeup they don’t mind wearing when the weather has yet to have really cooled down. We love being out on this night to participate and observe. Everyone’s in a jolly mood, despite some of the mawkish and scary outfits. There are places in Old Town where you can have your face painted as a Katrina, the skeletal mask decorated with flowers and gems. Women (and men) dress up at Frida Kahlo and there are many Pancho Villas and Emiliano Zapatas wandering the streets, along with the Walking Dead.

If you sit in an outdoor restaurant, especially those down at the beach, children will accost you with loud voices, shouts of HALLOWEEN in their manner of trick-or-treating, which has been modified in Puerto Vallarta. Come prepared with a bag of candy, as you also will pass these little creatures on the sidewalks and they are expecting something in return for their efforts.

Carved pumpkins have recently begun making an appearance in Puerto Vallarta but we don’t recommend leaving them out on the front step, as we are wont to do in chillier climes. They will rot quickly in the heat, making a mess and smell; plus they’ll attract critters of all sizes, ants, raccoons and other unwanted pests.

It’s no longer necessary to purchase and pack costumes from up north. Puerto Vallarta now has its own stores, which supply all sizes, adult and children, with a multitude of themes, plus wigs, makeup and ideas, too! We have stopped into Disfraces Pillin in the Fluvial and can assure shoppers that they are ready for the masses. Get your Thriller on!

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.

Buen Provecho!

May is a busy month in Puerto Vallarta, in spite of many snowbirds having left us to go north to tend gardens, measure grandchildren, mow lawns and visit friends and family. One of our longtime favorite events in Puerto Vallarta during this period is Restaurant Week, the longest week in town. It lasts this year from May 15 until June 10! We love it because it give us a chance to visit some of the best establishments from San Pancho all the way down the highway past Conchas Chinas. Prior to this year the week was extended to double itself but for 2018, there are so many participants, it was considered wise to stretch the calendar out. We’re excited and you should be, too!

Each restaurant in Puerto Vallarta who has chose to partake will be offering three choices with a fixed price. The categories will be $269, $399 and $466, which include appetizer, main course, and a dessert. This is approximately a 40% discount and does not include beverages or tip; a sensible option, since some of us don’t imbibe. Tipping, of course, is up to the individual diner but we always leave at least 20% unless there has been some glaring offense, and we never punish the server for some lapse in the kitchen. A few places are bringing in special wines and will have deviations from their normal menus, a chance for chefs to unleash their talents.

Restaurant Week is a big deal here in Puerto Vallarta and there are tourists who visit for the sole experience of dining out to enjoy as many selections as possible. It’s a good thing the calendar has been lengthened, since there are seven more restaurants joining in the fun than there were last year.

This year will be the most participants since the event began in 2005. The previous record was forty-five restaurants in 2012. Our only problem will be how to test out all 59! We are listing them here: Agrodolce, Ambrosia Grill, Archie’s Wok, Azafrán, Barcelona Tapas, Barrio Bistro by Memo Wulff, Boccon Di Vino, Café des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dick’s, Da Simone, De Cántaro, Di Vino Dante, Eishan Oriental Cuisine, El Arrayán, Florios, Fusión Gourmet, Gaby’s Restaurant Bar, Gaviotas, Hacienda San Ángel, India Gate, Kaiser Maximilian, Katana Sushi & Bar, La Cappella, La Cigale French Bistro, La Leche, La Pancha, La Trattoria, Layla’s Restaurante, Mamá Sirena, Mark’s Bar & Grill, Matiz, Mérida Grill, Mikado, Nicksan, No Way José!, Oso’s Fish Market Restaurant, Pezlimon, Pizzeria La Dolce, Porto Bello, Restaurante Icú, River Café, Roberto’s Mexican Seafood, Sapori Di Sicilia, Seasons PV, Serrano’s Meat House, Sí Señor Beach, SushiPop, Taste Restaurant @ Casa Cupula, Teresa Bar & Bistro, The Blue Shrimp, The Iguana, The Swedes, Tintoque, Trio Mediterranean Cuisine, Tuna Blanca, Vallarta Factory, Vitea Oceanfront Bi stro and Warique Restaurante.

For more information, locations and prices in each menu category visit the website: www.restaurantweekpv.com.

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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Summer in Puerto Vallarta

Spring is upon us, visitors to Puerto Vallarta have hardly dwindled and more people are finding it a place to not only visit, but live during the summer months, which are just around the calendar corner. Puerto Vallarta is a great place to be from May through October for so many reasons. There are definitely less people here but that’s not a caveat. We love not having to wait in lines at theaters, making reservations at restaurants and oh, boy…the traffic. Fewer people translates to a smaller amount of cars on the roads and in town. Less buses and taxis too, which means less noise.

The rain in Puerto Vallarta is a part of jungle living and it creates the lush, effervescent environment that makes this such a gorgeous place. If you’re into hiking, this is the time to observe the vegetation really taking a stand. The waterfalls are vibrant and full, scents are delicious and the beauty is unparalleled. Oceans temps are balmy and the Bay of Banderas is a safe place for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Rains usually occur at night so pool time isn’t interrupted but if you’re caught in a deluge, don’t fret; it will soon pass. Don’t forget your camera because the light show Mother Nature puts on with lightning is something to behold and capture on film.

Summertime is a great time for fishermen, with tuna and marlin challenges in July. There will be plenty of competition, but package rates for hotels and flights will be cheaper, with lots of great choices. We recommend either a large chartered boat or one of the smaller pangas (large open skiffs) for a real adventure. Tournaments are fun for landlubbers, too; watching the results come in with weighing and awards is exciting. Puerto Vallarta’s Botanical Gardens are open 9 am – 6 pm but closed on Mondays from April through November. There’s so much to see, with more new additions completed this year. It’s a perfect family outing and their restaurant has a menu with selections suitable for all appetites and diets. Bring your swimsuit; the river is a short hike down the hill with marvelous crystal water and a shallow pool to dip in and swirl around. We make this an all-day-trip. This is also a wonderful time to try a zipline. We recall the construction of the first zipline in Puerto Vallarta and now there are nearly a dozen, from south of Mismaloya to north of Sayulita. They will certainly be less crowded plus normal congestion on highways will be lighter to get to various locations. Terrain will be blossoming and verdant. Low season also means lower rates for many attractions.

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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Let’s Go to the Movies!

We love the movie theaters in Puerto Vallarta! Take into consideration how much we pay for a movie back where most of us come from. Film ticket prices do vary somewhat in Canada and the USA but not by much. An average seat for a first run movie in New York City is going to cost you around $16.00. In Los Angeles it’s about the same. Toronto isn’t much better with the average ticket costing about $15 CDN. How much will you pay to see Star Wars in Puerto Vallarta? The average price is $32 pesos. That’s right around $1.50 USD, depending on the fluctuation of the peso on any given day.

The seats in Puerto Vallarta are comfortable, the popcorn is great and some theaters serve alcohol and full-on meals. The theaters and lobbies are clean, plus the aisles are wide and navigable. Some theaters have recliners (in case the movie is boring you, naps are an option.) In the summer, auditoriums are usually full at all times of day, because they also have air conditioning!

We asked our friends what stands out for them in the theaters in Puerto Vallarta and they came up with interesting and helpful responses. The food gets raves at La Isla and a special shout-out to their friendly and courteous staff. The VIP Theater is considered state-of-the-art and many think their sounds systems superior, but Cinemax at Galerias seems to have the best popcorn in town and their sound system gets high marks, too. We have sadly experienced movies where the volume is turned up so high, we nearly felt our hair blowing; then again, we have also been exposed to the low level of decibels where we have strained to hear actors and missed important dialogue.

Listings for movies in Puerto Vallarta can be found in the local newspapers and are almost always correct. The best way to find listings and times is online and each theater has their own site. If a movie is listed with SUB, that means it’s in English and has Spanish subtitles. If it says DOB, you better speak Spanish. All kid movies are in Spanish and are dubbed.

Movie night in Puerto Vallarta is an inexpensive date with family, children or your significant movie buff partner. The only complaints we picked up in our survey were mainly a couple of small gripes about cheap wine, and not enough ice in drinks, but we’ve suffered much worse than that.

The best thing is the unbeatable price and everyone agrees, it’s one of the bargains that make living here a real treat.

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.