Categoría: 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Hurricane Patricia was recorded as the most powerful hurricane in the history of the planet, but once again, Puerto Vallarta escaped unscathed before it made landfall. According to Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, we were “extremely lucky.”

Points south, as well as inland, were not so fortunate, as the path of the hurricane left behind its share of devastation throughout Mexico, primarily north of the Pacific’s most important Mexican port of Manzanillo and south of Puerto Vallarta.

In Puerto Vallarta, the combined effort by government, private institutions and individuals were evident, with a common goal: guaranteeing everyone’s safety. Many hotel guests were evacuated, especially from the beachfront hotels, but those hotels situated on hills took great care of their guests, sheltering them in meeting rooms with plenty of food, water and even cocktails. After the scare was over, all tourists returned to their hotels and enjoyed the beautiful clear skies and sunshine.

“Puerto Vallarta is fully operational with 100% of it’s hotel and restaurants open, as well as it’s International Airport (PVR), , marina and cruise ship terminal. All domestic and international airlines as well as buses, taxis and other ground transport companies have resumed their normal service schedule.”

No changes to the cruise schedule were made at all. Disney’s Wonder cruise ship, carrying 2,400 passengers, arrived in Puerto Vallarta as scheduled on Monday October 26th, 2015; and Norwegian’s Jewel and the Ruby Princess made their scheduled call on Wednesday October 28th, 2015 as planned.

No human loss or infrastructure damage was reported as a result of Hurricane Patricia.

According to experts, the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Madres, in conjunction with Puerto Vallarta having the second largest bay in North America, helped tremendously as Patricia crashed into the mountains and salvaged our lovely city.

This once again goes to prove that Puerto Vallarta is a safe place to vacation and/or invest in real estate.

Article by Linda Kennedy de Espinosa linda@timothyrealestategroup.com

Puerto Vallarta Folklore Festival

No one wants to miss Puerto Vallarta’s Twelfth Annual Vallarta Azteca Festival of International Folklore. This year the event joins Puerto Vallarta’s centennial anniversary celebration, begins this coming weekend, May 10^th and continues for ten joyful days. This will be a major tourism promotion for the city and there has been no stone unturned to find talented participants. Expectations are upwards of 3,000 people each day for an array of activities and shows. The main setting will be the Augustín Flores Contreras Stadium, east of the Sheraton Hotel and Condominiums.

This is a very significant gathering of culture and folklore, with dance, song, handcrafts, and art on behalf of Mexico and Latin America. Demonstrations will be from Jalisco, Oaxaca, Michoacan, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Sinaloa, Baja California, Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Querétaro, and several Central and South American countries, including Perú, Colombia and Ecuador.

Festival Vallarta Azteca del Folclor Internacional commences with a parade, beginning at 6:30 pm, May 10^th, that will trail along the Malecón from Los Arcos Amphitheater to the sports arena Augustín Flores Contreras Stadium. Performances will also take place non-stop at Los Arcos amphitheater, adjacent to the main plaza. There are also events scheduled for Parque Hidalgo, Parque Lazaro Cardenas and Theater Vallarta. To find a complete schedule and list of venues, log onto their site on their Facebook page of the same name. Following the parade, there will be a grand presentation of all the contributing groups at the stadium. Puerto Vallarta is honored to host this display for twelve years in a row, growing annually and attracting more acts and productions.

This beautiful assembly of music, costume, art, and goodwill is authorized by the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art, a UNESCO partner organization, which promotes peace, benevolence and concern, bonding all nations.

Visitors from the two Americas, together with representation from the United States will be checking out our beautiful city. Let’s make them all feel welcome and show off our best!

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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Dental Work in Puerto Vallarta

Ex-pats who live in Puerto Vallarta rave about the medical and dental care they receive. Many people come to Mexico specifically to get dental work done. It’s much cheaper than the US or Canada and the clinics are state-of-the-art, as professional as one would expect north of the border.

We go for teeth cleanings to a local dentist and pay the nominal fee of $500 pesos for what could cost over $300 dollars in the US. There is little waiting time to schedule an appointment and we’ve never sat in the clinic in Puerto Vallarta for more than ten minutes.

We met a young lady recently who flew to Puerto Vallarta to have multiple wisdom teeth extractions. For less than the procedure would have cost her in the US, she was able to have teeth pulled, pay airfare, stay in a nice hotel and recover on the beach, in style.

Though some opt for an entire mouth full of brand new teeth, many visitors come for biannual visits and see a regular dentist in Puerto Vallarta, just as they would in their hometown. It’s not much different than planning a day at the beach with old friends.

Dental work in Puerto Vallarta and other places in Mexico is inexpensive because the Mexican government gladly subsidizes dentists’ education so they aren’t burdened by a student loan debt to start out their career. Some students choose to live at home and pay back a loan with a year of free service, which is a sensible option. Dental clinics in Puerto Vallarta are typically plain, unembellished environments with ordinary laminate counters, inexpensive art and practical flooring. North American cities have dental offices with inlaid floors, custom carpets, granite, marble, creative lighting, original art and elaborate play areas for children. The décor in Mexico is basic and functional. You come for dental work, not interior design. Dentists in Puerto Vallarta ordinarily work on their own without an assistant and also do the teeth cleaning procedure themselves. In the states a hygienist, who can make as much as $80 per hour, cleans your teeth and is often assisted when doing your exam. Mexico doesn’t have dental insurance and malpractice insurance is non-existent. You can receive everything from Zoom cleaning to implants in Puerto Vallarta at a great savings.

Que cómo es es.

Our introduction to Mariachi in Mexico was an ear ringing, fantastic surprise. At a party, given in our honor upon arrival in the quaint town of Puerto Vallarta, we were greeted with an astounding and beautiful Cielto Lindo, also known as the other national anthem of Mexico. A large band, wearing identical costumes and enormous sombreros; decked with silver and bangles, each played a different instrument. All sizes of guitars; large violins; violas; a guitarrón, which is bass guitar; a slide trombone; coronets were included in the ensemble. We descended a staircase and were greeted by a circle of no less than a dozen musicians; those whose mouths were not attached to horns grinned from ear to ear. A soloist who also, when not singing, played violin, belted out the words of the song and though I had no clue to their meaning, I was aware of the joyful nature of the words. I didn’t realize it at the time but my life was about to change and this “pretty little heaven” would soon be my new home and I would have the pleasure of hearing Mariachi all over town.

Mariachi music is one of the prides of Jalisco, which is the home state of Puerto Vallarta. In Guadalajara, there is a whole plaza dedicated to their rousing, romantic music and each night it’s like a battle of the bands. Garibaldi Plaza is where to find Mariachi in Mexico City and it is in these squares people go to hire music for a party, wedding, baptism, etc. The musicians offer a tune and a business card and important transactions are conducted. In Puerto Vallarta, Mariachi Loco, on Lázaro Cárdenas in Old Town is a club where traditional Mexican music can be found most nights, as well as a variety of entertainment, including comedy shows and vaudevillian type acts.

The basis of the word Mariachi is the subject of discussion. Though some people believe it has French origins, based on the word mariage, founded on music often played at weddings, there is much disagreement as to how this is possible. The French never quite made it to the West Coast where Mariachi was born until the late 19th Century. It is more likely the name is derived from the wood of the pilla or cirimo trees, which is used to make most guitars in Mexico. An unconfirmed legend is the possibility the name comes from a once popular song for María H (ah-chay), which we believe makes the most sense.

Que es cómo es.

Ten Things You Will Love About Moving to Vallarta

You’ve moved to Puerto Vallarta (or maybe you’re thinking about moving here and want to find out what these ten things are to entice you and motivate you to get with the program). There’s so much to do, you’ll never find enough time for all the enjoyment. Your friends back home think you’re swinging in your hammock, staring up at coconut palms, suffering from extreme boredom… but they couldn’t be more wrong. You’re on permanent vacation but that doesn’t mean you get lazy. True, your relaxation meter is going to be in much better territory but you’ll also have time to do things you’ve always wanted and have leftover time to schmooze with your new friends.

Number One always is time spent soaking up Vitamin D in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a healthier lifestyle for so many reasons; including Two… you’ll be eating better. Fresh fruits and vegetables, grown locally, sans GMO are available for at least one third the price you used to pay. Three, you’re sure to lose weight; the result of the increased amount of walking you’ll do. (https://mrbonespumpkinpatch.com) We take the bus almost every time we head out, simply because we won’t need to worry about parking, traffic, and wear and tear on our vehicle. Four, we guarantee you’ll look younger. We’ve not met one person who’s moved to Puerto Vallarta who hasn’t visibly dropped years, for all the above causes.

Five, you can finally read that list of books you’ve been trying to get to over the years. Whether you’re sitting on the beach, relaxing at home, or turning in for the night, you’re going to have more time to hit those books with bliss and intention. What’s the skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Number Six is taking up the instrument you had planned to play in college but were too busy getting good grades so you could get that great job you have now retired from, and it’s time to fulfill that desire. Chances are you’ll find someone in Puerto Vallarta from whom to take lessons, but if not, YouTube is a wonderful source for learning just about anything; painting, mosaics, crochet, photography, scrapbooking.

Seven , since you’ll be able to afford a housekeeper, you can now grow that garden you’ve dreamed about. Imagine the envy of your visitors when you explain you planted and cultivated those roses, bougainvillea, banana, orange and lime trees!

Eight …You’ve read so many books and now you are ready to write your own. You’ve never had time to tell your story and you know it’s a good one, considering some of the duds you’ve burned through. Join the Writers Club and sharpen your pencils!

Dinners out cost a lot of money up north, especially when you toss in the cost of cocktails, beer and wine but Nine is where you can afford to go out for three meals a day and find lovely little comida corridas on the back streets. The list could go on and

on but let’s end with Ten: the free time to volunteer, golf, sail or hike. Dive, swim and fish. The choices are endless. All you need is to figure out how you will schedule all this happiness!

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.

Uber vs. Taxi

We have come to the conclusion over the past several months there is no argument regarding whether to take Uber or a taxi. This is completely a personal choice. There are Uber Wars, as some like to refer to the shouting matches that have happened between drivers, especially when Uber first came to Puerto Vallarta. Apparently there was some shoving, too, involving taxi drivers and their newly arrived competitors; nasty words and, we have been told, a bloody nose or two. Puerto Vallarta has grown to a size where there’s room for everyone. The taxi union has fought Uber with, so far, no conclusive results. Some hotels have posted notices discouraging patrons from using Uber but they have gone unheeded, and it’s a bit of a mystery as to who took the initiative to avail the public with this type of false information.

If you choose to use Uber in Puerto Vallarta instead of a taxi, it requires an app on your phone. This precludes some of our friends from taking advantage of the service because they either don’t have cell phones or they refuse to upgrade from the antiques that serve them well for everything else.

To avoid confrontations with taxi drivers, sit in the front seat with your Uber driver. The taxi drivers will have no idea you are in a service car, but simply riding shotgun with a friend.  There are mixed reviews on whether one can call an Uber to the airport, as well as being dropped off. We know many who have used the service for transport to and from the airport in Puerto Vallarta without problems. Your payment is made through the phone app, so there is no exchange of cash, which is a sure giveaway. If you feel inclined to tip, be discreet.

In our humble opinion, we see no reason to not make use of whatever service you choose. This is the new gig economy. We have weekly markets in Puerto Vallarta where locals and residents alike can sell their handmade crafts, food and services. What was once a farmers’ market is now a venue to share your skills, which can add money to your family’s coffers and enhance the community in which you live.

Airbnb, as an example of this new economic structure, through battles with taxes, advertising and other obstacles, will not go away; travelers love Airbnb and it helps home owners live a better life. What’s not to like?

Whether you take a taxi or an Uber, you are helping an entrepreneur who is being their own boss, as much as he or she is able.

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.