posted 02-27-2005 06:59            

Any timeshare presentations worth going through?

Thanks so much!

posted 03-06-2005 11:40               

There is a lot of apparatus involved so there may be size limitations; you know, the 48" height requirement on the theme park rides type thing.

Apart from that, it would probably be a dream adventure for your 6 year old.

Art

posted 03-06-2005 11:48               

One tour the kids seem to like is the Marigalante - they offer a day cruise and an evening cruise.

There is the University's Crocodile Program

MAY - DECEMBER http://www.vallartawhales.com/turtles1.htm
Sea Turtle Preservation Months: Puerto Vallarta has implemented a community-wide preservation program that combines protected nurseries for turtle eggs with educational projects. Turtle liberation ceremonies are held daily during the season at participating hotel beaches. In addition, Vallarta eco-tour operators host nighttime tours to research camps designed to protect the eggs, where visitors witness sea turtles laying eggs in their natural habitat and the release of the baby turtles as they make their initial voyage to the sea. Puerto Vallarta’s coastline is among the most important breeding grounds in the world for numerous endangered species of sea turtles. The Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Protection Project is a joint effort of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel Association, city government and federal authorities.

In May there is a cultural program ran by the city which brings in additional bands and artists for special concerts and exhibitiions along the Malecon and at local galleries...

You will find that the entertainment down on the Malecon varies from night to night, but there is always something. Yes Sunday is a big night, but so is Thursday. Generally on these nights there are live bands + many performers. When there is no band playing over in the ampitheater area by the arches, usually there is a great mime that does a skit a couple times of night. He does a great job of getting everyone involved and language certainly isn't a barrier. On the nights when there is no band, usually the bandstand across the street is hosting a group (local violinist, mariachis, jazz, ...) or a dj comes with his speakers and equipment. People tip him to play their favorites (some bring their own cds) and the young and old alike dance away their troubles.

Not to be missed are the Papantla Flers - usually they do their show about 9:00pm.

If your family enjoys live music, you will find that there are many venues along the Malecon that offer live music (in and out of season) that is accessible to all ages. Paradise Burger and the No Name Cafe are two that come to mind, but many places offer music especially during Nov-Mar.

If you are down on the Southside, you will find many great restaurants and strolling mariachis. Two of our favorites are Lenny and Jorge, who are back together again. They have several cds and will sing whatever you like for a few pesos (usually several songs for 30 pesos).

You will notice that there is no real issue with begging in Vallarta - there are some children which go around selling roses. They can be quite pushy... I blame their mom who stands off to the side and yells at them to keep going back. The last time we were there the younger boys were very hungry... while we didn't buy any roses, we did give them our pizza (which made the mom mad, but the boys very happy). I think seeing them working though is a good way to explain the culture and ethics of Mexico... there is no welfare, people have to work. If there are no jobs, you do what you can do to make ends meet. In the rural areas the children pick fruit to sell by the road, in town they try and find things that the tourists may like. Everyone pitches in for the welfare of the family.

The dune buggies might be something you are interested in... Mud Rats 222-3802 Chico's Dive Shop 222-1875
Pepe (Mud Rats) is less expensive and the tour is a bit longer/mudier, however sometimes his equipment leaves a little to be desired (the goggles suck). I would bring my own! Also, bring a bandana to cover your mouth. Generally his tour is $50/head and lasts about 3-4 hours. Do not take anything with you that you do not want to get wet/muddy. Wear old clothes and shoes. Did I say you will get muddy??? That's an understatement! You will have mud in impossible places... but everyone really had a good time (except me - I'm still bitter)! By the time I had finally dried off a bit and started to have fun, that stickin Pepe took us through the biggest, muddiest, puddle ever. We passed the people from Vallarta/Chicos and they were nice and clean. Their's is more of a dune buggy driving tour rather than a mud fest (also closer to $100/head as well).

Horse back riding might be something your family would enjoy as well. I would hunt the boards to find the name of a local caballero to take you out... there are tours as well, with transportation included, and I think the place up north past Bucerias offers a good one. Can't think of the name, but I'll be in town in a couple of weeks and check it out again. Usuaully we just go with whomever everyone is talking about that season.

If you like to snorkel, you can do so off of the beach in Conchas Chinas. Take a bus or taxi out to the Lindo Mar and go down to the restaurant there. They have palapas, reasonablly priced food and drink, and a great little beach.

Another option is to take a tour - if you go out to Los Arcos, usually it is better in the morning before all the boats get out there... I like the Marriettas better... lots of turtles and fish to see.

As you travel through town, you will notice shops with young Huichol indians placing beads on large figurines. The place off the Malecon has a nice gallery and does a wonderful job explaining the process. Please note that this is a front for timeshare, however, the explainations and the gallery are worthwhile. Just say no to the tour - they are really good about it.

It's a wonderful city - regardless of what you decide to do or not do, you will have a great time there!

EnJoY!

Kim

posted 03-06-2005 11:56               

Mayan and Playa del Sol are both $350 a tour... just keep saying no until you can agree on a price.

Beware... they are long (2-4 hours) especially the Mayan out in Nuevo just due to the sheer size of the property. Although taking a child may make the tour more bearable

posted 03-06-2005 14:50            

We are going in a few days, sorry I didn't mention that in the initial post. I think the Sheraton is north of the Malecon by a 10-15 minute walk, so we will be sure to be there on Thursday and Sunday night.

Thanks for the info---I'm copying everything to take with for reading material on the plane.............

posted 03-11-2005 15:05               

Right by yur hotel as you head toward town is Hector's Sunset restaurant. it doesn't look like much but an old building from the street, but they have great food and wonderful view of the sunset. You might want to try it our for dinner.

posted 03-16-2005 22:32               

We have been going to PV for several years and I guess we have
missed the Papantla Flyers,. when and where can they be seen.
We are going again in November and would really like to get a chance to see them.

Thanks
Patricia

posted 03-17-2005 01:36               

They constructed the pole to begin the shows starting this past high season. It is located across from the No Name over by the Sea Horse. They really are something!

Enjoy!

Kim