Art and Food Go Together in Puerto Vallarta
![Painted Pig](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-painted-pig.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)
The smell of salt air hits our senses like a savory spice. We are at the edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Does the name sound familiar? This is the small fishing and pearl-diving village that became famous due to a movie made in the 1960s called “The Night of the Iguana”.
Lunch in a River Outside Puerto Vallarta
![River Food](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-riverfood-1.jpg?fit=696%2C1024&ssl=1)
Our bright yellow 4×4 grinds higher up into the Sierra Madre Mountains. The high peaks rise like jagged green jewels above Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. Under a canvas canopy cover I cling to my vinyl seat, inhale sharp mountain air and wonder about lunch.
Love, Sex, Hollywood, and the making of Puerto Vallarta
![Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor statue at La Fuente del Puente Restaurant & Bar](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Richard-Liz-1.jpg?fit=682%2C1024&ssl=1)
Its weather is gorgeous. Its beaches are beautiful. Its locals are friendly and welcoming. So it’s hardly surprising that over the past 50 years Puerto Vallarta has transformed from an idyllic fishing village into a getaway spot that draws thousands of tourists a year. Yet, not every cute little beach town turns into a renowned travel attraction.
5 Unexpected Reasons to Visit Puerto Vallarta
![Puerto Vallarta beach](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Puerto-Vallarta-beach.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)
For most baby boomers, the mention of Puerto Vallarta conjures up images of Captain Stubing and Julie, the Cruise Director, on “The Love Boat.” The classic TV show, of which we all have fond memories, ran from 1977 to 1987, and made the destination a household name.
Puerto Vallarta’s Art: Sophisticated, Spiritual and Playful
![Mosaic from locals & travelers](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Mosaic-from-locals-travelers.jpg?fit=800%2C473&ssl=1)
We came to Puerto Vallarta to relax, and relax we did. A couple of lazy days dipping feet into the gentle waves of the Bay of Banderas, soaking up the warm afternoon sun at our beachfront resort, and wondering at a star filled sky after a late night garden stroll soothed our tattered nerves.
Puerto Vallarta’s Mouth-Watering Delights
![Exceptional crew at Casa Velas](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-the-exceptional-crew-at-Casa-Velas.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)
We ventured south to explore our neighbor in Jalisco, Mexico, with eyes wide open.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens: A Highlight for Any Visit to Puerto Vallarta
![Lily pond at Vallarta Botanical Gardens](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Garden-lilypads.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)
When you visit a garden at the beginning of the summer growing season, and then again in late fall—and it’s equally beautiful—you know you’re on to something special.
Flyboarding in Mexico: The Latest Craze in Adventure Water Sports
![Alex on flyboard](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Alex-on-flyboard.jpg?fit=667%2C1003&ssl=1)
Channeling my inner George Jetson, I strap the jet pack to my feet. However, even with the power of flight literally at the tip of my toes, there is not initial success.
Cooking Class at El Arrayán
![Student cutting pineapple](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-ElArrayan-cutting-pineapple.jpg?fit=600%2C800&ssl=1)
Puerto Vallarta is magical and so is the restaurant El Arrayán. Owned by Carmen Porras since 2003, she named her restaurant after a species of tree that bears the small, sweet and tart fruit.
Vacation Like An “A” Lister in Eco-Luxury at Las Alamandas
![Las Alamandas property](https://i0.wp.com/www.travelworldmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/PV-Las-Alamandas-property.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1)
I laughed when owner Isabel Goldsmith confessed that her biggest obstacle to getting the word out about Las Alamandas, her exquisite, secluded (and safe) luxury resort in Costalegre, Mexico, is that guests don’t want to share it.