First Port of Call Puerto Vallarta

We are fortunate that our first port call is from 8am till 8 pm.This will give everyone a chance to experience a long taste of Puerto Vallarta. From a shore excursion into the Sierra Madres to sipping a margarita or drinking a cervezas at a local restuarant you will enjoy your visit here.

Situated on Bahia de Bandera (bay of Flags) Puerto Vallarta has grown from a sleepy fishing village and secret getway of the Stars (Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) into one of Mexico's shining tourism jewels. The Bay itself is Mexico's largest and one of the largest in the world. In some places the depth of the bay is 3,000ft. There is great contrast here. Across from the cruise terminal is a high end mall called the Galleria with Wal-Mart next door. 3 miles south you arrive at the old town and the Malecon (boardwalk) with cobblestone streets and plenty of restuarants and shops.

The iconic image of Puerto Vallarta is the crown on the bell tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. Nearby is the main square with a gazebo and normally artist painting and selling their work. As you walk along the Malecon you will notice unique sculptures as well as sand sculptures along the beach.

Just south of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Rio Cuale. One of my favorite places where you will find local merchants in their shops. This tree covered river area is also home to numerous iguanas. If you look carefully in the trees you will be able to spot them. This is also a great place to step into an upscale restuarant and have a margarita. The charm along the Rio Cuale will stay in your heart for years to come. It is one of the reasons we continue to return to Puerto Vallarta.

Take a moment and get a video taste of Puerto Vallarta.

Cruise Countdown

There are so many things to do in each port of call. A few years ago Lyndelle and I participated in the Zipline Canopy Tour. We had a great time. It was very exhilarating. Take a look at the video for just a small taste. Holland America is unique when it comes to cruising the Mexican Riviera. They have a special Sea of Cortez itinerary that visits La Paz, Loreto and Topolabambo- where you can take a train ride to the famed "Copper Canyon".

What will your Mexican adventure be? Will you visit the quaint Rio Cuale in Puerto Vallarta for its local artisan shops as well as iquanas in the trees? You can settle in one of the restuarants and enjoy a margarita. Maybe a tequilla tour at a hacienda where you can sample some exotic blends.
In Mazatlan there is a hidden jewel not far from the famed church in Old Town. About 3 blocks south on Benito Juarez you will find the Plaza Machado. This small plaza is surrounded by street front cafes and aritst galleries. It is truly a small artist enclave. Of course there is always the Zona Dorado (Golden Zone) filled with high end jewelry stores. Right across the street is the Las Flores resort. Here you can have a wonderful lunch and enjoy the beach.