Vallarta Real Estate & Lifestyle: New Years

New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta

Our first visit to Puerto Vallarta was during the holidays. This time of year brings back the best memories. We’d never heard of some of the traditions observed here and now love to celebrate year after year, learning our way as we go.

We still have trouble making twelve wishes while eating grapes as the clock strikes the midnight hour on New Year’s Eve. We started our own tradition of bringing a bag of popcorn to the beach on New Year’s Eve. Instead of eating grapes, which are very filling (after consuming a huge dinner), we pass the popcorn to our group of friends, who have been previously informed and can get a little head start. About ten minutes before the bell begins to ring at the Cathedral, we think about those twelve wishes, count out the same number of popped-corn kernels, one for each month and by midnight, we’ve achieved our goal!

Mexicans like to eat late and holidays are an excuse to stay up as long as possible, children included. In Puerto Vallarta, there are many choices for New Year’s Eve. Plan a place for dinner, which is the priority of the evening, either at home or out on the town. Keep in mind that traffic will be snarled to put it mildly; taxis and Ubers will be running fewer and farther between from about 11 pm on. If you want a table down on the beach at Los Muertos, you might consider making reservations for the entire evening.

At midnight, the fireworks go on for well over half an hour. The inventiveness and creativity are incredible, becoming more so with each passing year. Firecrackers aren’t part of the celebration and are, in fact, illegal in Puerto Vallarta. We do recommend going to the Malecón a couple days before New Year’s Eve to watch the construction of how the fireworks displays are made.

Please, don’t take your dog to the beach. The fireworks are incredibly LOUD, packed in a shell that’s launched from a mortar. To a dog, it sounds like a war zone.

When the festivities have ended, there’s a street dance on Olas Altas with hoards of people. It’s fun but crowded. Bars stay open later, and taco stands are swarming. DON’T DRIVE if you are drinking. There will be checkpoints at both ends of town, and it’s simply not worth the consequences of being pulled over, under the influence. Arrange for a ride, have a designated driver or wait for taxis or Ubers.

Have a fantastic night, and we wish you the very best in the New Year!

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Vallarta Beach Lifestyle News: Movie Time

Meet You at the Movies

Puerto Vallarta has always been big on movies, for locals, expats and tourists alike. From the old Bahia in the middle of town (now sadly gone), to the huge multiplexes in the malls, there has never been a shortage of places to catch up on a film. We’ve had a couple of fabulous film festivals over the years, with both English and Spanish language, and an occasional nod to the French. Democrats Abroad have been putting on their own series for eleven years to date, and they are excited to start a new season for 2019 – 20.

Incanto, the charming cabaret in Puerto Vallarta at Calle Insurgentes 109, right next to the Rio Cuale, will be hosting the Democrats Abroad’s movies this year. With a 3:00 pm film time on Wednesdays, there should be no conflicts with evening events. This time slot also gives patrons a chance to dine before or after. Big pluses are the bar service at Incanto, serving beer, wine and mixed drinks to movie-goers, as well as their nice comfy seating.

The list of films is very appealing, starting on December 4th with White Crow, the story of the incredible Russian ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev and his daring defection to the United States. Following through the season you won’t want to miss Boy Erased, Apollo 11, they Shall Not Grow Old, Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes, The Wife, Echo in the Canyon, If Beale Street Could Talk, The River and the Wall, Cold War, Free Solo, On the Basis of Sex, The Biggest Little Farm, and tying up with major hit dramedy, The Farewell.

The above list is a very diverse selection of great films that have been released in the past year; nothing stale here. The variety runs everything from deep drama to hilarious comedy, some claiming both of these attributes in the same movie, hence the moniker dramedy. There’s politics, documentary, fiction and non, religion, literature, adventure, war, environmental, music, several Academy Award winners and many fine actors.

For a quiet relaxing afternoon in Puerto Vallarta, away from the beach, tourists, and heat, make your way to Incanto on Wednesday afternoons. Tickets are available at the box office at Incanto. For 100 pesos, you can’t beat the price.

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Vallarta Beach Lifestyle News: A great way to see the city

Turibus Puerto Vallarta

A thrilling new venture will begin in Puerto Vallarta this month and we couldn’t be more excited. We already know Turibus in Mexico City and other Mexican cities is a great way to see sites and get around, and have often wished for such an option for our tourist friends here in Puerto Vallarta. Turibus is a great way to learn about the city; the bilingual guides use both English and Spanish in their patter. It will be a very inexpensive trip in Puerto Vallarta, though much shorter, of course, than Mexico City. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is our way of looking at this new enterprise and we are eager to experience the ride ourselves. Our sources tell us Turibuses will begin this week with four buses and expand to two more as tourism ramps up.

To get a good head start on high season, the inauguration will be 16 August. Tickets are purchased upon embarking for $85 pesos/person; the ride lasts about forty minutes and covers El Centro and Zona Romatica. Catch it in front of the MacDonald’s at the north end of the Malecon on 31 Octobre Street.

Being on a Turibus gives you a good vantage point and helps you decide what attractions to go back and spend more time on later. It’s a perfect way to start your stay in Puerto Vallarta, get the lay of the land, plus a convenient history lesson. It will help orient you to the city, it’s safer and much less stressful than taxis, no crowding like on a standard city bus, and as an added bonus… you can see where you’re going. If you sit on the upper deck, we recommend a hat and sunscreen.

This is a big boost for Puerto Vallarta on the whole. For investors to have this kind of faith in the economy is very good for future developments and attractions in Puerto Vallarta and stabilizes businesses and real estate ventures that are already here. Turibus operates in many Mexico locations, as well as international destinations, giving further draw to the area. Once they are established, Turibus Puerto Vallarta will be adding routes from hotels and various points of interest with emphasis on the historical center of town.

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Keep Cool In Puerto Vallarta

Ceviche
Not all raw fish is Asian. Ceviche has been around for about as long as there have been fish. Cured in lime and sometimes other citrus juices, it can also be made with cilantro, onions and spices.
Thought to be originally from Peru, it was more than likely brought to the Americas by whoever was doing the cooking when the Spaniards invaded. Dishes similar to ceviche have been served in Europe’s cold and warm climates forever.
You will find ceviche served in most food establishments in Puerto Vallarta, whether it’s on the menu or not. The fresh catch for the day is customarily brought into the kitchen in the early afternoon and it’s the chef’s discretion as to how it will be prepared. We are in the habit of always asking what the fresh offerings are of the day.
There’s a small debate as to how long the fish needs to be “cooked” in lime juice and some claim overnight is best, whereas others feel doing so can make the fish mushy. Preparation a few hours prior to serving should suffice.
Served by itself as an appetizer with chips, saltine crackers or hard tostadas, ceviche can also be considered a side dish to an entrée.
The freshest we’ve eaten ceviche in Puerto Vallarta was on a small boat (panga), shortly after the fish had been dragged out of the sea. With sliced tomato, chopped onion and chilled cerveza, we ate in heavenly bliss, tossing all caution to the wind.
You can make your own ceviche at home and we recommend purchasing your fish at one of the many fish markets found throughout Puerto Vallarta. Shrimp, cleaned and deveined is an excellent choice for ceviche or you can inquire of the proprietor what he suggests from the fresh catches of the day.
Here is what you will need: A pound of fresh fish or shrimp, cut into small cubes; approximately 1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice; medium onion, chopped; large tomato, chopped; a couple jalapeño or Serrano chiles, finely chopped; ½ cup chopped cilantro; olive oil and salt.
Cover your fish in lime juice and let it float around, cover and refrigerate about 4 hours. Drain. Mix together with your other ingredients, using as much olive oil as you wish, to taste. Serve with avocado on the side or mixed in with your ceviche. It’s so simple, it
should be kept a secret. We like it served with a small side of extra chopped onion, cilantro and avocado. ¡Buen provecho!
Que es cómo es.

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!

Here are a few of our guiding principals at Boardwalk Realty:
“First of all, we really want to get to know you,” When we know you, we can tailor home tours to your tastes.”
Secondly, there’s the legal side of owning in Mexico. “Besides our own experience, we can save you a lot of time and money by offering you complimentary consultations with our partner attorneys. The nuances of how you buy here can save you a lot of money when you sell. It’s important to know what you’re doing on the purchase so that when you sell you can best use any tax advantages. This service is free to our clients and can be invaluable.”
Both partners agree that the most important element of Boardwalk Realty is our ongoing service and commitment to our clients after the sale. We are both passionate about protecting the investment and security of our clients. “Our clients become our friends, we see them socially, and we treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves”, adds Mike.
Boardwalk Realty Puerto Vallarta represents buyers and sellers of real estate in the entire Bay of Banderas area, and will soon add a rental and property management division.

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Vallarta Beach Lifestyle News: Do We Or Dont We Have them?

Sharks in Puerto Vallarta

As far down as Zihuatanejo, you will find sharks in the waters but there simply are none in the vicinity of Puerto Vallarta. Climate change has warmed the waters south of us in places like Ixtapa, which attracts sharks due to the new temperatures and currents that are attractive to typical shark prey. There is a shark species known as the Whale Shark present in the Bay of Banderas of Puerto Vallarta but it’s the Whale Shark (Rhinodon typus) that has been sited here, and is completely harmless and eats nothing but plankton.

There are large groups of dolphins (called pods) in the waters of Puerto Vallarta but they don’t actually patrol the entrances of the bay, as has been mythically reported; maybe in a Disney movie but not locally. It’s possible that a pod of dolphins might chase a solitary shark away but they don’t get rid of them by butting them with their noses, nor are they killing them off either. The most likely explanation for a lack of sharks in the Bay of Banderas of Puerto Vallarta is their over-exploitation. In the 1930’s and 40’s sharks were hunted for their fins. Shark fin soup is still considered a delicacy but it’s not easy to find and we wouldn’t be proud to eat it, no matter how good it might taste. Twelve states and three US territories have banned the sale and possession of shark fins. There is no actual law to stop importing shark fins to Canada but the sale, trade, and distribution have been banned. Sadly for sharks but not for swimmers and surfers, the shark population in Puerto Vallarta has not yet recovered this oceanic plunder. In more recent decades, shark fin oil has been a popular nutritional supplement, which has not helped the cause of the endangerment of sharks on the Pacific coast either.

Shark sightings in Puerto Vallarta always turn out to be dolphins. People who are unfamiliar with both species can’t tell the difference between one dorsal fin and another. They only know what they’ve seen in movies and then panic ensues. It’s good to know that a shark fin is straight in the back where the dolphin dorsal fin has a graceful curve. One way to remember this is the sharp shark as opposed to the curvy dolphin.

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Top 10 Things In Puerto Vallarta – Its Hard To Stop At 10

Top Ten Puerto Vallarta To-Do List
With so many things to do in Puerto Vallarta, we can’t begin to mention them all, but here’s a list of our top ten picks:
1 A stroll down the Malecón. Our favorite time is Sunday evening when families have a multi-generational gathering; the pace it leisurely and unhurried. We’re very keen on weekly performances of the municipal band in the Zocalo (main plaza); a great place to rest one’s feet and enjoy.
2 The Cathedral is often a spot along our travels where we can sit and have some down time. The Church of our Lady of Guadalupe can be a hub of activity on some days, with weddings, baptisms, ceremonies and performances. We’ve found it’s not always quiet, but it’s a gem in the heart of Puerto Vallarta not to be missed.
3 Down the road, on the way to El Tuito, one will find the world famous Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, with their incredible Orchid House, restaurant and guided tours. The bus from the corner of Aguacate and Carranza in the Romantic Zone will get you there.
4 The Pier as Los Muertos Beach is an architectural marvel with flashing lights and crashing waves. Travel south from the Malecón and cross over the bridge; walk out to the end for a fantastic photo op looking back at the shoreline.
5 There are several Zipline companies up and down the coast, some deep in the tropical forest and others only a short bus ride away. High above Mismaloya in the jungle where an old movie set has been incorporated into a tourist site is El Eden, where we’ve been taking our friends for years. A suitable café will keep you there for hours, flying through the air above the flora and fauna, and riding down river rocks into a refreshing natural pool.
6 Water sports involving diving, snorkeling, fishing, boat rides, scuba, surfing, paddleboarding are accessible at all beachfront areas.
7 Gallery Hopping to view the beautiful art offered in Puerto Vallarta; paintings, pottery, sculpture, metal-work. Art Walks take place throughout high season; browse, have a glass of wine and enjoy free musical performances.
8 There’s an abundance of fantastic Talent in Puerto Vallarta, from Broadway-type Shows to amazing duets, all of them on stages small enough to afford everyone an excellent seat. Talent competitions and showcases are very popular in Mexico and free shows at Los Arcos (the arches) on the Malecón are common and frequent.
9 Need we mention food? Dining in Puerto Vallarta is world class. Whether one wants dinner perched high above the city, fish at the beach or a late night snack at a taco stand, you won’t be disappointed.
10 Many of our visitors are signing up for Cooking Classes, which seems to be the new rage. They are abundant, fun and you’ll get a chance to practice your Spanish, too.
Que es cómo es.

Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia (opinions expressed are his own)

Here are a few of our guiding principals at Boardwalk Realty:

“First of all, we really want to get to know you,” When we know you, we can tailor home tours to your tastes.”

Secondly, there’s the legal side of owning in Mexico. “Besides our own experience, we can save you a lot of time and money by offering you complimentary consultations with our partner attorneys. The nuances of how you buy here can save you a lot of money when you sell. It’s important to know what you’re doing on the purchase so that when you sell you can best use any tax advantages. This service is free to our clients and can be invaluable.”

Both partners agree that the most important element of Boardwalk Realty is our ongoing service and commitment to our clients after the sale. We are both passionate about protecting the investment and security of our clients. “Our clients become our friends, we see them socially, and we treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves”, adds Mike.

Boardwalk Realty Puerto Vallarta represents buyers and sellers of real estate in the entire Bay of Banderas area, and will soon add a rental and property management division.

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Vallarta Beach Lifestyle News: Walking Tours

Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta

Walking tours are the way to go in any city. Whenever we vacation in a new location, we seek out walking tours, the best way to learn about a place, its people, food, and culture. In Puerto Vallarta, we have Vallarta 101, a walking tour, in which you pay what you can afford. Some people have found their walks with a guide so valuable, they dish out as much as $50 USD per person, but you aren’t obligated to spend that much. You can pay as little as $5 USD, and still feel like a proper tourist. Mind you, these walks are first class and the experience is for everyone, young and old alike. The guides take you to unique places you’d rarely discover on your own. A normal tour is usually around two to three hours and you don’t pay until the end, giving you the chance to decide what your tour is worth to you. Locals with a command of English and Spanish will be your guides.

Walks last about an hour and a half and vary in their experiences. Some involved food, which you will receive advice on what to order and pay out of your own pocket (normally between $5 to $10 USD), or you could have a foodless tour. Old Town 101 is described as “a stroll with a friend through Vallarta’s most diverse and changing neighborhood”; Downtown 101 is comprised of the same but focuses on the historic and traditional neighborhoods. Small groups of up to six people make it easy to hear the guide and not miss any important details. Tours start at Los Arcos Amphitheater, across from the main plaza by the cathedral. The specific meeting place is by the benches and can be easily reached via taxi, Uber, bus or walking. A light rain will not deter plans for tours, but inclement weather will cancel the event.

A good example of a walk is the taco vegetarian stroll, where participants will visit up to five tacos locations in El Centro and Old Town that offer vegetarian fare. (There are also taco walks centering on meat and seafood.) On these walks, you’ll be advised on how to put together the tastiest taco with the most representative and authentic selections. You’ll walk away with confidence to order your own, both at street stands and in restaurants, plus be aware of pricing. There are no credit card exchanges so make sure to bring cash; dollars or pesos. For photos and more information, check out Vallarta 101 on Facebook and Instagram.

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Puerto Vallarta: Moro Paraiso Restaurant

Most people call Moro Paraiso as a hidden gem, and it actually is. The restaurant sits by a dirt road and one has to go several miles up the Paso Ancho by the Cuale River. The place is accessible by walking, if you go there by bus. You can also take a taxicab going to the exclusive hideway and the management of the restaurant should be able to call you for another taxi once you leave. The ride up there is acceptable, except it can get slippery and dangerous during heavy rain or storm. It’s also about an hour and half’s ride, so get there earlier, before you get really hungry.

Moro Paraiso overlooks a river, which allows guests to enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner. But weekends, especially Sundays can get really crowded and busy. The restaurant is a favorite spot for many government officials, artists and celebrities, as well as expats who are taking a break from work. Many of them prefer to stay long hours dining and drinking beer.

Just be sure to have mosquito repellents with you when you plan to go here, as the site is understandably located within the think forest and river. The restaurant gives out in their own repellent, just in case you don’t have any. It’s a very small inconvenience because sampling the food here would be truly a gastronomic treat.

Food offered in Moro Paraiso is a mix of meat barbeque and fresh seafood, as well as traditional Mexican dishes. Most dishes are priced competitively and there’s an excellent variety to sample. Many of the dishes are food the old school way, using wood or charcoal, so that it comes out really flavorful.

This establishment is family-owned and food here is served homemade, cooked from recipes that have been passed from generations.

Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals» Puerto Vallarta Food

Boardwalk has your back: Everyone stay healthy, we are here when you are ready.

Boardwalk has your back: Everyone stay healthy, we will be here when you are ready.

We became a leader in Puerto Vallarta Real Estate market by caring about our clients and in this time of chaos we are concerned for our clients and our staff’s health, so we will be working remotely until further notice. We want to do our part to #flattenthecurve so our offices will be temporarily closed. However, we are simply a call, text, chat or email away.

Need to talk to us?

· Free USA: 1 855 239 0640

· Free Canada: 1 855 244 1306

· Local: +52 322 224 0014

· Cell #: +52 322 42 98516

· [email protected]

· www.boardwalkrealtypv.com

“It’s about you” explain brokers Michael Green and John Swanson. “We feel it is our civic duty to consider our client’s health first. These are extraordinary times and they call for extraordinary decisions.” We want to be proactive and do anything we can to keep our friends, clients and staff safe. We hope for the best but prepare for the worst by reducing risks where we can. We think of it as our duty.

“This was not an easy decision to make” Mike and John explain. “We are aware of the value of sitting at a table and getting to know our clients face-to-face. We love getting to know people, it’s part of who we are. Most have become our friends on a social level as well and we love being resources for them as part of their “Mexico Journey”’

By working remotely, we continue our tradition for exceptional service. In fact, our commitment is to provide even better service during this time but keeping you healthy is “Job 1” for us. We feel the best way to ‘flatten the curve’ is going electronic whenever possible.

Luckily we have always invested heavily in our virtual presence and that includes our state of the art website as well as our methods of communication … using our site you can find all the up -to- date listings and ownership info you need, because as John says, ‘staying in doesn’t have to be boring’. Want to talk? we are easy to reach, just use one of the contacts listed … Our “live chat” feature is a great way to learn about owning here too!

We are happy to meet you at the office anytime. We are still happy to tour with perspective owners (and we are prepared to do so with proper precautions). There are deals to be had in this market. After all, this will end sometime and if you have to “hunker down”, why not do it in your own piece of Paradise?

Oh, and just for the record, you don’t catch the Coronavirus from Corona beer!

Vallarta Beach Lifestyle News: Fabulous Side Trip!

Santa Maria del Oro

This time of year for those who live in Puerto Vallarta, the steamy weather makes us turn to higher altitudes and less heat. Santa Maria del Oro. This is definitely an overnighter, taking over three hours on the northern route to get there. We make it longer by stopping for lunch in one of the small villages we pass on the way, picking up novelties and snacks from roadside stands, and stopping to take photos of the breathtaking views. Mountains, valleys and forests are the awesome landscapes on this delightful journey.

There are several hotels in the area and we recommend booking ahead. Call on your own, visit websites or see a local travel agent in Puerto Vallarta. Worthy of mention is The Laguna de Santa Maria, a destination for those looking to relax in a quiet setting. Laguna de Santa Maria is a certified Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Santa Maria Resort Boutique Collection offers forest cabins that face the lagoon and is graced by a restaurant, docks and a pool. Yemaya Adventure Club is exactly as the name implies, for those seeking activities and the energy to enjoy them. The surroundings of the lagoon entice the sport lover and the observer, with kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, bumper balls, swimming. There’s no need to bring your own equipment; everything you’ll need can be found at locations around the lagoon. There is no shortage of activities in the area, with horseback riding tours, zip-lines, cycling, mountain bikes, hiking, and rappelling.

The ubiquitous colorful letters that greet arrivals in all Mexican towns are in this case SAMAO. The magnificence of Santa Maria del Oro beckons you. If you’re looking for something different and a respite from the heat, we highly recommend this escape where you’ll be greeted by wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Whether it’s a challenging hike, a visit to the waterfalls, or a simple walk alongside the water, there is something for everyone.

A with most legends in Mexico, there’s always more than one story. One of those is the tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet from differing tribes, who were tied together. Held close but unable to touch, they cried tears that formed the lagoon. A deeper and actually plausible origin of the lagoon is that it’s a volcano crater. No one has ever tested the depth enough to know, and many believe it will take one to the center of the earth.

The lagoon’s water changes color with the seasons, moving from light turquoise to deep green, caused by alkaline and mineral levels.

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