¡Bienvenido a Puerto Vallarta!
If you’re looking at Mexico for your destination wedding or honeymoon of choice, nothing compares to the old-world charm of Puerto Vallarta. There is so much fascinating history here, and combined with beautiful architecture & hospitable people you’ll find all the romance you’ll need! I’ll soon be traveling to this historic city myself, and wanted to look up some neat facts before I went. In my research, I found all sorts of pages on Puerto Vallarta’s history and growth. I also found a lot of information on creating perfect wedding or honeymoon memories too.
This secluded and exotic hideaway boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the world- Banderas Bay, which is a haven for water sports enthusiasts as well as wildlife. Here, you can watch the whales from December until April, swim with dolphins and manta rays and explore exquisite underwater coral reefs. If you prefer to experience nature from a distance, never fear – Vallarta’s diverse culture will keep you busy with plenty of dining and shopping excursions as well as sightseeing tours and packages. It seems hard to believe that this pristine town filled with fun and excitement was once a small thriving Mexican village with a harbor for trade.
Puerto Vallarta had its beginnings when Cortes’ claimed control over the Ameca valley in 1524 and named the Banderas Bay, which translates to “flags” after the colorful native banners he found upon arrival. The bay thrived as a haven for those on the trade route seeking respite, and also garnered a reputation for piracy and smuggling in the latter half of the 17th and 18th century. During the 19th century Puerto Vallarta (then known as Las Penas) transformed from a fishing and pearl market to a more self-sustaining and realized village atmosphere in 1859. Evolving steadily but slowly, Americans started to take an interest in the area in the 1950’s but Vallarta bloomed after director John Huston filmed Night of the Iguana in 1963. The film, starring Ava Gardner and Richard Burton was covered heavily in the media due to the affair Burton shared with Elizabeth Taylor and tourism skyrocketed - (nothing like a scandal, right)?
Today, it’s easy to see why many couples flock to the quaint town to celebrate their nuptials or relax on their honeymoon. Many resorts here are all-inclusive and provide wedding services for free based on the number of nights you stay. Destination weddings are popular not only because of the price difference between a destination and a traditional wedding but because Puerto Vallarta has such an old-world charm. This is the picture perfect destination, folks…it doesn’t get much better than walking through the old town.
There are multiple places within the city which you must visit. Landmarks include the Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, rock formations Pulipito and Pilitas, Playa Conchas Cinas (Chinese Shells Beach), and the Maelcon – a paved walkway along the seashore that is popular Sunday evenings. Along this beautiful path you will find contemporary sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet. If shopping is more your style don’t forget to visit the Mercado Isle Cuale and Mercado Municipal Cuale- two of the largest open air markets selling souvenirs and other popular trinkets to take home with you. Be wary of cats, though- Isla Cuale is famous for their feline population. If you’re allergic, make sure you take a Benadryl beforehand.
If you’re an intellectual, you will certainly appreciate the Cuale Archaeological Museum on the west side of Isla Cuale. This museum has an important and historic collection of regional pre-Hispanic art as well as an intimate gallery full of contemporary works from local artists.
And food. Who doesn’t love food? In Puerto Vallarta there are three main dishes you simply must try: grilled marlin, ceviche and Huachingano Sarandeado…grilled marlin is pretty self-explanatory, but cerviche is raw fish, scallops or shrimp with chiles and lime juice. The lime juice cures the fish, and when served with tortilla makes a nice cultural treat; Huachingano Sarandeado is simply red snapper marinated and grilled.
All of these cultural delights melt together to create a perfectly romantic atmosphere for newlyweds. A sense of other-worldly charm saturates every part of Puerto Vallarta and promises days filled with learning, friendly people and something new at every turn. Nights promise impeccable dining, local hotspots and pristine scenery as sunsets become more than just an ordinary event.
Puerto Vallarta beckons to its travelers again and again. KHM Honeymoons constantly sends couples to this lovely town just inside Banderas Bay, and we’d love to get you there as well. If you’re at all interested in traveling for a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact our friendly and capable Personal Honeymoon Consultants for free honeymoon consultations.
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