Emerald green mountains, pristine beaches and magnificent sunsets are some of the many benefits of living along the coast of the Mexican Riviera. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, a short and convenient flight from many North American cities.

Outdoor Activities

Living by the sea offers a wide variety of experiences, from the peaceful and relaxing to adrenaline charged outdoor adventures. Choose from outdoor activities including swimming, surfing, waterfall hikes, fishing, stand up paddleboard, horseback riding and kayaking. For thrill junkies, there are zip lines, bungie jumping and off-road jungle excursions including the world’s longest extension bridge. Looking for something more mellow? A trip to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens should provide you with all the serenity you crave.

Relaxation

The sound of the waves and the ocean breeze can be very calming, providing a peaceful environment for relaxation and stress relief. Being close to nature and the outdoors can also improve mental health and reduce stress. So, wiggle your toes into the sand and feel the grounding energy of the earth.

Scenery

Living by the beach offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, which can be very aesthetically pleasing and good for the soul. Take a walk through the vibrant downtown Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, a hike into the jungle or a water taxi to the beaches of the South Shore, accessible only by water.

Community beachfront communities often have a strong sense of community, with many opportunities to socialize and meet new people. This can be especially important for retirees or those who may feel isolated in other living situations.

Health benefits

Living near the ocean can offer health benefits such as “jungle bathing”, exposure to natural light, and increased opportunities for physical activity. Just a brisk walk in the Romantic Zone or along the famous Malecon can help you burn off the amazing meals you will eat and get your daily vitamin D dose!

 Vacation-like lifestyle

Living on the beach can feel like being on vacation every day, providing a relaxed and carefree lifestyle. Just remember, you’re a resident not a tourist so margaritas everyday can get you into trouble!

Potential for property value appreciation

Beachfront and oceanfront properties tend to hold their value and appreciate over time, making them a potentially good investment. And gazing at the ocean is always easy on the eyes.

Tourism Business Opportunities

Living by the beach can provide opportunities to start a business in the tourism industry, such as running a beachside restaurant, renting out beach houses, or offering water sports equipment rentals.

Foodies Paradise

Freshly-caught seafood, locally-grown produce, and tempting Mexican dishes to savor, Vallarta is full of restaurants to discover. There are an abundance of restaurants featuring Italian, French, Thai, Asian fusion, Greek, Caribbean…whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here. Young chefs from all over Mexico, are attracted by the scene in Vallarta and are opening new and innovative establishments with amazing contemporary Mexican food.

Overall, living by the beach can provide a unique and enjoyable lifestyle with a range of benefits for physical and mental health, social connections, and overall quality of life. Are you looking for the home of your dreams by the sea? Consider contacting one of our agents of come by the office! We’ve got the AC on and ice-cold water, crisp chardonnay and even tequila!

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Almost as important as snorkeling, beach strolls or nightclubbing, street food in Puerto Vallarta is an unmissable experience for any lover of tasty and inexpensive food options. In this article, I will tell you about three typical street foods in Puerto Vallarta, a little bit about their place within the cultural context of Mexico and where to find them.

Starting with the sweetest option on the list, Mexican churros are known for their elongated star-shape and great taste. While churros were brought to Mexico by the Spaniards, they are believed to have origins as far back as Ancient China! Covered in a thin layer of sugar and cinnamon, churros are made of wheat flour and can be eaten at any time of the day accompanied by a delicious coffee or hot chocolate. I recommend you try The Churros Guy, a churro stand outside the Santa Cruz Church on Aguacate 216. Grab a few to enjoy during your tour through downtown Puerto Vallarta!

Next on the list is the famous Birria de Chivo. Native to the state of Jalisco, this food is characterized by a fusion of aromas and flavors that come from the curious way of preparing goat meat, which is prepared with a marinade sauce that tenderizes the usually tough meat. It is often said that this food is ideal after a long night of partying. I recommend you try the Birria stand located on Constitución Street #286 in the Romantic Zone.

Finally, we close the list with the flagship of Mexican food: tacos. There a many types of tacos, and I would like to tell you specifically about Tacos al Pastor, which are made with pork. Originating from Lebanese immigrants in the estate of Puebla, Tacos al Pastor are a crucial part of Mexico’s street food scene. But not all tacos al pastor are the same, nor of the same quality. I recommend Tacos Huichos in La Aurora, Calle Universo 2018A. This family business with Puebla roots has been delighting palates for many years in Puerto Vallarta, and has numerous branches in other neighborhoods such as Versalles and Los Sauces.

There you have it. Three street food options that you can enjoy during your visit or stay in Puerto Vallarta. Venture out in search of these and more dishes in the streets of this beautiful and dynamic destination.

Written by Gael Guadarrama, our Office Manager and foodie.

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El Puerco de Oro is the latest concept from Chef Joel Ornelas, considered one of the most promising young chefs of Puerto Vallarta. He is no stranger to the restaurant biz, as he is the owner of two other restaurants that I love, La Leña and Tintoque.

Joel is originally from Puerto Vallarta, where he started his cooking career as an apprentice at local favorites Le Bistro and Café des Artistes. He then studied gastronomy and worked at restaurants in Guadalajara before going to Europe for 3 years to gather some experience working at Michelin-starred restaurants and then returning to Puerto Vallarta to open his restaurants.

El Puerco de Oro opened in August of 2020 in Versalles. The sign outside says “Desde el Tiempo de Covid” (since the time of Covid). Their specialty is pork belly tacos, tortas and quesadillas. They don’t serve anything else. They have their menu painted on the outside of the building. It only lists these items.

The tacos and quesadillas are a little bit fancy because they use only blue corn tortillas. The pork belly is cooked to perfection with a crispy golden crunchy crust on the outside, juicy on the inside. It’s the most heavenly pork belly you’ve ever tasted in your life! They have a bright pink neon sign inside the restaurant that reads “no son carnitas” (they’re not carnitas), which is a reference to the higher-end, specialty nature of pork belly.

The tacos come with chopped cabbage, onion and cilantro, and the restaurant serves all the typical sides that you expect at a taco place – guacamole, red, green and habanero salsas, cucumbers and radishes, and of course, limes.

It’s a small place with just 4 tables. It seems to be lesser-known, probably because it’s so new, but already popular with locals. As one friend put it, “Puerco de Oro is my new addiction!”

This restaurant is a classic example of doing one thing and doing it well. Simple but delicious. Anthony Bourdain would be proud.

You can find El Puerco de Oro at Calle España 325 D, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México.

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Puerto Vallarta has a reputation for playing host to some of the best restaurants in Mexico. From fine dining to taco stands and street vendors, all cooking up a storm of delights and melt-in-the-mouth flavors for every palate imaginable. There’s something for everyone, every taste, and for all ages.

For discerning parents who want to treat their children to a meal out that doesn’t involve unhealthy fast foods, here’s a list of our favorite places in Puerto Vallarta to eat with kids.

1. Fredys Tucan: Boasting not one but two restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, Fredys Tucan has been serving customers since 1981. With more than 50 different breakfasts to choose from including some of the best pancakes, waffles and French bread in town, you and your kids will love it.
2. Panchos Takos: Everyone likes tacos, and as kids love to use their hands, what better way to enjoy lunch or dinner than savoring the best finger food in town. Pancho’s Takos is situated in the heart of the Romantic Zone where street performers will entertain you and your kids whilst you eat.
3. Oregano: Caribbean food at its finest, your kids will love the stewed spicy chicken wings or the Caribbean curry. Even better is the resident pet pig called Tako, who’ll amuse your little ones whilst you enjoy a glass of fine wine.
4. Lukumbe Restaurant: Fantastic for younger kids, Lukumbe keeps your children busy with an inflatable bouncy, toy room, and trampoline. The wide-ranging menu is also delicious.
5. Lix Homemade Ice Cream: Situated just a few doors from Pancho’s Takos, what better way to cool off, or end your evening with ice cream from Lix. You’ll want to try their special salted caramel flavor. Simply delectable.

Puerto Vallarta is certainly not short of family-friendly restaurants and please don’t forget that Mexican culture is very accepting of children and in any Puerto Vallarta restaurant, servers will make a special effort to accommodate families and have suggestions for picky eaters, making dining out as a family an easy and enjoyable experience.

If you and your family are ready to make the move to our beautiful city, please contact Greg or me and we will tell you how we did it!

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If this is your first visit to Puerto Vallarta or if you are just looking to make some new friends, then Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping is a great option for a fun evening. Operating for over 9 years now and run by Tim Wilson, a well known and liked member of the Puerto Vallarta community, you are in great hands. Tim not only operates this tour but also publishes the very successful GayPV magazine which can be found online at www.gaypv.com. Always a great place to start planning your vacation.

There are several options for the tour including dinner first or just drinks so check out the website for current prices and availability at www.hop.gaypv.com

And don’t just believe me that this is a must do tour here in Puerto Vallarta, read these reviews from guests.

“Try to do this at the beginning of your trip so you know where you want to go back! Tour guides were great and experience was fantastic. “ Jeremy M.

“Bar Hop was a fun night with a show followed by great food and nice company. Bar hopping was fun with great choices. They know where the action is.” Philip M.

For more reviews visit Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping on Trip Advisor https://bit.ly/2BhflbJ

Warren Brander is an expert real estate agent with Re/Max in Puerto Vallarta. If you are thinking about buying or selling an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area, contact him at (c) +52.1.322.200.2253, toll free1 855 2762901  or email: warren@wbrealtygrouppv.com

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Enjoy Life in Paradise

When I moved to Puerto Vallarta with my family in 2012 we settled in the colonia of 5 de Diciembre.  We had fallen in love with the neighbourhood, and for good reason.  Beautiful neighbors, beautiful neighborhood, and all the amenities – grocery stores, a full service market, shops, restaurants, and an amazing outdoor sports and fitness stadium (free!) all close by.  And now, 8 years later, 5 de Diciembre is becoming a thriving hotspot with everything you can ask for.

5 de Diciembre has an abundance of great restaurant choices.  To name a few, there’s El Barracuda, open for dinner and located on the beach at the foot of Nicaragua.  It’s a great family place.  Kids can play in the sand while parents sip margaritas at tables right on the beach.  If you’re a taco fan, and who isn’t, visit Pepe’s Taco on Honduras.  Fei Long on Nicaragua has a great selection of Chinese food.  And if you don’t see your favorite on the menu, just ask the chef and if he’s got the ingredients he’ll make a special order for you.  For Italian dining you can’t go wrong at El Traviata.  The portions are plenty and the pizza is excellent.  And then there is the view.  Spectacular.  You’ll find another spectacular view at Barcelona Tapas, further south on Matamoros.  And the tapas are second to none.

Beyond restaurants you can pretty much find anything you need within walking distance.  Ley grocery store is right on the main strip, Av. Mexico.  There are appliance stores one block east, on Calle Peru, as well as mattress stores, laundromats, convenience stores, banks, and the list goes on.

If you’re house hunting in 5 de Diciembre you’ll find traditional homes and condos as well as newer developments that have popped up over the past 10 to 15 years, including Las Vistas and Altazor.  The newest development in 5 de Diciembre is The Colonial.  Priced from $153,000 to $355,000 and with only 28 studio, one and two bedroom units it promises to have that boutique feel, yet with all the amenities, and just four blocks from the beach!

The Colonial will be a sustainable building with underground parking, lobby area, central patio, fountain, security. It will have a fabulous roof-garden with pool overlooking the bay and the city, multiple use deck, garden, and terrace with grill area.  This is going to be a great property, well priced and will sell quickly.  So if you’re interested in finding out more, give me a call at 52 322 220 2253 or email me at warren@wbrealtygrouppv.com

I’m excited about the upcoming season here in Puerto Vallarta, and especially reconnecting with clients and friends.  So if you’re in town or planning to be in town give me a call or just surprise me and drop by my office in the Loft Condo building in Zona Romantica. I’ll have the coffee hot and the cervesas cold!

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As both an agent and a homeowner, I understand that any person listing their property wants to maximize their return on investment and get full value for their home. Currently, with such a strong real estate market in Puerto Vallarta, sellers can list properties with solid asking prices and, with the right agent working on your side, expect that the closing price will reflect the value of their home.

However, a homeowner’s personal and emotional connection to their property can often lead them into a risky position of overpricing their property, which is why a professional real estate agent who truly understands the Puerto Vallarta area market is key in the success of selling your home. Unlike other cities in the USA or Canada, where Realtors often rely on “comps” (the selling prices of comparable properties located in the neighborhood) to determine the asking price, apart from some exclusive gated residential developments, in Puerto Vallarta you may find a luxury villa on a large lot hidden behind gates next to a smaller, humbler traditional Mexican-style home. The simple idea of price per square foot comps by neighborhood cannot be relied upon and a savvy seller needs a local real estate professional to assist in truly finding the perfect asking price for their property.

A qualified professional real estate agent with a strong knowledge of the local market will be able to assist you in truly identifying both the exceptional qualities of your specific property that will make it most appealing and valuable to potential buyers, as well as being able to have an open and honest communication about the particulars that may need to be addressed to increase your asking price. However, avoiding the temptation, even in a strong seller’s market, to avoid overpricing your property reduces the risk of your property sitting on the market and requiring future price reductions that will eventually damage the true value of your home. For more information about pricing your property for sale in the Puerto Vallarta region, please feel free to contact our office for commitment-free advice.

Warren Brander is an expert real estate agent with Warren Brander Realty Group in Puerto Vallarta. If you are thinking about buying or selling an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area, contact him at (c) +52.1.322.200.2253, toll free1 855 276 2901  or email: warren@wbrealtygrouppv.com

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Living a healthier lifestyle and exercising more frequently is probably one of the most common promises people make to themselves at the start of a new year. If getting into better shape is one of your 2019 goals, Puerto Vallarta has a lot of options to help get you on your way. Here are a few you may want to consider.

Pilates: this a fantastic full-body workout for people who want to focus on core strength, balance and flexibility and is a perfect option for any age, fitness level or people who have physical challenges or injuries that need special attention. For private lessons, consider Marcelo Mico Pilates which has two locations, one in Marina Vallarta and one in Amapas, or for group lessons, try NACER Studio located in Plaza Peninsula in the Hotel Zone.

Zumba: hate working out but love to dance? Zumba may be the perfect workout for you and will help you look amazing on the dance floor at one of Puerto Vallarta’s salsa clubs as an added benefit! There are several excellent Zumba instructors in the Vallarta area, but Efren Muñoz is an experienced, bilingual teacher who teaches classes in Nuevo Vallarta, the Los Mangos Library and on Rio Cuale Island in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, making his classes convenient no matter where you live in the Banderas Bay region.

Swimming: another low-impact option, swimming is a great workout and ViveFit Fitness + Swimming has a full range of group and private classes for all levels in their beautiful facility on Francisco Villa, located near the stadium. They also offer several other fitness classes including Spinning, Crossfit, GAP and more and have an on-site nutritionist, making this an ideal one-stop option for total wellness.

But of course, the most convenient way to stick to a workout plan is to have a fitness facility located within your own home. Contact me today for Puerto Vallarta condo listings in residential buildings which include full, modern gym facilities and improve both the health of your body and your real estate portfolio at the same time!

Warren Brander is an expert real estate agent with Re/Max in Puerto Vallarta. If you are thinking about buying or selling an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area, contact him at (c) +52.1.322.200.2253, toll free1 8552762901 or email: warren@remaxinpv.com

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Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are comprised of so many communities, each with unique charm and appeal, that there is truly an area that will fit anyone’s dream of the perfect tropical lifestyle. But for many foreign buyers, trying to identify which part of the Banderas Bay region will best suit their needs can be a challenge, which is why having a real estate agent that is very familiar with each community and who will take the time to really understand your needs is a key factor in your home search. One of these communities we would like to introduce to you is the lovely little town of Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit.

Located just 20 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Bucerias has long been a favorite with Canadian and American buyers, attracted by the warm, small-town feel of this seaside town. With a charming traditional central plaza that hosts weekly markets, beach clubs and a wide variety of restaurant options, Bucerias has all the appeal of a small beach town like Sayulita, but with a quieter, less trendy vibe.

Homes here include modern beachfront condos located along the long stretch of beach, perfect for morning strolls or watching kite-surfers launch to amazing heights over the calm, ocean water. There are also traditional Mexican-style family homes and some truly incredible luxury villas located along the waterfront which offer exceptional privacy and gracious living.

Just outside of the village itself, homeowners in Bucerias enjoy modern conveniences like a new modern private care hospital, several large grocery stores, banks and other amenities, and English is widely-spoken, making the transition to your new home in Mexico easy.

If you would like to learn more about real estate options in Bucerias or other Banderas Bay communities that may be best for your lifestyle goals, please contact us at any time.

Warren Brander is an expert real estate agent with Re/Max in Puerto Vallarta. If you are thinking about buying or selling an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area, contact him at (c) +52.1.322.200.2253, toll free1 888 796 6606  or email: warren@wbrealtygrouppv.com

Photo Credit: Riviera Nayarit – https://www.rivieranayarit.com.mx/ 

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The holiday season has extra magic in Puerto Vallarta and our family loves mixing our own family traditions with the traditions of Mexico in December. Getting the house looking festive for the season is part of that and, of course, a Christmas tree is always the center of any holiday decorating. But we have learned that when it comes to Christmas trees in Puerto Vallarta, the early elf gets the candy cane.

Christmas trees are a hot commodity in Puerto Vallarta and the rule of thumb of when to purchase one is always “as soon as possible”. Generally, you will only find cut Christmas trees in the first two weeks of December before they sell out, leaving a few Charlie Brown trees for those who delayed.

Costco is always a sure-fire bet for finding beautiful trees in two sizes: large and very large. If you have a spacious home or villa, this is the perfect place to find that spectacular, bushy tree that will fill your home with that wonderful holiday scent. If you have a smaller home that can’t accommodate something quite as grand, you can find other lovely options at local grocery stores or at Home Depot. Remember, because you are buying early, you need to take extra care with your tree to prevent browning or needles from dropping, so avoid direct sunlight and keep your tree well-hydrated.

Another option is to purchase an artificial tree that you can use year after year. We have always found a good selection at Liverpool, Costco and Home Depot, including pre-lit trees for easy set-up.

Whether a cut tree or artificial, remember to deck your Puerto Vallarta halls early and get into the wonderful Christmas season that is so much a part of our local culture.

Warren Brander is an expert real estate agent with Warren Brander Realty Group in Puerto Vallarta. If you are thinking about buying or selling an investment property in Puerto Vallarta or the Banderas Bay area, contact him at (c) +52.1.322.200.2253, toll free18552762901  or email: warren@wbrealtygrouppv.com

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