PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
by Rossana Wyatt
Travel and gluten-free lifestyle writer Rossana Wyatt talks about her adventures in beautiful resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Big Blend Radio.
Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Bahia de Banderas, sits the magical city of Puerto Vallarta. This year Puerto Vallarta celebrates both 100 years as a municipality, and 50 years as a city. There have been many celebrations happening throughout the year and more to come.
Most recently, the historic center of Puerto Vallarta was designated a protected Cultural Heritage Center; this historic center is the heart of the city and a major attraction to all visitors. The beautiful colonial architecture of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown area is now officially protected by state and federal laws in Mexico. This will preserve the architecture and “essential characteristics” of the popular beach destination from further changes.
Encompassing several neighborhoods, the cultural heritage zone stretches from the Malecón near the Hotel Rosita (the oldest hotel in Puerto Vallarta) to the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Romantica. The heritage zone also includes iconic landmarks such as the Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with its majestic crown that can be seen from many points in the city.
The 1964 film “Night of the Iguana” was filmed in Puerto Vallarta by director John Huston, and put Puerto Vallarta on the map. It was then that the rest of the world discovered this tropical paradise and started coming to explore the area themselves. John Huston eventually made his home in a cove on Las Caletas, a small beach just south of Puerto Vallarta only accessible by boat and very secluded. It is a wonderful location for an outing for the day.
Along with lying along the coast of one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and having been named the “Friendliest City” by Conde Nast in 2001; Puerto Vallarta is also one of the best gastronomic beach destinations in Mexico.
Puerto Vallarta is proud of it gastronomy and the variety that is available. It has almost 400 restaurants with something to suit everyone’s palate… from Mexican, International, to fusion cuisine. With some of the freshest ingredients available, there are endless possibilities.
Every May, they hold a restaurant week with set menus and promotions from participating restaurants to entice diners to visit local restaurants. It has become more and more popular every year, with the week extending to almost a month this year because of its popularity.
Puerto Vallarta is a city full of history, culture, and gastronomy. Throughout the year, they hold many events that celebrate their cuisine. The International Gourmet Festival, now in its 24th year, running from Nov. 23 to Dec.2, 2018 is one to look out for. The festival is known for featuring the talent of world-renowned Chefs representing National and European restaurants from all over the world to create delicacies for every palate. During the festival, there are chef tastings, culinary safaris, sensorial tastings and themed nights offering distinct dishes from cities around the world. Definitely something you want to experience!
It is no wonder that Puerto Vallarta won three Silver Statues for Best Culinary Destination in Mexico during the International Travvy Awards, held in New York City last January.
Puerto Vallarta was also voted as one of the Best Cities in the world in Conde Nast’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards; it was also the only beach city in the top 40 Best Cities. Nominated in the Best Cities category again this year, they will hopefully be able to celebrate this 100th year with another best city award!
Plan your Puerto Vallarta vacation at www.VisitPuertoVallarta.com
Rossana Wyatt is a gluten-free lifestyle and travel writer specializing in family and solo travel that includes teens and 50+, as well as specialty diets during International and local travel adventures! She has a been a freelance writer and blogger for the past 5 years. Rossana loves discovering new foods and adventures on her journeys as she explores; sharing adventures along with tips and advice with others to inspire them to travel. Follow her adventures at www.lifeisfullofadventures.com.
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