What can I do in Puerto Vallarta by myself for a few hours?

Question

My boyfriend and I are going to PV at the end of the month and on our first morning there he is going scuba diving at Los Arcos. I am absolutely terrified of water, especially being under water, so that’s why I’m not going with him. He leaves at 9 in the morning and won’t be back til about 2 in the afternoon. What can I do by myself for 5 hours? I’m not too worried about being alone because it’ll be daytime, but since it’s our first morning there I’m not gonna know my way around or what would be good to do. On the schedule we already have horseback riding in the mountains/jungle, canopy tour, swimming with the dolphins, spending a day at Las Caletas, spending an entire day shopping and exploring PV, and hanging out at the beach. Any suggestions on what a girl can do by herself for a few hours?

Answer 1

Hi. You're going to love PV...one thing that my boyfriend and I did was, while we were having lunch & drinks in an open-air restaurant/bar on the street that runs next to the beach in downtown, a caricature artist drew us. Try to get a table next to the windows; they will walk by and hold up their drawing tablets to let you see their work. You can sit at your table and watch everything going on outside while he draws. Our artist was very talented and the drawing was not expensive (maybe $10). This doesn't take very long, at all, and it's something you could have done as a gift to surprise your boyfriend. The two of you might want to have one done together, as well. You will see several artists walking along, doing this, so it won't be hard to find one.

You mentioned you plan to go shopping, already? I would suggest shopping alone while you have that time. You could spend two days shopping and not see everything...so I would use that time to compare items and pricing, if you are really interested in getting the best deals, especially on more expensive items.

We also did the canopy tour...it was awesome!

Hope you have a great trip!

Answer 2

Puerto Vallarta offers rich opportunities for shoppers. Almost everything made in México is available: silver, blown glass, pottery, sarapes, clothing, sandals, masks and other arts and crafts. Also, the city’s reputation as an art center sets it apart from most other Mexican beach resort cities. Visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase pieces by some of Mexico’s most well known contemporary painters and sculptors, as well as internationally renowned artists. And, for budget-conscious vacationers with a good eye, Puerto Vallarta offers the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with Mexico’s up-and-coming new artists can be see at thePueblito del Sol Cultural Center.

More good buys include colorful handmade resort wear, the popular locally made leather sandals and huaraches. There is also a good selection of quality colonial-style furniture and most stores ship purchases to the U.S.

Excellent shops are scattered throughout. Some are near the beach, some in major hotels and many are located on the main downtown shopping area along Juárez and Morelos Streets. Most stores close from 2 – 4 p.m. Most open around 10 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m.

Vallarta's main flea market (located next to the Rio Cuale) houses dozens of stalls with a wide selection of items to choose from. Along the downtown Malecon strip, designer shops specializing in casual wear are everywhere. Combining the old with the new, American shops dot the Malecón (the main shopping area in "Centro" Vallarta) and are shoulder to shoulder with more traditional Mexican shops and galleries.

Puerto Vallarta's antique store and art gallery district is along Morelos, one block behind the "Malecón" and also on Corona, a side street. Here you might find an old iron hitching ring for a horse, or maybe a pre-columbian artifact.

Answer 3

If you are staying in Old Town ... just walk, look and buy stuff.  Have a meal.  If staying in Nuevo - take a taxi DT