I arrived in Puerto Vallarta at 4pm and took a taxi into the center of town, and arrived at a hotel that I had booked online called La Siesta. It was a 15-minute walk to the Old Town over the bridge on the Cuale River. Great view from the room.
I chose this trip since I needed to be online for a couple of courses I was taking, and since the flight itself was very cheap. I also love this place, and I knew it would be hot, relaxing and very social. So, I spent the next 18 days swimming on Los Muertos Beach, meeting people at Happy Hour at Apaches after the beach, going to dinner with new people, and generally taking relaxing walks around the town. There are lots of stores and art galleries to browse in the middle of town.
Speaking of Apaches, it makes a great pit stop after an afternoon on the beach. Owned by a Dutch woman named Anya, it buzzes at Happy Hour between 5 and 7pm, where national drinks are 2-for-1. They also serve great bar food, such as amazing meatballs, great chicken fingers, and chicken Vallarta. Even alone, it is rare that you don't end up sitting by yourself for too long, as someone will inevitably invite you over to their outdoor table, or ask to join you at yours. After a couple of drinks, a nice hour-long nap is a refreshing luxury, followed by a hot shower, and then off to dinner (often with people you met at Apaches or on the beach).
Following dinner, it is usual to go out for a couple of beer at a local bar such as Garbo's or Frida's (owned by Tom from Vancouver). Again, it is easy to meet people at such places.
The town also abounds with massage places, where for about $40 per hour, you can get a good strong pat down. Great for after the beach.
