A Day-tripper's Delight
By George Oxford Miller

Day Trips — Explore Your Surroundings

Puerto, the Spanish word for port or entryway, perfectly describes Puerto Vallarta's location on Mexico's central Pacific coast. As the historical crossroads for indigenous cultures and a Colonial trade center, the bayside town serves as the gateway to explore nearby fishing, mountain and Indian villages, unspoiled beaches and the wonders of nature in the nearby jungle. The activity desk at most resorts and several tour companies in town offer a variety of air, land and sea excursions that provide a glimpse of Mexico beyond the resort beaches and crowded marketplaces.

By Air
The Sierra Madres that tower over Puerto Vallarta hide more treasures than gold and silver. Small-plane tours visit isolated indigenous and Spanish Colonial villages that still retain their traditional cultures.

San Sebastian del Oeste
Located in a mile-high valley, San Sebastian dates back to 1605 when the Spanish discovered silver in the rugged mountains. Like a living museum, the town's narrow, cobblestone streets, old buildings, church and town square reflect the splendor of that history-book era. The aroma of roasting coffee greets visitors entering the picture-postcard village. Here you can visit the home of a backyard coffee grower, watch him roast and grind the beans, then sample the freshest cup of java you've ever tasted. A row of 300-year-old storefronts borders one side of the village square, and the old mining company's palatial headquarters, the other. Now a hotel, it serves an authentic ranchero lunch in the shaded courtyard.

Mascota/Talpa
Hidden in the mile-high Sierra Madres, Mascota and Talpa preserve the architecture and traditions that date back to the 1500s when Spanish colonists searched the mountains for gold and silver. Nestled in fertile valleys, these towns produced more agricultural products than precious metals. Mascota, founded in 1592, has a famous cathedral dedicated to the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows), which took more than 100 years to build. Talpa's cathedral, home of the Rosario de Talpa statue, is famous throughout Mexico. Pilgrims believe the small, straw Virgin possesses healing powers and many journey from great distances to receive a blessing. Shops along the historic streets sell baskets, sombreros and sandals made from chicle, the base of chewing gum. Be sure to sample café de la olla, steaming coffee flavored with cinnamon and sugar, and Raicilla, the famous mescal alcoholic beverage of the region.

Huichol Indians
The intricate beaded art and yarn paintings in Puerto Vallarta craft galleries represent the religious imagery and traditions of the Huichol Indians. Because the Huichols live in the most rugged areas of the Sierra Madres, they were never conquered by the Spanish conquistadors and still retain much of their pre-Columbian culture. Visitors fly by small plane to the village of San Andres Coamihata and experience a culture that has changed little in over 2,000 years. Villagers display their exquisite artwork of beaded animal sculptures, which represent the sacred symbols of their beliefs.

By Land
If you want to escape the condo and shopping crowds, book a tour, rent a car, or catch the bus to the still undeveloped villages along Highway 200 along the coastline of Banderas Bay.

Mismaloya
Nature meets Hollywood in this small village 15 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. In 1963, Richard Burton's romance with Elizabeth Taylor while filming Night of the Iguana launched the area's tourist industry. Visit the Night of the Iguana Set Restaurant, featured in the film, and Huston's Seafood Restaurant & Sunset Bar in the house once used by director John Huston. For lunch and a swim in the Mismaloya River, head up the mountain to El Eden Restaurant. Offshore rocks form the picturesque Los Arcos, a favorite boating destination accessible by local panga boats. A sunset dinner on the beach with Los Arcos silhouetted in the golden light is the perfect ending for an adventurous day.

Bucerías
Only 10 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport, this fishing village boasts the longest uninterrupted beach — 7 miles — on Banderas Bay. Reminiscent of Puerto Vallarta 25 years ago, the town features the classic Mexican zócalo (town square) with gazebo, nearby church, shops and markets. Burros share the narrow streets with honking taxis, and in the mornings fishermen set sail from the beach. With dozens of cafés, food vendors and restaurants to choose from, you can sample a street-stand taco or feast on the catch of the day at a candlelight restaurant.

Punta de Mita
Punta Mita, located about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta on a peninsula at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, has always offered deep-sea fishing and whale-watching charters, surfing and midwinter tans. But now the Four Seasons Resort and its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course have become the main attractions. The 18-hole, ocean-view course features a dramatic 194-yard, par-three hole only playable at high tide: it's a natural island, surrounded by the world's largest water hazard, the Pacific Ocean.

Sayulita
Sayulita, 22 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, is known for lush jungles, pristine beaches, world-class surfing and laid-back lifestyle. Stroll the cobblestone streets for a taste of rural Mexico before mega-resorts burst onto the scene. Take surfing lessons on the beach and watch fishermen mending their nets. For lunch, order fresh seafood at a beachfront palapa restaurant and enjoy the real flavor of coastal Mexico. Guided horseback rides lead along the surf and through the jungle, or you can explore the trails by mountain bike or hiking. A sunset or moonlight horseback ride with the waves rolling onto the crescent beach sets the perfect mood for a romantic holiday.

San Francisco (San Pancho)
The village of San Francisco, 10 miles north of Sayulita, offers an even more authentic glimpse of pre-resort Mexico. Ironically, in the 1970's, President Luis Echeverria decided to turn San Francisco, locally called San Pancho, into a model resort community. He completed the school, hospital and his personal oceanfront villa (now a vacation rental) before fleeing Mexico. Since then, the tourism boom in Puerto Vallarta has had little effect on the sleepy streets. You can explore jungle trails, bird- and whale-watch, or spend the day drinking piña coladas and wiggling your toes in the sand. With boutique shopping and more than 30 eateries, the village temps your taste buds with everything from seafood tacos to international cuisine.

By Sea
The tropical seas of Bandaras Bay, the seventh largest bay in the world, harbor an amazing abundance of coral reef fishes, bird life and dolphins and whales.

Islas Marietas
A motorboat or catamaran sailing excursion to Las Marietas Islands, located 21 miles offshore in Banderas Bay, offers a combination of beaches, wildlife and the best diving and snorkeling in the region. Hundreds of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies nest on the rocky islands, a protected wildlife sanctuary. You can relax on isolated beaches, explore the rugged island, or kayak the coastline. Scuba divers and snorkelers swim with giant manta rays and explore underwater caves and coral reefs teaming with colorful fish. The daylong tours include lunch and refreshments, but bring sun protection, binoculars, a camera and plenty of film.

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