When you live in Minneapolis you have to go somewhere warm at least once during each miserable winter. My recommendation? Go to Puerta Vallarta. If for no other reason to stay at the Hacienda San Angel. It is a hotel like no other. And if you love dogs as we do, it has a unique charm that revolves around the rescue dogs you will find there. You’ll see that story on the web site. But animal rescue aside, this hotel is world class. Just a few (steep) blocks up the hill from the Malecón the views are spectacular. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and the property, with just twelve suites is intimate.
If you are not familiar with the New York Times “36 Hours” series of travel reviews start with this one, “36 Hours in Puerta Vallarta”. It’s written in 2016 but most of the places it references are still there. This is not Cancun or Cabo. Puerta Vallarta is more laid back.
Café De Artistes is a must for a memorable meal. The selection is not expansive but you won’t care the food is so good. Jane and I were not in a hurry to leave. The garden terrace is beautiful and the staff is quite welcoming. The pace in this small city is relaxed.
There are all sorts of activities but what I will remember is this is the place where I got Jane to go zip lining. First, they put us in an inflatable watercraft and took us to an island. Then they put us in muscular Mercedes trucks and drove us up a mountain. When the trucks could go no more, they put each of us on a donkey and we continued to ascend. Once at the top it took nine zip lines to get down, most of which elicited screams from more than a couple of the group. Vallarta Adventures. Try it.
But even if you do not stay there, walk up to Hacienda San Angel for a drink and some views and a few minutes with the dogs. There are always some around. Maybe we will see you there. After writing this I have to go back. Soon.
