The Bahía de Banderas is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico and is renowned for its beauty. Some of the resorts that dot the landscape are the most famous in the world, with Puerto Vallarta emerging as an exclusive destination in the 60s.
Several celebrities and monarchs flocked here throughout this time, including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the early days of their relationship. This immediately established the region as a major destination for the rich and famous, and its popularity has only increased over the years.
Along with Puerto Vallarta, a private peninsula only ten miles to the north, Punta Mita, has begun attracting exclusive clientele, making it a favorite of everyone from Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to Silicon Valley billionaires. Each has its own appeal and if you’re trying to decide which vacation paradise is right for you, consider the following.
Punta Mita
Exclusivity
Punta Mita is not the type of place likely to be overrun by tourists. The resorts situated in the area cater to a distinct clientele, specifically those who want privacy. This makes it a magical, romantic place to visit. What could be better than being alone in paradise with the one you love? In fact, Punta Mita is so exclusive, its most famous restaurant, Mesa 1, only offers one seating a day. They only serve a maximum of fifteen clients a day, giving them the opportunity to lavish attention on their customers and food. This is the type of experience only Punta Mita can provide.
Things to do
If you’ve ever wanted to see Humpback whales, you’ll get the opportunity if you visit Punta Mita in the winter months, with guided tours allowing you to observe them in their natural habitat. The fishing is also extraordinary, while an exotic hike through the jungle and trying Mexico’s longest zip line (over 1000 ft long and 250 ft high) will get your adrenaline flowing. For a more relaxing adventure, Punta Mita’s paddle boarding is famously tranquil and an island favorite, while the local restaurants offer cuisine inspired by the daily catch that will astonish your taste buds.
A Hidden Beach
Located in The Marietas Island, this tucked away treasure (known as “Playa del Amor”) is accessible via licensed tour operators in Punta Mita, but even they aren’t allowed to dock on the beach. Yet, this adds to the adventure of the escapade, as you’ll have to swim a bit and go through a cave to reach the island, but it’s an easy trip, and the result is well worth it. You’ll be amazed by the lush vegetation and unspoiled marine life, and the beach itself is unparalleled in its beauty.
Puerto Vallarta
Popularity
Puerto Vallarta is widely considered one of the world’s prime tourist destinations – for a good reason. Every year, millions flock to Mexico’s favorite resort city to indulge in the gorgeous beaches, and it’s also a terrific destination for families, with all the comforts of home. It’s also famous for being a top LGBTQ destination, with local gay culture openly celebrated – with some calling it the “San Francisco of Mexico.”
Activities
Puerto Vallarta is the place to go if you’re looking to party. With tons of nightlife, if you’re looking for a place to visit with a group of friends, you can’t go wrong. Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone. There’s the famous waterfront, the cobblestone streets, and cute shops, but there’s also exclusive four-star dining that can’t be beat. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, take a trip to Yelapa, a quiet village where you can go for a hike, or try some snorkeling and kayaking. There’s also the private eco-reserve in the Sierra Madre Mountains. There you can go zip lining, hit the water slides or try out the obstacle courses.
Culture
Puerto Vallarta is also the place to see many historical landmarks, including the world-famous Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is open daily. There’s also The Malecón, a paved walkway along the sea-shore, which was recently restored and hosts several contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists. A guided trip to San Sebastian, only ninety minutes from town and located in the Sierra Madre mountains at 3000 feet above sea level is also a must, with the town largely untouched by time with its classic buildings and 18th-century church.
Which destination is best for you?
Of course, either destination offers a world-class, glamorous vacation. In the end, the choice comes down to what you really want from your vacation. For a romantic, tranquil getaway, villas in Punta Mita are exquisite, while larger groups, families, and those looking to get a little wild would probably find the villas in Puerto Vallarta more to their liking.
Whichever location you choose, allow Rental Escapes to guide you through the process of organizing your luxury vacation. With superior customer service combined with extensive destination-specific experience, we are pleased to bring you vacations that transport you to the Mexican paradise you’ve been dreaming of.
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