This is my second time spending Christmas and New Year's in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The weather is perfect during this time of the year. We stayed at the Mayan Palace in Nuevo Vallarta, about 10 miles north of the airport. It's such a nice place to stay coz we got a really huge accomodation with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchenette, dining and living rooms plus a killer ocean view like the one above. We would watch the sunset, the luxury cruises coming and leaving and all the action going on the beach such as the parasailers and nice sail boats and yachts go by.
Every morning, we would walk along the beach for a little exercise. But there's one thing we noticed, it seemed like the water level had risen. On our last visit 3 years ago, the beach front was deep but this time, the water destroyed some of their properties such as the Palm trees, retaining walls and even the preparation for the New Year's eve gala. They were supposed to hold it on the beach but then the big waves spoiled everything. So, they had to transfer right on the golf course. They didn't want to take a chance which i'm glad they did.
Then one day, we saw these little eggs on the beach and found this baby turtle. It's the cutest thing ever. They were all in a bucket trying to get away while the rest of the eggs were buried. The waves must have eroded the sand and exposed all the eggs and these little creatures.
This picture was taken when we went to El Centro, downtown Puerto Vallarta. It's where the action is, more touristy and crowded. You find countless bars and restaurants right on the beach, as well as, hotels. Although it lacks privacy coz the hawkers would just pop up right in front of you. Unlike where we are staying, it's very serene and private. We don't have to worry about leaving our stuff on our lounge seats while we're having lunch at the bar or go back to the room. It's very secluded. The downside is that it's very limited in restaurant options. We always have to take the bus to get to El Centro and when we go, we would stay for hours.
This is Grilled Chicken with Lettuce and Tomatoes on Tortilla which I had for lunch almost daily on the pool. While below is Chicken Tacos smothered with Tomato sauce and Sour Cream with Guacamole. They're equally delicious.
Below are hand-painted plates made of clay (I guess) which you find everywhere. I bought some bowls with chilis and a plate for our plate rack in the dining room. I got them for a reasonable price in the town of San Francisco when we went on a day trip up north.
Next is a Mexican feast. Yes, we had Mexican buffet one night and it was fantastic. We both enjoyed the food, my hubby had the Cochinita Pibil (a Pork dish) for the first time and he loved it. I tried almost everything but a little bit of each dish. I love the Chicken Posole and their Salpicon de Res. They're all familiar to me since we prepare most of them at school. I also like the Bunuelos and watched the cook made them. He uses this flower shaped mold, dip it in batter and fry. It's so light and addictive. You can top it with Cajeta or melted Chocolate or Cinnamon sugar and so on.
We went back to El Arrayan (below) for our Christmas eve dinner. It's always nice to be back to your favorite restaurant where you know you'll have great authentic Mexican food. My hubby had this Grilled Mahi-mahi with Tomatillo sauce while I had Steak with Mole sauce. It was divine. I've always wanted to have Mole and this didn't disappoint me at all.
For appetizers, we ordered Duck Tostadas, didn't look appetizing coz of the color but the flavor was there. Then the Chicken Taquitos with Cream and crumbled Queso Fresco are also to die for. I'm not exaggerating it nor got paid to rave about it. When I like it, I really do. And I would tell the whole world. No desserts, we don't normally get it from the restaurant as we always end up stuffed.
Below is a table side Fresh Guacamole salsa. We went to Pipi's restaurant in El Centro. This was recommended to us by the resort concierge, very touristy ,yet, the ambience is great. They had the Mariachi serenading every table and people are in their festive mood. As soon as we sat down, they served us a basket of Nacho chips with Pico de Gallo and Fresh Guacamole salsa. That's what i'm talking about. Atleast, I know it's freshly made right before my eyes. We ordered Beef and Chicken Fajitas served with Rice and refried beans. The frozen Margarita was served in this humongous glass as big as my face. The food is mediocre but we still had a wonderful time. It's not as authentic as what I had expected. We originally planned to go to El Arrayan but they were closed, so we ended up here. Will I go back? I doubt it.
This is my second time spending Christmas and New Year's in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The weather is perfect during this time of the year. We stayed at the Mayan Palace in Nuevo Vallarta, about 10 miles north of the airport. It's such a nice place to stay coz we got a really huge accomodation with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchenette, dining and living rooms plus a killer ocean view like the one above. We would watch the sunset, the luxury cruises coming and leaving and all the action going on the beach such as the parasailers and nice sail boats and yachts go by.
Every morning, we would walk along the beach for a little exercise. But there's one thing we noticed, it seemed like the water level had risen. On our last visit 3 years ago, the beach front was deep but this time, the water destroyed some of their properties such as the Palm trees, retaining walls and even the preparation for the New Year's eve gala. They were supposed to hold it on the beach but then the big waves spoiled everything. So, they had to transfer right on the golf course. They didn't want to take a chance which i'm glad they did.
Then one day, we saw these little eggs on the beach and found this baby turtle. It's the cutest thing ever. They were all in a bucket trying to get away while the rest of the eggs were buried. The waves must have eroded the sand and exposed all the eggs and these little creatures.
This picture was taken when we went to El Centro, downtown Puerto Vallarta. It's where the action is, more touristy and crowded. You find countless bars and restaurants right on the beach, as well as, hotels. Although it lacks privacy coz the hawkers would just pop up right in front of you. Unlike where we are staying, it's very serene and private. We don't have to worry about leaving our stuff on our lounge seats while we're having lunch at the bar or go back to the room. It's very secluded. The downside is that it's very limited in restaurant options. We always have to take the bus to get to El Centro and when we go, we would stay for hours.
This is Grilled Chicken with Lettuce and Tomatoes on Tortilla which I had for lunch almost daily on the pool. While below is Chicken Tacos smothered with Tomato sauce and Sour Cream with Guacamole. They're equally delicious.
Below are hand-painted plates made of clay (I guess) which you find everywhere. I bought some bowls with chilis and a plate for our plate rack in the dining room. I got them for a reasonable price in the town of San Francisco when we went on a day trip up north.
We went back to El Arrayan (below) for our Christmas eve dinner. It's always nice to be back to your favorite restaurant where you know you'll have great authentic Mexican food. My hubby had this Grilled Mahi-mahi with Tomatillo sauce while I had Steak with Mole sauce. It was divine. I've always wanted to have Mole and this didn't disappoint me at all.
For appetizers, we ordered Duck Tostadas, didn't look appetizing coz of the color but the flavor was there. Then the Chicken Taquitos with Cream and crumbled Queso Fresco are also to die for. I'm not exaggerating it nor got paid to rave about it. When I like it, I really do. And I would tell the whole world. No desserts, we don't normally get it from the restaurant as we always end up stuffed.
Below is a table side Fresh Guacamole salsa. We went to Pipi's restaurant in El Centro. This was recommended to us by the resort concierge, very touristy ,yet, the ambience is great. They had the Mariachi serenading every table and people are in their festive mood. As soon as we sat down, they served us a basket of Nacho chips with Pico de Gallo and Fresh Guacamole salsa. That's what i'm talking about. Atleast, I know it's freshly made right before my eyes. We ordered Beef and Chicken Fajitas served with Rice and refried beans. The frozen Margarita was served in this humongous glass as big as my face. The food is mediocre but we still had a wonderful time. It's not as authentic as what I had expected. We originally planned to go to El Arrayan but they were closed, so we ended up here. Will I go back? I doubt it. 
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