On August 8th, three blocks of the Puerto Vallarta Malecón were opened under the supervision of Mayor Salvador González Reséndiz, who toured the area to ensure that everything was in order and on schedule. Among the many improvements, structurally and artistically, are the number of palm trees in the downtown area which will be increased from the 28 trees that previously ran the length of the Malecón to more than 200 palms, which will add life and shade to this attractive tourist spot in the city.

Those responsible for the project told the Mayor that most of the structural part of the work has been completed and now the space can be opened up for workers to begin landscaping, installing light fixtures, and finishing the sidewalk, which is being laid by hand in the traditional and artisanal manner with small stones that form a series of figures that will run the length of the Malecón and together tell a story. This work is being done in Huichol art, which will be explained in detail as part of a display that will be in the new museum scheduled to open soon in the current city hall on the plaza.

The Malecón project is scheduled to be completed and unveiled by October in time for the thousands expected for the Pan American Games.

Excerpted from:   Banderas News

Acknowledging that Mexico needs a better image, President Felipe Calderón has proclaimed 2011 to be the Year of Tourism in Mexico. With the Pan American games coming to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in October of 2011, Mexico’s President and recently appointed Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara know that it is important to show the world that the vast majority of Mexico is safe for visitors to explore.

Although painted with a very broad paint brush of fear and violence, Puerto Vallarta, in fact, remains very safe and is an ideal tourist destination.  President Calderón, Gloria Guevara and Peter Greenberg were here recently to portray to the world that Puerto Vallarta is just that; safe, beautiful, diverse and idyllic. With camera crew in hand, the President along with Peter Greenberg spent an afternoon exploring the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta.  Stopping at each statue, chatting with passers-by and working their way along the beautiful boardwalk, their mission; to show television viewers the flip side of Mexico that the news is not reporting.

Brenda Retzlaff de Rivera for Banderas News

For complete article:     Learn Vallarta Articles

So, Saint Paddys day is just around the corner and you  are thinking about celebrating with a pint or two of Guinness stout!   But as luck ‘o the Irish would have it, you are in Mexico!  Fear not, for I know of  three Irish pubs here in the Vallarta/Banderas Bay area.  There is O’Rourke’s on Olas Altas in Southside; Murphy’s Irish Pub, a new place across the street from the Seahorse sculpture on the Malecon; and in Bucerius, the small, seaside town north of Nuevo Vallarta, there is The Shamrock…known for its green beer and Irish  stew on March 17.  Are there other Irish pubs I don’t know about?  Send us names and locations….and have a Guinness for me.

Tonight is the big blast here in Vallarta!  El Centro will be jumping with all sorts of people, costumes, vendors selling balloons and cotton candy, clowns on stilts, live music from the Los Arcos stage and ending at midnight with the finale of fireworks to shake you in your shoes, the smell of sulfur drifting through the air as the splendor of colors erupts in the sky.  Come on down and mix with the happy crowds.  This will be a night to remember.  Feliz Año Nuevo to all and may next year be prosporous and rewarding for all of you.

 P R E S S  R E L E A S E

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 25, 2010

Press Contacts: Sandra Cesca, 322-223-1566 or sandra@learnvallarta.com;  Gary Thompson, 322-222-1982 or galeriapacifico@prodigy.net.mx

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – One of the delightful and informative experiences for visitors and locals alike are the Malecón Sculpture Walking Tours.  Created four years ago by Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson, and offered during this past summer by Learn Vallarta when Gary does not conduct them, these once a week walks continue to grow in popularity.  Consequently, Galeria Pacifico and Learn Vallarta have come together in a collaborative arrangement to offer two walking tours per week.  Both happen every Tuesday from mid-November until mid-April at 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM starting at the Millennium sculpture on the north end of the Malecón in front of Hotel Rosita.  The tours last about two hours and end up at Galeria Pacifico where either a presentation by a local sculptor or information on the art history of Mexico and the PV art scene are given.  Complimentary drinks are available along with the opportunity to view the gallery.

Gary is enthused about cooperating with Learn Vallarta and comments, “People sometimes ask me why I don’t give the tours in the early evening.  I personally like the soft light and freshness of the mornings, but I also don’t have the time and staff backup available in the evening.” “Since the sculpture walk is one of many walks offered by Learn Vallarta, this collaboration was a natural for us as well” stated Marc Nissenson, president of Learn Vallarta.

Galeria Pacifico has been in business for twenty three years and is an active participant and promoter of the Wednesday evening Art Walks in the Historic Zone of downtown Vallarta. It is the second oldest gallery in the city and has been described in the pres- tigious Frommer’s Guide to Mexico as “one of the best galleries in Mexico.”

Learn Vallarta is only a year old, but the knowledge and enthusiasm of its owners, Marc Nissenson and Sandra Cesca, have helped put them on the map as a small business helping folks get immersed in the culture and daily activities of Puerto Vallarta, especially for anyone considering making Vallarta a full or part time home.

For more information: 

Tuesday morning walk:  Gary Thompson, Galeria Pacifico, 322-222-1982 or 222 5502, www.galeriapacifico.com

Tuesday evening sunset walk:   Sandra Cesca, Learn Vallarta, 322-223-1566 or US and Canada 1-888-856-3120, www.learnvallarta.com

Many of you told us you didn’t have time to do all our tours that were included in our earlier package so now we have taken some of the best of our tours and services and created a three-hour walking tour with lunch that will introduce you to the people, shops, products, and services that make Vallarta a delightful place to visit or live. You will visit some typical neighborhoods, meet owners of family-run shops and markets, and have the opportunity to purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, Mexican curios and art, and to savor street vendor’s offerings.  Access to our free professional consultations and free area real estate tours are also included.  This is a great way to immerse yourself and see what it’s like to live here.  Only $24.50 per person.  For more information go to our website:  www.learnvallarta.com or call us today.