101 Hottest People Places & Things

If you’ve got a burning desire to be in-the-know, BanderasNews’ list of the 101 Hottest Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta is full of inside information and red-hot deals that’ll add spark to your Puerto Vallarta vacation. And since it’s not what you know – but WHO you know that really matters, we’ve also listed some of the local hotties that capture the warmth and spirit of Vallarta… If you have a hot tip or sizzling suggestion, let us know: Hottest(at)BanderasNews.com

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1 At night, the Malecon is ablaze with activity. As you stroll along music drifts from the clubs and artists, while vendors and live music and dance performances add to the festive atmosphere of this favorite (and free) pastime.

2 It was here in Vallarta that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s love affair first came to light, and the embers of their romance still burn bright at Casa Kimberley, the home he bought for her while filming “Night of the Iguana.”

3 Try the Lobster Tacos at Daiquiri Dick’s made with chunks of lobster tail sautéed with a dash of spicy Serrano chili pepper and topped with asparagus and hollandaise sauce. Marvelous! Olas Altas 314 Tel: (322) 222-0566

4 Burn off those extra calories, lose weight and look great! Stop by Curves, at Pulpito 146 in the Romantic Zone, where 30 minute a day 3 times a week is sufficient to lose weight and burn body fat while toning and firming your figure! 222-8621

5 de Santos, Vallarta’s hippest restaurant and most intense night spot, is a great place to seperate who’s hot from who’s not. Dining ’til 1 am makes you cool, and partying ’til 4 am makes you too hot to trot! Morelos 771 • 223-3053

6 Spend a day playing golf at Flamingos Golf Club, the Vallarta area’s first professional course. Show off your swing while burning up the greens, ’cause when you’re hot you’re hot! Carr. A Tepic KM 145, Bucerias • Tel: 296-5006

7 The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its trademark crown of angels, fuels the fires of faith and strengthens the people of Puerto Vallarta’s perfervid passion for Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe.

8 Don’t get burned by high prices. When you’re ready to buy your vacation souveniers, you can get some red-hot deals on crafts from all over Mexico at the Mercado Municipal on Insurgentes on the northbound bridge over the Río Cuale.

9 Hot damn, he’s good! Artist and writer Peter Gray contributes his time, energy, and all proceeds from the sale of his works to local charities. He fervently believes that everyone can make a difference – and he most certainly does!

10 Work up a sweat running a few laps around the new Tartan Turf track at the sports stadium across the street from the Sheraton resort in Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

11 Enjoy the glow of satisfaction that you’ll get when you take food to the kids at Casa Hogar. Director Sra. Eliza Cornejo. Carr. a Tepic KM 9, Hotel Zone North, Colonia Guadalupe Victoria • 221-1908

12 Feeling lonely tonight – or maybe just burning up with curiousity? You’ll find hot chicks and heated games of pool at the Gentlemen’s Club. Ladies are welcome too! Fco. Medina Ascencio 2033 in the North Hotel Zone • 221-2097

13 When your sweetie gets all hot and bothered, smother her with “Besos” from Pie in the Sky. They also serve coffee, espresso, latté, scones and ice cream at Lazaro Cardenas #247 on the corner of Ignacio L Vallarta in the Romantic Zone.

14 Get your heart racing, ride a bike! The Cascada Salto Bike Tour is a very advanced single track ride for anyone looking to burn off all that guacamole and all those margaritas! BikeMex, Calle Guerrero #361, El Centro • 223-1680

15 Learn to speak Spanish in a warm and supportive atmosphere. Take an accelerated learning, intensive Spanish class that’ll have you understanding, speaking, reading and writing basic Spanish in just 7 days! • [329] 298-1707

16 Watch the steam roil off people’s heads when someone talks about drugs in an AA meeting. These discussions can get hot and heavy, so make sure you’re attending the correct meeting! • For info or help call Bob at 222-5389

17 Puerto Vallarta is a hotbed of creative energy. Check out the local art scene, and a wide variety of intriguing art forms while having fun – and free cocktails – at the Old Town Art Walk, every other Wednesday from 6–10 pm

18 After an outdoor event at Los Arcos stage or a sunset stroll along the Malecón, stop by Tacos de Los Arcos for mouth-watering tacos filled with rotisserie-cooked meat and sizzling salsas. Zaragoza 120, below Hooter’s

19 Anna Reisman’s blistering criticism and caustic comments about anything and everything in Puerto Vallarta will surely make some ears burn. Check out her column in the Vallarta Tribune to see who’s in the hot seat this week.

20 Escape from tourist hell at Costa Azul, a tropical, all-inclusive, oceanfront resort that caters to surf and adventure travelers. Located approximately 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta in San Pancho, Nayarit • 01 (322) 258-4120

21 Home to Puerto Vallarta’s famous ‘Restaurant Row’ and a scorching nightlife, the Romantic Zone is where you’ll find all the sizzling clubs, hot Latin lovers and sexy sirens who set this town’s streets and hearts afire!

22 Only accessible by sea, the eco-friendly Majahuitas Resort uses solar energy – and when night falls, torches, candles and lanterns light up this rustic, yet luxurious, all-inclusive resort on Banderas Bay. • 293-4506

23 Blow off some steam with stress management expert Joy! Specializing in pain, stress, illness, injury & negative programming workshops, if you don’t leave stress free and with tools to manage your stress, your session is free. • 044 [322] 129-1128

24 Night transforms the tropical beach hideaway of Las Caletas into a magical paradise where you’ll enjoy an intimate dinner and contemporary dance show illuminated by flickering torches and moonlight. Rhythms of the Night • 297-1212

25 Artist Marta Gilbert has a definite flare for capturing the spirit, honor, and mystique of the Native Mexican Indians. A hot commodity among Mexican contemporary art collectors, her art is on display at Arte Latinoamericano.

26 Since part of living full-time in Vallarta means adapting to its hot and humid summers, Toody Walton, owner of La Bohemia, designs cool and comfortable fashions that are perfect for tropical temperatures. • 222-3164

27 Visiting the Iglesia Guadalupe can be a fiery experience – even if you’re not a fervent follower of the faith. On Sunday mornings, Vicky sells the best hot tamales in town in front of the church [and in Parque Hidalgo every night.]

28 When your money is burning a hole in your pocket, head down to the Isla Rio Cuale where the shopkeepers are always fired up and ready for some heated haggling over Mexican handcrafts – especially if you’re buying more than one item.

29 After burning through your cash, and energy, on the Rio Cuale, refuel with flamed filet of beef with grilled green onions, cold drinks and cool ocean breezes at Oscar’s Restaurant. Credit cards accepted. Isla Río Cuale 1 • 223-0789

30 Blazing saddles! Take a ride on the wild side with Rancho Charro. Beautiful horses and bilingual guides will take you on a ride through the jungle, up mountain ridges and down into canyons on the “Devil’s Trail.” 224-0114

31 Can’t stand the heat? Get outta the kitchen! Make your next dinner party a sizzling success. Call super-chef and caterer Kathy Overly, who’s skillful preparation of delectable delights qualifies as “haute cuisine.” • 224-5007

32 With a smoldering voice and a no-nonsense style, restaurateur Alberto Perez is as passionate about music as he is about fine dining. Alberto lights up the stage on Monday and Tuesday nights at La Palapa on Los Muertos • 222-5225

33 Playa El Anclote in Punta Mita has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun. After you’ve stuffed yourself at one of the palapa-topped restaurants, burn off those calories while jet skiing, kayaking, surfing, or snorkeling.

34 Sun worshiping dates back to pre-Hispanic times when the sun was considered a god, and Puerto Vallarta boasts many beautiful beaches that are ideally suited for lazy afternoons basking in the warm rays of the sun.

35 One of Vallarta’s hottest hideaways, Chico’s Paradise, is a great place to chill out while enjoying great food in the middle of the jungle next to a cool waterfall. Located east of the PV-Manzanillo highway at KM 20 • 222-0740

36 Spicy food lovers enjoy burning spice and wonderful flavors in the same dish at La Piazzetta Italian Restaurant, offering awesome pasta and 24 different pizzas baked in a wood-fire oven. Rodolfo Gómez 143 at Olas Altas • 222-0650

37 Rekindle your romance at Villa Vera, where you can spend a relaxing day soaking up the warm rays of the sun on the pristine sand beach or beside one of the two sparkling pools. Open daily 10-6. For more information, call 221-1401

38 Hiking to the waterfall in Yelapa is a great way to beat the heat. If the walk up leaves you burned-out and blistering, a jump in the ice-cold water that pools at the bottom of the falls is both thrilling and chilling.

39 A talented artist, Judith Ewing-Morlan defines painting as color, and says that the reason behind her coming to Mexico was to warm up her palette – and what blazing colors she found here in Vallarta! Calle Miramar #237 • 223-2179

40 It may not be North Shore Hawaii, but for surfing check out Papa’s Palapas in Sayulita. Don’t know how to ride the breakers? Take a lesson from the fervent Mario, so you won’t crash and burn. • Tel: 01 (329) 275-0282

41 New York jewelry designer June Rosen Lopez has forged a new life here in Vallarta creating one-of-a-kind sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry designs that blaze with her brilliance. • 222-5049

42 When you’ve had enough of the heat, burn up the lanes bowling at Collage. Pool Tables, Puerto Vallarta’s largest disco and nightly specials make this a great place to hang out. Just south of the entrance to Marina Vallarta.

43 Work up a sweat dancing to live music seven nights a week at Club Roxy. Never a cover, always great Rock-n-Roll, Reggae, and Latin music. Opens at 8 pm. Ignacio L. Vallarta between Fco. Madero and Lazaro Cardenas • 223-2404

44 Every May, hot and heavy sporting events fire up competitive spirits with 5k and 10k runs, basketball, softball, beach volleyball, tennis, and soccer competitions at the Puerto Vallarta International Sports Classic • 224-1175

45 Share the fantasy of Casablanca brought to reality in the exotic atmosphere of Bogart’s. Try the Shrimp Krystal flambéed at your table and served with lobster bisque and pasta. At the Krystal Vallarta Hotel • 224-0202

46 When your late-night hunger burns hot after a late night of partying, stop by the only 24-hour restaurant on Olas Altas. Across the street from Andale, El Chavalon serves great tacos and burritos with thermal salsas on the side.

47 Only in your wildest fantasies have you swung from treetop to treetop through dense tropical vegetation! Fast, fun and electrifying, Vallarta Adventures’ Canopy Tour finally brings these dreams to life! • 297-1212 ext. 25

48 Got fishing fever? Mr. Marlin’s Captain Juan Moll has been fishing these waters for over 50 years, and has a red-hot reputation as one of the greatest fisherman on Banderas Bay. Puesta del Sol Local 6, Marina Vallarta • 221-0809

49 Barbara Peters has been fanning the flames of the Puerto Vallarta art scene since 1989 as one of the founders of the Old Town Art Walk and the owner of Galeria Vallarta, one of PV’s favorite art galleries. Juarez 263 • 222-0290

50 At Buddy’s Hacienda Jalisco in San Sebastian you’ll be immediately engulfed by its Old Mexico charm, a warmhearted welcome, warm hospitality, comfortable rooms and great food. For more information call Pamela Thompson at 223-1695

51 Spend an evening under the stars at El Dorado Restaurant on Los Muertos Beach, where the music and the margaritas will give you a burning desire to heat up the dance floor. Call 222-1511 for more information.

52 Known for his piquant personality, Vallarta celebrity Nacho Cadena is a restaurant owner, columnist and poet who claims to follow the sun, and this is no flippant remark, but his inspired way of saying he lives for the moment.

53 Famous for their sizzling fajitas and gigantic margaritas, a visit to Pipi’s is a must! Don’t miss the Sunday brunch where the champagne is free flowing and the buffet is bountiful. Guadalupe Sanchez 804 • Tel: 223-2767

54 Beat the heat at Splash – dolphin, seals and sea wolf shows to entertain you, or you can get your thrills on one of the nine slides that feed from the highest slide tower in Mexico. Tepic-PV Hwy Km 155 Tel: (3) 297-0723

55 Roasted Duck glazed with honey is only one of the signature recipes of Café de Artistes’ chef Thierry Blouet. Rated as one of the top restaurants in the world, this elegant establishment should not be missed! • 222-3228

56 Steam away your stress at Terra Noble Spa and Healing Center, an outdoor spa that “awakens the senses,” and every sevice offered, especially the pre-Hispanic sweat lodge, will leave you glowing with health. • 223-0308

57 Silvia Elias of PV Realty is a real estate broker in Puerto Vallarta who gives new meaning to the term “Hot Property,” by providing her clients with warmth, charm, in-depth knowledge and excellence in service. • 222-4288

58 Hot off the presses! Author Gil Gevins displays his devil-may-care demeanor in his hilarious books “Refried Brains” and “Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day.” Pick up a copy at Lucy’s Cucú Cabaña, Basilio Badillo 295

59 Enjoy one of the most dazzling views on the Pacific at Coco Tropical, where a marvelous sunset, the warmth of Mexican hospitality and an international menu with a Mediterranean touch come together. Los Muertos Beach • 222-5485

60 In the heat of the night, catch your favorite flick in the air-conditioned Cine Bahia where a first-run movie in English costs only $38.00 pesos. Insurgentes 189 • 222-1717 [click here see our Movie Guide]

61 Manuel Santana Encarnacion, the new head of the City Cultural Department, is heating up Vallarta’s cultural scene by planning new recreational activities and cultural events for locals and tourists alike. • 223-0095

62 With a passion for life that burns bright, Raul Simental has the ability to ignite a moment, a song or an emotion through both his art and his music. You can catch this rising star on Wed-Sun nights from 8-11 at La Palapa Restaurant.

63 Watch star pitcher Randy Johnson throw his flaming fastball on satelite TV while enjoying a cold one at El Torito Sports Bar and Restaurant. 11am-2am daily • South Side • 290 Ignacio Vallarta • 222-3784

64 Evade the high temperatures at Bucerias’ only air-conditioned restaurant, Mark’s Bistro, or enjoy a Mediterranean menu and cool ocean breezes while dining by candelight on the patio. Lazaro Cardenas 56, Bucerias • (329) 298-0303

65 Live the magic of México on La Marigalante’s night cruise. With live music, delicious food, prehispanic dance and pirate shows, the evening ends with a thundering fiesta and fireworks lighting up the sky • 223-0309 or 223-1662

66 Multi-talented musician Oscar Terrazas turns up the heat on Puerto Vallarta’s live music scene with the pure, sweet sounds of his saxophone and playing hot jazz on his keyboards. Watch for him on Tues-Sat nights at La Palapa.

67 Enjoy a sauna, steam with aromatherapy, Swiss bath, massage bath, Jacuzzi, hydro-reflexology treatment, or take a dip in the two temperature immersion pool at the Grand Velas Spa & Resort. 226-8000

68 The warmth of the sun, cool breezes, and stunning sunsets will get your romance off to a hot start as you sail across Banderas Bay aboard the Summerset. • Call 044-322-429-1568 for information and reservations.

69 Hot merchandise! Marco Castillo, the young and creative owner of the new Casa de los Espejos (House of Mirrors), is off to a smokin’ start designing custom mirrors to match the decor of your home. Guerrero Street 7-A, downtown

70 Feeling ardent about the ecology? From Aug-Nov, join EcoTours for lectures on protecting the Sea Turtle population, a visit to a turtle camp, and releasing hatchlings to the sea. Ignacio L.Vallarta 243 • 222-6606

71 Pan seared yellowfin tuna and roasted Mahi-Mahi are some of the delicacies prepared by the prizewinning chefs at The River Cafe, where most nights you can dine to live music from the hot jazz duet Beverly and Willow. • 223-0788

72 Designer Laura López Labra’s fashions seductive skirts, romantic dresses, beachwear, and sexy baby dolls from fine gauze and lightweight fabrics that’ll keep you looking Hot and feeling cool. Basilio Badillo 329 • 223-0102

73 Escape the glare of the sun on an undersea adventure. Chico’s Dive Shop offers diving and snorkeling excursions with fully qualified PADI dive masters, as well as excellent service and equipment. Díaz Ordaz 772 • 222-5439

74 There’s more to Latin music than just Salsa. Guitar wizard Paco Rentería combines the basics of Flaming Flamenco with Classical, Arab and Latin elements to create a musical style that, like him, is both passionate and provocative.

75 World-famous “hotties” serve up spicy chicken wings, burgers, salads, and seafood every day at Hooters. A great jukebox, big screen TVs and spectacular views make Hooters on of the hottest hang-outs on the Malecon • 223-1287

76 When the sun goes down and the music goes up at Carlos O’Brian’s, sexy señoritas compete in Monday night Thong Contests and Wednesday night Wet T-Shirt Contests that are too hot too handle! Paseo Díaz Ordaz 786 • 222-1444

77 Gabriel Igartua, president of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel & Motel Association and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board (FIDETUR), is working feverishly to make Vallarta Mexico’s hottest tourist destination. • 224-1175

78 Blaze a trail on a 4-wheel drive Honda ATV with Wild ATV Tours. Choose from the Puerto Vallarta Sierra Madre Adventure or the Nuevo Vallarta Jungle Adventure. • 223-2002, 223-0576, or 222-2680

79 Spice up your nights at Andale’s Restaurant & Bar, where a friendly staff, a ride on the resident donkey, huge margaritas, cold beer and hot dance tunes make it a great place to blow off some steam. Olas Altas 425 • 222-1054

80 In the mood for something spicy? Settle in for an evening of great food and fresh margaritas at Fajita Republic, a tropical grill serving sizzling fajitas, BBQ ribs, Mexican molcajetes, and grilled shrimp. Pino Suárez 321 • 222-3131

81 Though incendiary, traditional bullfights are presented each Wednesday at 5 pm at the La Paloma bullring on the airport road. Matadors glitter in the “suit of lights,” the sparkling costumes they wear to confront the bulls.

82 Hit a scorching serve at the Canto Del Sol Tennis Club in the Hotel Zone on one of their many clay or hard court surfaces. José Clemente Orozco 125, Zona Hotelera Norte • Tel: 226 0123 • Toll free from the US: 01 800 001-4444

83 In hot pursuit of perfection, Rigoberto Mora, owner of Encore Digital Project Studio here in Vallarta, is also a talented guitarist who’s music will set your heart and soul afire. He sits in with Raul on Sunday nights at La Palapa.

84 When the nights get really hot, check out the local’s favorite watering hole, La Barriga on Francisco Madero, where the beers are only 10 pesos and the pool table never gets cold.

85 Vallarta’s own “hot shot,” Wayne McCleod, knows as much about what’s going on around town as anyone. As editor of Vallarta Today, he gets to meet the full spectrum of people – “and here in Vallarta they’re often wearing bikinis.”

86 More than forty years ago, the filming of “The Night of the Iguana,” put Puerto Vallarta in the international spotlight – and the memories still burn bright at The Set of The Night of the Iguana Restaurant on Mismaloya Beach.

87 Turn her head with the flash of a genuine gemstone from Pacific Jewelry. Unique 14k gold designs ablaze with diamonds, tanzanites, emeralds, sapphires and rubies are sure to dazzle her! Diaz Ordaz 822 • 222-1087

88 Pat Henry, sailor extraordinary and author of “By The Grace Of the Sea: A Woman’s Solo Odyssey Around The World,” has opened a new sailing school for women that is THE hot topic on the docks of Marina Vallarta. • 222-4119

89 Feel the burn at Gold’s Gym, offering group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, spinning, Pilates, yoga, and all of the latest weight lifting equipment. Las Glorias Hotel Zone • 225-6671

90 Don’t let your burning desire to own a piece of Paradise be reduced to ashes. The friendly and knowledgeable bilingual staff at Neptune Realtors can help you find the home of your dreams. • 221-0286 or 221-0287

91 When your kids’ cries of “we’re bo-ored” have you reaching the boiling point, treat them to the ultimate Dolphin Adventure, Trainer for a Day – and treat yourself to 7 blissful hours of basking on the beach. • 297-1212 ext. 25

92 See and feel the vibrancy and warmth of the fine craftsmanship of Mexican Talavera pottery and dinnerware, at Talavera Etc on Ignacio Vallarta, one of the few shops in Vallarta that specializes in this hot merchandise. • 222-4100

93 Hot licks. Live jazz is served up every Wednesday and Sunday night at Cuates y Cuetes. Great food, cold beer, and hot babes in a casual beach atmosphere . . . what more could you ask for? Fca. Rodríguez and Los Muertos Beach

94 Hot babes on the beach. Swimsuit designer Barbara Eagers helps keep Vallarta beaches beautiful by creating custom-made bathing suits for men and women that are sure to make some temperatures rise. Qué Barbara • 222-2878

95 Let the sun shine into your home with a custom-made, stained-glass windows from Galeria EM. Watch the craftsmen at work in the workshop/gallery at Fco. Medina Ascencio 2758, or visit their gallery in the Marina • 221-1728

96 Laser light shows, hot euro techno, dance tunes and Mexican hit music deployed by state of the art sound and lighting systems, Christine Club is an explosive experience that will blow your mind! • 224-0202

97 Time and money to burn? There are over 100 colorful shops and restaurants at Paradise Plaza in Nuevo Vallarta. Stop by the information booth for a coupon book worth over $750 in discounts at participating stores and restaurants.

98 You don’t have to search feverishly to find that one-of-a-kind sculpture for your home or garden. Galleria Dante’s proprietors Claire and Joe Guarniere offer the largest selection of bronze sculptures in Vallarta. • 222-2477

99 Cool, crazy, wild, jazzy, and sexy, the Kit Kat Club is a gay-friendly, but not exclusively gay, restaurant and bar with a festive atmosphere featuring female impersonators that often incite an inflammatory response • 223-0093

100 When your living quarters get too small and tempers start to flare, call Richard Kaplan Real Estate. With over 1,000 properties available, they’ll help you find the space you need at the right price. Marina Vallarta • 221-0444

101 Fan the flames of friendship and goodwill – buy a taco for a street kid.