At Destination Mexico we are always looking for new ways to bring this wonderful destination into the thinking of our clients for future programs. In the next few Newsletters we are including a short blog on the different ‘Flavors and Cuisine’ of our destinations. We hope these blogs will help stimulate not only your enthusiasm for Mexico as a destination for your groups, but your palates also!

Puerto Vallarta is an enchanting town with an abundance of natural beauty that surrounds it. It is a place of lush green hillsides and beautiful beaches where the sun always shines making it a favorite destination for sun-starved travelers. Its amazing biodiversity makes it an ideal destination for appreciating nature. Las Marietas Island is one of the best snorkeling locations in the bay which boasts more than 100 species of fish and colorful coral formations. Not far from Las Marietas is Punta Mita, one of Mexico’s most exclusive luxury communities; an upscale oasis of tranquility and natural beauty offering luxurious accommodations. Visitors can learn to surf in nearby Sayulita with gentle waves perfect for beginners or feel the rush as they zipline through the jungle.

In addition to a blend of lush tropical forests, the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and miles of pristine white sand beaches, there is an incredible gastronomic scene with gourmet restaurants from a mix of international chefs like renowned chef, Thierry Blouet, owner of Café des Artistes in Puerto Vallarta as well as its sister restaurant Tuna Blanca in Punta Mita. Chef Thierry has played a huge part in promoting local foodie festivals and is one of the founders of the annual Gourmet Festival. For his dishes, he creates a fusion of French and Latin flavors, such as his confit duck chilaquiles.

Early in Puerto Vallarta’s history, inhabitants had a diet free of imported products. Their food was produced locally and in the surrounding vicinity. Their diet was composed of maize, beans and chilli, vegetables and milk products, as well as domesticated cattle and game, deer, fish and seafood.

Since Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita are both on the coast, one of the most iconic dishes you will find here is ceviche: fish, shrimp, or other seafood cured in citrus, mixed with tomato, onion, cilantro, and served with corn tostadas.

Another one of the local dishes that represents what is typical is "pescado embarazado", which you might think sounds like embarrassed fish, but actually the name means ‘pregnant fish’, but it is just the name, actually it is fish that is roasted on a stick.

In addition to the incredible cuisine, in the stunning turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean visitors can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding. There is also plenty to do off the beach including salsa dancing, ceviche workshops, and, of course, shopping. Shoppers will find a wide variety of artisan stands selling local and folk art of the region and yarn "paintings" created by the Huichol Indians of the state of Nayarit as well as ceramics, hand blown-glass, dishware and jewelry.

Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita are naturally beautiful locations where sea and land combine to create a great atmosphere and here you will find gourmet food, friendly people, world-class adventure tours and an ever-expanding list of options.