Puerto Vallarta Rentals Blog

By BUD KENNEDY

My heart sank last weekend when I turned on the radio after a beautiful weekend in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

“My family doesn’t go to Mexico anymore,” a morning-show host said just as I was unpacking a necktie from the Fabrica la Aurora design market.

“Absolutely not,” his sidekick chimed in. “No Mexico for us!”

The hosts agreed that Mexico is just too dangerous and violent and that no sane person would go there.

I guess that leaves me.

True, last weekend was one of the most horrible in memory for violence in Ciudad Juarez and along the border. The 50 people killed included two Americans in Juarez tied to the U.S. Consulate. One was pregnant.

But 800 miles south in San Miguel, it was a peaceful weekend. Mariachis sang Las Mananitas at midnight in the garden outside the cathedral. More than 200 wedding guests enjoyed a ceremony and fireworks show where the only threat came from a few falling embers.

Look, no matter what you hear, the U.S. has not warned citizens to stay out of Mexico.

The State Department warning says to stay out of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango — particularly Juarez.

At any given time, about 500,000 Americans are visiting Mexico. According to the State Department, 79 Americans were killed there last year, 23 of them in Juarez.

Mathematically, that means the rest of Mexico is safer than Dallas or Houston. It’s four times safer than New Orleans.

Just stay away from the border.

Juan Hernandez, the Fort Worth Republican who served in former Mexican President Vicente Fox’s Cabinet and later in Arizona Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign, said Friday that Mexico is heartbroken over the killings.

“All over the country, newspapers are saying this has brought a level of outrage that had not existed before,” Hernandez said by phone from Washington, D.C., where he will speak today at the March for America immigration protest.

He said it’s “not fair” to blame crime on Mexico: “These are international organizations.”

President “Felipe Calderon is risking his own life fighting the drug dealers,” he said. “Mexico is in a great battle to stop this from spilling over into the United States.”

He and his family also love San Miguel.

But his brother Francisco Hernandez, a Fort Worth lawyer, said friends are now warned not to visit neighboring San Luis Potosi.

“Nothing about this is new,” Francisco Hernandez said.

“The criminal element is not new. The drug dealing and the violence are not new. All that’s new is the level of attention.”

Juan Hernandez said he’s glad that Gov. Rick Perry enacted a border safety plan last week, sending helicopters and improving communication between county sheriffs and state law officers.

“Gov. Perry is a great friend to Mexico,” Juan Hernandez said.

“Mexico needs friends in this war.”

That, too, is nothing new.

Bud Kennedy’s column appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 817-390-7538

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate is currently one of the prime choices in terms of Mexico Condos, and also an excellent choice for various other types of Mexico Properties. While economic conditions are only slowly picking up, this means that excellent property price reductions are still available in the Puerto Vallarta area. While slower market conditions can mean that extra care is needed while buying, an experienced, qualified real estate agent can help a buyer find the right condo with a reputable developer, or a re-sale; in either case, 2010 is still providing the ideal conditions to find properties priced to sell.

Puerto Vallarta has been growing as one of Mexico’s prime choices for Americans and Canadians both for tourism and as an ideal place to re-locate to a beautiful beachfront city with an ideal climate. Besides continuously warm weather – never getting cold, or too hot – and the beautiful beaches on Banderas Bay, surrounded by amazing mountain views, Puerto Vallarta is very close to the U.S.; a short trip by car, or an even shorter flight (only a couple of hours) to most U.S. or Canadian cities will get you to Puerto Vallarta, or, as the case may be, back north, once this this beautiful corner of Mexico’s beachfront is your new home.

These advantages worked together to make the Puerto Vallarta a thriving real estate market. They are also the conditions created Puerto Vallarta’s condo boom a few years back. This boom, combined with the recession created a large supply of condos available on the market. While it is entirely correct to notice that this large supply of new condos in an economic slow time can require added care for buyers, the same situation creates ideal opportunities for excellent prices.

The key is to know the difference in what to look out for, and to recognize an excellent deal when you see one. How can you as a buyer know this? The most important step is to find the right agent. The right agent will have years of experience, with hundreds of transactions. This experience will be backed by official training and certifications. This combination of experience and certifications will allow your agent to help you identify these very important differences; this agent will know and be able to research the reputations of developers, check references, and seek out ideal re-sale condos and properties which suit your needs. While the final choice is yours, and there is no “magic answer,” or 100% guarantee, having the right agent will greatly increase your chances of making the real estate purchase that is right for you, and safe.

This will allow you to take advantage of some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for condos that are worth considerably more. And on top of that, it will be in Puerto Vallarta – the ideal place to live.

Take a look at this new blog about Puerto Vallarta http://puertovallarta-info.info

Isla Rio Cuale is a highly mysterious place.

Despite being located in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta, it can NOT be found on Google Maps. You look for this place… and it’s not there.

So for the purpose of putting some decent information out into cyberspace on where Isla Rio Cuale actually is and how to get there, allow me to submit this short piece.

If you are in downtown Puerto Vallarta, starting at say the Malecon or one of the parallel streets, and continue walking South towards old town, you will find yourself nearing very close to this geogrpahical Bermuda Triangle. If you make it across to Old Town, or Viejo Vallarta, you will have had to cross a bridge, whether it be the foot bridge that winds out to the oceans edge on the shorefront, or the traffic bridge one block back from the water on Calle Morelos.

Whichever bridge it was, that expanse of water you crossed, that little inlet from the ocean that’s probably only a block wide… it’s in THAT body of water that lies the tiny, Isla Rio Cuale! If you crossed the foot bridge, trees probably obscured your view of it, but if you crossed the main bridge, you no doubt saw the stairs on either side of the road leading down to some markets and restaurants… THAT’s Isla Rio Cuale. It’s poorly signed but it IS there 🙂

Ok now that’s out of the way…

Isla Rio Cuale is, at first, just another conglomeration of tourist markets BUT if you walk it out, actually a little more than that, a place offering something a little different, and just a touch of local beauty and charm.

Starting out at the beach, you’ll get the market end of the Island. Some reviews said that these markets were better than others in Vallarta but we didn’t see any reason to think so. Unless it’s your first time, just keep walking because the best is yet to come.

Walking a little further, you come out the other side into what could be called, a secret botanical garden. With a few different walking paths through it, you can explore the little garden at your own pace, checking out the local fauna and stopping at one of the bars and restaurants dotted throughout when you’re ready for a rest. You’ll pass by a little square (we passed children in a game of street soccer) and likely some young romantic Mexican couples making use of the island’s privacy.

Finally you’ll reach the Rio Cuale Cultural Center, a small building dedicated to sharing local culture, that on any given day might be the home to displays of dancing, local crafts, or a set of slightly modified versions of the typical market stall.

Don’t go looking for it on your map… but if you’re in downtown Vallarta and looking for something to do in between lapping up the sunshine and knocking back cheap Corona’s, you might want to pay Isla Rio Cuale a visit.

Within the Mexico Real Estate market, one of the favorites for luxury condos and high-end villas is the Puerto Vallarta Real Estate area. In Puerto Vallarta, condo owners enjoy the benefit of being only a few hours away from their home city back in the U.S. or Canada, as well as a large community – currently about 50,000 – of other Americans and Canadians who have already decided to enjoy life in a Mexico Condo in one of the country’s top beachfront cities.

Although the high quality of life, and luxury of the real estate available are probably the main draws to Puerto Vallarta, the easy access back home is also a very important consideration for most condo buyers. Puerta Vallarta residents, as well as those who are considering buying a condo in Mexico, will be interested to know that the group which runs the city’s international airport, GAP (Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico) is planning to invest about 250 million dollars over the next five years in improving the infrastructure of its terminals in Mexico’s Pacific Coast area.

Of the 12 airports which the group manages, Puerto Vallarta is one of 5 to receive part of this investment. During 2010, the first 20% of these funds will be invested, followed by about 36% in 2011. The first is 12 million and was available on 10th December 2009, and the second is to be implemented during February.

For condo buyers in Puerto Vallarta, this investment means that travel comfort between their new beachfront home in Mexico and the U.S. or Canada will be maintained at a high level, and the excellent level of organization and convenience will increase.

This kind of heavy investment, both from the government and from the private sector, are common in Puerto Vallarta. Both the government and private companies realize the importance of Puerto Vallarta as both a key tourism and real estate destination in Mexico for North Americans. Road improvements, highway construction, new state-of-the-art hospitals, international supermarkets and numerous world-class golf courses are just a few examples of the kind of investment this area has seen recently.

Condo buyers can make their real estate purchase in Puerto Vallarta sure of the fact that significant investment will continue in the area, maintaining and improving lifestyle and convenience. Those buying in Puerto Vallarta will receive the highest quality in property and in the infrastructure which allows them to enjoy life in their new home.

Not all tourists that visit Mexico are treated the same way. How, for example, those who are coming on the market or use of illegal drugs in Mexico and not treated harshly, resulting in terrible vacations while south of the border! Is no more likely to return to Mexico is Dawg, The Bounty Hunter. He was not treated with a high degree of dignity and respect, but even he could not have closely followed the Mexican laws, as he handcuffed his escape, and dragged him out ofLand! On the other hand, by way of normal law-abiding people, we were treated like family, like friends, almost like royalty ever since we started, our semi-annual visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 1984 when we bought a condo in Mismaloya, about six miles south of Vallarta. Back in the 80’s, it took little more than a photo identification document to obtain a Mexican FMT or tourist visa. Today, a passport or a certified copy of birth certificate is required FMT VisitorsVisa. These visas are good for stays of up to 90 days in Mexico, but may be asked, and is often seen FMT 180 days. There is no charge for these tourist visas, and are easily available at the airport of departure or arrival at the Mexican customs office with the vehicle. Going into Mexico, the immigration officers stamped copy of the visa and make your entry into their database containing information on length of residence and where you are. Afterleave the country, return the copy of the visa and the start time is entered into their system. In other words, visiting Vallarta for less than six months is as easy as it could be.

Now for the above treatment of Mexican American and Canadian tourists, who put the visa in the future, what do you compare Mexicans to legally visit the United States. The best way for the story that follows, based on personal experience and done in a typicalAmerican immigration practice throughout Mexico.

For many years we enjoyed our holiday very much in PV, so that in 1997 we bought a beautiful villa and decided to make Vallarta our permanent home. We have a beautiful couple in the villa for the past eight years. I am a nice person, intelligent, clean, honest, church going couple with two of his three children, now at the University of Guadalajara. Like a bonus for the many years of hard work andLoyalty in years past, we offered the woman a paid holiday for a week to visit us in the area of Lake Tahoe to spend the summer. She has never been to the States and needless to say, was very excited and we have seen during the voyage. We called the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, the procedures for the Mexicans decide to enter the United States. First, a valid passport is required so that within a month, he received his new passport. We were also informed that they have a copy of the requesttheir statement in Mexico, a copy of their marriage certificate, a copy of their goods were actually working, and an invitation from us would be helpful. We wrote a half page typed letter of thanks for the invitation, for the years of dedication and service, and then helped to collect all necessary documents in a single file folder. Once again, we contacted the U.S. Consulate, informed them that all necessary documentation is in order, was and is to set a date forhis interview. On the day of their appointment with their Sunday best clothes, took the folder full of documents requested and the letter of invitation to the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, the five hours drive from Vallarta. The U.S. Consulate was packed with hundreds of Mexicans and put them in line with about 50 others, probably all at the same time of appointment. He stressed that it was not granted a single person of 50 Mexicans facing a visa. Finally, after an hourand a half, they made it to the front of the line. They interviewed her for less than two minutes, “said his letter of invitation has not been authenticated, and basically threw them out just like the people above fifty. Of course, during our phone conversation, he never mentioned any of the requirements Certification of the letter of invitation when they listed the requirements. In fact, the letter was not even an obligation, but merely a useful addition to their list of requirements. In all probability, theConsulate delivered few, if applicable, visas for entry to the United States on this day. From what our friend witnessed during his two hours on the U.S. Consulate, they granted zero since that day. After his hopes so high and is so happy this holiday, after spending their money on the card and money to driving and five hours from Guadalajara, the night in Guadalajara, at the right time all the necessary documents and two hours in the consulate, it is practicallyhas not had the opportunity to obtain a visa to the United States for a Mexican citizen and the worst, knew the employees of the consulate there.

Why were all over the world, the United States consulate deal with thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of Mexicans, as if he is trying to go legal in the United States? No wonder that millions of Mexicans sneak across the border without documents. It ‘was much easier, faster and perhaps less secretly across the border, so that the United StatesIn no clue on who is doing the country, where, how long they are staying, or what they do. The Mexicans we met the woman who was in our house, I’m happy to have made their shots, fingerprints, etc., but the system virtually denies their legal entry into the territory of states. As a side note of interest, on his return to PV after our summer in Tahoe last year, we discussed the history of our local American consulate officer in Vallarta. ConfirmedVisas for the United States that were not simply be granted at this time because of all the problems of immigration into the United States. In comparison, is a cake walk ever in Mexico for U.S. citizens and Canadians!

U.S. and Canadian citizens are treated with respect, dignity, and welcomed as guests in Vallarta. Of course, the economy in PV depends solely on tourism, and is in the best interest of the locals that the tourists can visit a pleasant and safe, while inHeaven. In the ten years since we lived here, we are not aware of a single robbery, burglary, picked pocket, or any other crime committed on a foreigner or tourist. It is so tourist friendly in Vallarta that there are now approximately 50,000 North Americans living here in the season “high” from November to May. There are millions of tourists by plane or cruise ship visit PV each season, and if you really wanted trouble, they never see.Moreover, he had in 2001, readers of Conde Nast magazines Puerto Vallarta eight best tourist destination in the world and the city much more friendly in the world. That Conde Nast poll pretty well sums up the way tourists or retirees are treated in Vallarta.

For those of us who retired and enjoyed themselves so much in heaven do not want to leave in 180 days, we use only a FM3 permit, allow long-term visitors, which resembles a passport costs about $ 100 andlasts about a month to receive. We must provide us with photos, fingerprints, proof of residence, such as self-sufficiency in electricity and water bills, and proof of self, such as a bank statement. The FM3 allows a stay in North America in Mexico for a year and can be renewed annually. The status of long-term visitor permits to foreigners for its cars in Mexico to bring and maintain here indefinitely, as long as the FM3 is kept current. Our Jeep Grand Cherokee is still the 1997 Texas plates and were not imposedpaid for the car since 1997. Unlike the United States, where everything must be politically correct, the Mexicans have no qualms profiling. If for any reason, feel like a Mexican police officer, may take over a foreign plated car and check the status of the driver’s FM3. For this reason, each copy of one of their current immigration documents in the glove compartment of his car stops.

After five years of FM3 renewals, ie, live five years to more than 180 days a year in Mexico, were thenGiven the opportunity to continue with a new FM3 or convert to an FM2. The FM2 requires the same documentation as the FM3 but costs a little ‘more and still requires annual renewal. The main difference is that an FM2 means the holder of an immigrant as a visitor. This is a fundamental difference, because it concerns the treatment of capital gains from the sale of real property. The exemption from capital gains tax will be granted only for those who can provide proof of primary residence in Mexico during theat least five years, with primary residence is a little ‘more than 180 days a year. The document clearly shows FM2 primary residence for more than five years. After the fifth year of participation, an FM2, the holder of a permanent resident alien and not eligible is required to renew every year for its FM2. All such documents on immigration in local authorities on Mexican immigration, which are available to us to live in paradise here in Vallarta.The FM3´s or FM2´s are stamped and recorded every time you leave or enter Mexico. Compared to the US, you’ve got to give the Mexicans credit; they have a much better handle on who’s in and who’s out of their country. In summarizing, due to the relative ease in obtaining the proper immigration papers in Mexico, there is virtually no reason for any American or Canadian to be here undocumented. If any problem were to ever occur, both American and Canadian Consulates are Located in Vallarta to assist you.

For those who are really serious about life in Mexico, after the foundation of your principal residence in Mexico for five years and learn a lot of Spaniards, for about $ 1500 and with the assistance of a local immigration lawyer, he opts for Mexican citizenship. Once all applications have been made and an interview with the immigration agent is completed, the waiting time is about 18 months. If and when it is releasedwill hold two citizenships and have almost all the rights of naturalized Mexican citizen. Although most of the natives in Vallarta can speak some English, in contrast with the United States and Canada, Mexico has a primary language. E ‘Spanish, and let the immigration officials doubt when interviewing for Mexican citizenship. It is not complete until a two-hour interview in Spanish is that we learn that the lawyer questioning fluent in English! But to their credit, have Espanglish accept what our mix of English and Spanish.

Of course, money talks, but from what we lived for ten years, the Mexicans treat the Gringos substantially better than the Gringos treat the Mexicans.

Puerto Vallarta is known for its world class lifestyle and amenities. No wonder rich and famous from all over Americas come to Puerto Vallarta when they want to experience the best a vacation destination has to offer. Puerto Vallarta Real Estate region offers old world charm, exotic culture blending harmoniously with hi-end real estate developments and infrastructure.

Infrastructure development in Puerto Vallarta real estate region has seen continuous funds inflow and attention from political establishment and businesses alike. All facets of infrastructure like amenities, transportation, roads, malls and real estate in Puerto Vallarta can compete with the best not only in Mexico but also internationally.

A major factor in to this growth has been foresight of the city planners and support given to Puerto Vallarta region by the government at all levels. In view of the state’s importance in tourism and economy, the state of Jalisco was allotted 10 billion pesos from the federal budget. A major portion of these funds has been earmarked for Jalisco’s roadwork development. Any real estate development in any part of the world depends on how easily accessible is the location. Hence,Puerto Vallarta Real Estate will be a major beneficiary due to road and highway development. In addition, 48 million pesos will be allocated o public works projects in regions of Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. Since, this areas are two of the most prominent destinations in Mexico, the real estate sector and tourism region will get even more fillip in the years to come.

On the cultural front also, the region received funds which will go a long way in development of University Culture Center and a Bicentennial Museum in Guadalajara.

This shows the level of commitment and faith shown by the government to this key region. This has enabled Puerto Vallarta to upgrade itself as a world class destination. For foreign investors willing to put their money in Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta, this is especially important. When a region like Puerto Vallarta receives attention from government then it also increase shareholders and investors confidence. This in turn spurs large scale investment and growth. As a home buyer also, you can derive a sense of security that the dream second home or retirement condo you are buying will be safe and will provide good ROI for years to come.

Condo for sale in Puerto Vallarta

This past summer, the Puerto Vallarta Zoo in Mexico welcomed three tiger triplets. Bengal Tigers are an endangered subspecies of tiger although sadly they are the most populous of all tigers, with about 2,000 estimated in the wild. Programs like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Save the Tiger Fund work to address the environmental and economic challenges that threaten the remaining Bengal Tigers.

Tiger Triplets in Puerto Vallarta

Vacation at Puerto Vallarta is incomplete without relaxing and utilizing the facilities of Health Spas and Beauty Salons. Puerto Vallarta poses as a major attraction for many living in the US and Canada. Not only does this place offer an adventurous and exciting vacation, it is also a treat for those conscious about beauty, health, spirituality and relaxation. This gay friendly tourist resort has a lot of exciting attractions for the gay community as well.

Puerto Vallarta beauty salons have a wide range of treatments for men and women. It is known that the ladies desire more pampering but Puerto Vallarta spas do not ignore the needs of men and thus proves to be an equally comfortable and relaxing resort for all. “Blu Salon and Spa,” equipped with latest technology can help you get an entirely new look, ranging from highlights to lowlights, hair extensions to therapeutic, energizing massages and facials. The numerous facilities available make this salon more popular in Puerto Vallarta. As the ladies pamper themselves and eagerly try out new features and facilities available, the men don’t leave disappointed either. Blu offers “Man- scaping”, a new program sure to keep the men pleased as well.

Explore the beautiful gay resort Puerto Vallarta and enjoy luxurious massages together with the beautiful view. Visit “The Spa at Las Caletas,” which can be accessed by sea. This secluded cove resides on the Banderas Bay, away from the population of the city ideal for purifying aromatherapy treatments and natural spa treatments. The spa treatments include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, holistic facials and salt scrubs all equally helpful for good, calm mental and physical state. This Oasis is a combination of indulgence and pampering that should not be missed.

Tropical tan is an absolute must during vacation to the beaches. Vacationers can visit “Salon Diva’s,” open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm located at Plaza Marina G-17. Established almost ten years ago, it has established itself as a distinguished salon and continues to offer new facilities. Discover the fabulous and awesome results of tan and quantum phoenix massage from Salon Diva’s, and you will not be disappointed by this experienced gay staff. If you need assistance in renting a condo or villa near or on the beach, please contact our renowned company Puerto Vallarta Rentals for best services.

For a more magnificent vacation, visit “Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort,” in Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, located on the North of Puerto Vallarta. This resort runs one of the most renowned Spas of the world and has even been awarded as a Luxury (Five- Star) Hotel. Grand Velas not only offers invigorating Spas and massages, but is also renowned for very spacious Spas and Imperial suites. For couples, this place offers diamond bath therapy in a grand Jacuzzi. This indulgence is further complimented with wine and strawberries dipped in chocolate to make your visit more memorable.

Discover the magic in Puerto Vallarta forests and see for yourself the healing properties in honey, volcanic ash, chocolate and vanilla. Experience a spa at “Rancho La Puerta.” This fitness resort is a delight for the men as well and they have an entirely separate health center. This Spa excels in making body wraps out of native Mexican ingredients such as aromatic oils, herbs and seaweed. This treatment helps muscles to release energy and relives the body from pain as well.

Puerto Vallarta has been officially chosen as the co-host to the 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games.

For Mexico’s largest major sporting event to be held outside of Mexico City, Guadalajara (Mexic0’s second largest city) has been selected as the organizing city. Being located in one of the world’s largest natural bays, our home city of Puerto Vallarta will proudly co-host the Games with a number of outdoor sporting events.
The Pan American games are a multi-sport event that take place every 4 years, usually the year before the Olympic Games. Competitors from all nations of the Americas compete. The 2011 edition of the event, 1 year before the London 2012 Olympics, will take place during the month of October.

With our city being turned towards the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is ideally located to host the Games’ beach and aquatic sporting events. These will be :

1. Sailing
2. Triathlon
3. Open-water swimming
4. Beach volleyball

With the international coverage that the Games will bring, Puerto Vallarta will be able to show-off it’s already world-renown attributes; it’s ocean, it’s water-sports, it’s beaches, it’s climate and it’s culture.

Infrastructure preparations are already underway at the “Augustin Flores” sports complex where a new 5,000 capacity beach volleyball stadium will be built. An oceanfront spectator route will be prepared for the open-swimming competition and the triathlon event will take place in the Puerto Vallarta Marina. The sailing competition will take place on the open-water further out into the bay.

This will be a great event for Puerto Vallarta and the locals are looking forward to being able to once again showcase their Paradise city.