I am often asked for advice on Mexico in particular given how much time I have spent there. Here are my favorite Mexico spots:
Puerto Vallarta - West Coast
PV is a tourist town that gets plenty of cruise ships during the day. It has several resort areas if you are looking for an all inclusive type of stay.
But there are heaps of great resorts that aren't as typically "resorty." My favorite place to stay in PV is in Conchas Chinas. It's the old part of the city so it has more traditionally Mexican architecture, it's easy to get to and from the main part of the city by taxi or by walking depending on where you're staying and the views of the Bay of Banderas are stunning! In particular, I love staying at Lindo Mar and Ochos Cascadas. Ochos Cascadas is fairly difficult to get into, but if you can, it's absolutely amazing - just make sure you pay to have the private cook come to your condo at least once. It's not at all pricey and food is amazing!!
PV has all the typically touristy things to do like zip lines, swimming with dolphins, tequila tastings (Jalisco is the state where tequila was created), snorkeling trips, scuba diving etc. It also has awesome little day trips which are more off the beaten path. I always take a day trip to Boca de Tomatlan which is about 20 minutes south of Conchas Chinas by car. You can get there by taxi or there is also a water taxi from the PV water front. It's a fantastic little inlet where you can hang out on the beach and drink and eat all day. I personally love eating Huachinango which is a whole red snapper cooked in butter and garlic. Delish! You also must try Raicia which is basically bootleg tequila. You will get very drunk, so be careful!
