Power Walk the Hidden Streets of Puerto Vallarta Deana - TripAdvisor
go to original November 23, 2013

Wowie. What an amazing walk we had today. We met Sylvie in front of Guadalupe Church. She was waving her bandana. The street was crowded with visitors and I could see her at the other side. What a great lady! Her friend Cecelia was with her as well. Both of them were ready to go.

We checked to see if we had water, etc. We were prepared and off we went. The walk was on the sidewalk and cobblestone streets. Passing various bed and breakfasts, homes, small family restaurants. Every now and then we would stop so she could tell us the history of what we were looking at. We walked up stairs, slanty streets, dirt pathways..... and all along the way we were able to rest if needed, take in the sights, talk to the locals, just enjoying the great fresh air and our love for PV.

We saw many sweet dogs playing in the street, cascading flowers, passion fruit, and other things growing that I can't remember! Sylvie was telling us about each and every one when we came upon a new one. It was so nice for my friend and I to just be ourselves, relax and go at our own pace. The last bit before the cross was dirt and some more various concrete steps well placed. The cross was so majestic! It was amazing.

Reaching the top was an accomplishment for me. I absolutely was in awe of the beauty in PV. The view was to die for! This cross was really special... the highlight of my trip so far. I asked Sylvie if we could see this cross from the Malecon. She said, yes! Told her I tried to find it but couldn't. She said to look for the power towers, and it will be on the right! Great!

Coming back down we took it slow. When we reached the town part again we wove our way over to a tapa place called Esquina de Los Caprichos. This was amazing. The tapas were so good. It was nice to talk to the family as well when we were leaving. I never knew so many great homes and restaurants were right at our fingertips. I used to walk by them but this trip, I'm observing more when I'm walking around instead of going from Point A to point B. Loving it all.

Then we walked some more, with Sylvie pointing out more things for us to see. We worked our way through Gringo Gulch and visited a friend she knew who is working on opening a new B&B. We got a tour of her home! So beautiful. Also saw the smallest street (and walked it) in Puerto Vallarta. Even met another man with his front door open. He let us step inside to see his entrance. Just a great leisurely stroll.

Cuale River was next. We changed to our flip flops and crossed. Loved it. Sure cooled us down, Meandered through the Cultural center, flea market, and went to see a tile wall of fantastic art display representing many businesses and names in PV. It was beautiful. Continued our walk down Basilio Badillo and stopped at Xocodiva chocolates. Mmmmmmm. So many to choose from! We got to pick any chocolate we wanted.

Sylvie was just so great. The hike is good for a "fit person" and you need to be able to do stairs and slanty walkways (steep elevation) as well as some dirt... mostly going up hill. She will pace you and listen to your needs if you'd like to rest. I needed a few rests, LOL but I will say I feel tremendous accomplishing this hike as I'm not a hiker and I will remember the wonderful friendship we've made with Sylvie. If you get a chance... Sign up. It's on Thursdays only and goes for the season. As I said above, It is the highlight of my whole trip!

For more details and information about the tour, email Sylvie at Sylviescopazzo@gmail.com or visit Tours du Jour.