Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - One of the joys of living here is that I get to take folks on walks around town to show them sights, sounds, and smells they may not find on their own. I share stories, history, and little-known facts about this most interesting town while introducing them to local merchants and colorful characters.

This walking tour on the south side of the Rio Cuale is a delightful mixture of small family businesses and restaurants run by both Mexican and North American owners. This small area of Puerto Vallarta has the most diverse population and choices of any other area of this size in the city.

We'll walk the narrow cobblestone streets, through the gardens at the east end of Isla Cuale and over the swinging bridge towards the Municipal Market. It is the custom among Mexican families to shop daily for the freshest of meats, fish, produce, and of course tortillas! Bring your shopping bag as there will be time to purchase groceries and practice your Spanish while you learn to read labels and pay. Watch the butcher prepare meat, the juice lady squeeze fresh pineapple, or select various dried beans, seeds and herbs from the Cereal and Seed store.

Continuing through the neighborhoods, you'll get new ideas for decorating your home, learn about unique folk arts from around Mexico, and where to buy fresh cut flowers, fine wine, designer jewelry, simple or gourmet foods, and find hangouts for coffee and used books. You'll also have the opportunity to sample a decadent chocolate or a fresh warm tortilla.

I offer several neighborhood walks, which you can read about on LearnVallarta.com. I hope you can join me on your next trip to Puerto Vallarta.

Learn Vallarta is dedicated to education and cultural integration. Owned and operated by two Americans and their staff who live in Vallarta fulltime, they deliver personal and helpful assistance in learning more about this charming tropical environment and its friendly people. Located in downtown Puerto Vallarta, Learn Vallarta's office hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, call 322-228-9365 or (322) 223-1566 in Puerto Vallarta, send an email to info@learnvallarta.com, or visit their website at LearnVallarta.com.

Click HERE for more Learn Vallarta information.