Watch: This Free Video Presentation on the Benefits of Expat Life in Mexico.
Dear International Living Postcards reader,
You might think our society’s obsession with celebrity gossip is a new invention.
But it goes back decades and, amongst other things, is responsible for the development of one of Mexico’s most popular beach resorts.
IL’s Roving Latin America Editor, Jason Holland tells you more, below…
Victoria Harmer
Editorial Director, International Living Postcards
P.S. Time is running out on your chance to access Mexico 101 and take a virtual “retirement tour” of this diverse, vibrant, low-cost expat haven. This comprehensive video resource is the best way to not just hear what Mexico has to offer, but to see it with your own eyes…from the comfort of your home. But you have to order before midnight tomorrow to lock in a bumper discount. Get all the details here.
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Jungle-Clad Mountains, Golden Sands, and Torrid Affairs
By Jason Holland
The year was 1963…
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor were in the midst of a torrid affair when Burton decamped to the tiny, isolated port town of Puerto Vallarta to film The Night of the Iguana.
Taylor followed, tailed by a horde of paparazzi.
Thanks to the ensuing coverage, tabloid readers back in the U.S. saw not just Taylor and Burton, but also the beautiful backdrop of jungle-clad mountains along the coast, beautiful golden-sand beaches, and the white-washed buildings with red barrel-tile roofs of the old town.
Puerto Vallarta was put on the map…and in the decades since has become the second-most-visited beach destination in Mexico (after Cancún).
Although it has grown a lot over the years, its charm remains.
The old town, commonly referred to as the Zona Romantica, is a must-visit spot for tourists. Low-slung and walkable, its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with cafés, restaurants of every cuisine, little boutiques, and more.
These days more “classic Mexican” architecture is joined by sleek, modern condo buildings. It’s the type of place you spend the afternoon shopping, popping into an open-air bar for a margarita while plotting out the evening’s activities. There is no shortage of dance clubs, bars, live music, and other entertainment on offer.
Then you might hit the beach…
Along the water in this historic area and beyond is a miles-long seaside promenade (malecon in Spanish) with an unbroken row of bars, restaurants, and beach clubs overlooking the Pacific. Order food (seafood like shrimp tostadas or ceviche is popular, of course) and drink (I favor the refreshing chelada, which is lime juice and beer on the rocks) and you can spend the day in a lounger with an umbrella.
The views are picturesque. Those steep emerald mountains cascading down to the water, dotted with condo buildings and luxury villas…the golden sand…the glittering bay with its pleasure boats, sunset cruises, and leaping humpback whales from December to March.
Development has spread miles to the north along the vast Bahia de Banderas, with all-inclusive resorts, large hotels, and condo towers along the beach. Shopping malls, plazas, and medical clinics lie a shade inland.
It’s certainly not the quiet little town it was all those years ago.
But when all the modern conveniences are available, the living in this still-beautiful location is easy. And that means it’s not only popular with tourists but also a sizeable population of expats, many of whom are snowbirds who flock south to escape harsh winter weather back home.
It’s an active community, with frequent parties and gatherings, clubs, volunteer groups, and the like. You can go fishing, boating…hike in the jungle…play golf and tennis. It’s fun in the sun year-round.
Plus, it’s affordable.
Rent a place by the beach, say a two-bedroom condo, and expect to pay $700 a month and up. Enjoy a nice meal out for $20 for two at a mid-range place. About $60 and up for something a little more high-end. That’s including drinks.
All told, a retired couple could live well on about $2,500 a month here, that’s all-in, including rent, transportation, and medical care. I don’t think there’s many charming cities by the ocean you can say that about in the U.S. or Canada.
Editor’s note: Mexico 101: Your Blueprint to the ¡Viva México! Lifestyle is an in-depth video tour of Mexico in the company of IL Roving Latin America Editor Jason Holland. Jason is IL’s #1 Mexico expert and in Mexico 101, he takes you by the hand and not only introduces you to “his” Mexico, but gives you the tools to make it “your” Mexico in hidden spots where opportunity is rich and costs are low. Find out more and access Mexico 101, here.
Be sure to take a look at Mexico 101 now because come midnight tomorrow this offer must end.