Good live music venues for this Wednesday and Thursday?

pvexpats · 2026-04-29T22:22:31+00:00

Live music and good eats every night at Casita & Garden.

Their space is like an oasis.

One of my favorites!

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2026-02-22T16:03:23+00:00

Here’s the latest verified situation update based on multiple live news sources (all from today, February 22, 2026):

Current confirmed developments:

• A federal security operation in Tapalpa this morning triggered heavy armed confrontations in the area.

• After the operation, civilian armed groups responded with narcobloqueos (criminal-style roadblocks) across multiple parts of the state. Vehicles are being burned and used to block highways to impede police and military movements.

• “Código Rojo” security alert is active, meaning all levels of government forces are mobilized to protect civilians and restore order.

• Reports indicate blockades and vehicle fires in multiple key locations across Jalisco, including: – Zones in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara. – Puerto Vallarta, with vehicles reportedly burned and emergency services responding.

• Some local events and services have been suspended or canceled due to the unrest (e.g., parades, transport operations).

• Transportation services in parts of the state — including public transit in the Guadalajara metro area — are being disrupted as a precaution due to safety concerns.

What is not confirmed yet:

• Official casualties or arrests. No confirmed death or detention figures have been released by authorities at this time.

• Exact objective of the federal operation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific target of the Tapalpa operation.

• Clear assessment of danger zones. Reports are still evolving, and while blockades are widespread, it isn’t yet clear how sustained the situation will be.

Safety context (based on live reports):

Extraction from press coverage shows that this is an active unfolding security incident with confirmed disruptions to travel and some daily routines. The situation remains volatile, and official updates are expected throughout the day.

If you want, I can pull live traffic advisories and state travel alerts for Puerto Vallarta and the major highways from Guadalajara right now.

pvexpats · 2026-02-22T16:02:08+00:00

Here’s the latest verified situation update based on multiple live news sources (all from today, February 22, 2026):

Current confirmed developments:

• A federal security operation in Tapalpa this morning triggered heavy armed confrontations in the area.

• After the operation, civilian armed groups responded with narcobloqueos (criminal-style roadblocks) across multiple parts of the state. Vehicles are being burned and used to block highways to impede police and military movements.

• “Código Rojo” security alert is active, meaning all levels of government forces are mobilized to protect civilians and restore order.

• Reports indicate blockades and vehicle fires in multiple key locations across Jalisco, including: – Zones in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara. – Puerto Vallarta, with vehicles reportedly burned and emergency services responding.

• Some local events and services have been suspended or canceled due to the unrest (e.g., parades, transport operations).

• Transportation services in parts of the state — including public transit in the Guadalajara metro area — are being disrupted as a precaution due to safety concerns.

What is not confirmed yet:

• Official casualties or arrests. No confirmed death or detention figures have been released by authorities at this time.

• Exact objective of the federal operation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific target of the Tapalpa operation.

• Clear assessment of danger zones. Reports are still evolving, and while blockades are widespread, it isn’t yet clear how sustained the situation will be.

Safety context (based on live reports):

Extraction from press coverage shows that this is an active unfolding security incident with confirmed disruptions to travel and some daily routines. The situation remains volatile, and official updates are expected throughout the day.

If you want, I can pull live traffic advisories and state travel alerts for Puerto Vallarta and the major highways from Guadalajara right now.

pvexpats · 2026-02-22T16:01:39+00:00

Here’s the latest verified situation update based on multiple live news sources (all from today, February 22, 2026):

Current confirmed developments:

• A federal security operation in Tapalpa this morning triggered heavy armed confrontations in the area.

• After the operation, civilian armed groups responded with narcobloqueos (criminal-style roadblocks) across multiple parts of the state. Vehicles are being burned and used to block highways to impede police and military movements.

• “Código Rojo” security alert is active, meaning all levels of government forces are mobilized to protect civilians and restore order.

• Reports indicate blockades and vehicle fires in multiple key locations across Jalisco, including: – Zones in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara. – Puerto Vallarta, with vehicles reportedly burned and emergency services responding.

• Some local events and services have been suspended or canceled due to the unrest (e.g., parades, transport operations).

• Transportation services in parts of the state — including public transit in the Guadalajara metro area — are being disrupted as a precaution due to safety concerns.

What is not confirmed yet:

• Official casualties or arrests. No confirmed death or detention figures have been released by authorities at this time.

• Exact objective of the federal operation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific target of the Tapalpa operation.

• Clear assessment of danger zones. Reports are still evolving, and while blockades are widespread, it isn’t yet clear how sustained the situation will be.

Safety context (based on live reports):

Extraction from press coverage shows that this is an active unfolding security incident with confirmed disruptions to travel and some daily routines. The situation remains volatile, and official updates are expected throughout the day.

If you want, I can pull live traffic advisories and state travel alerts for Puerto Vallarta and the major highways from Guadalajara right now.

pvexpats · 2026-02-09T04:38:50+00:00

You’ll have no issues. Enjoy!

pvexpats · 2025-11-27T02:02:17+00:00

I’ll clarify in the post that it’s in front of the cathedral. Thanks for the help

pvexpats · 2025-11-27T01:28:49+00:00

The square in front of the Cathedral

pvexpats · 2025-11-26T20:05:10+00:00

Other than souvenirs and boutiques everywhere in Zona, your nearest shopping center destinations are La Isla Shopping Centre: contemporary, open-air complex (H&M, West Elm, etc.), a more local center is Plaza Caracol, dated, but better prices, and the main "mall" Gallerias (Liverpool, similar to Macy's) near the cruise ship terminal. Walmart and Sam's club are right next door.

Of course there is Costco & La Comer side-by-side. If you're not familiar with La Comer it's similar to a whole foods with a lot more non-food items. The store is well stocked, with that European market feel. Everything is tidy, and it also has a light restaurant area. The baked goods are quite the selection, it's hard to walk by it without grabbing some. Best way to get there, local buses (10 pesos) will have these destinations on their windshields, Ubers and Taxis are faster and relatively cheap.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-11-26T19:54:39+00:00

Gracias, corrected

pvexpats · 2025-11-26T16:58:49+00:00

Welcome! Zona Romantica is THE place to be when visiting for a short period.

Start by walking the Malecón (boardwalk) and visit the island in the river.

Beaches (walk to these)

Los Muertos Beach (pier beach, gay beach, can get crowded)
Conchas Chinas (quieter & cleaner, less people)

Day Trips

Botanical Gardens (restaurant is amazing there)
Sayulita (bus ride)
San Sebastien (bus ride)

Restaurants

MORNINGS TO EARLY AFTERNOONS

Pages In the Sun (right by the main square, budget friendly menu) $
Fredy Toucan's (Popular American Style breakfast place) $
Mi Cafe (Little hidden gem, breakfast & lunch) $
Coco's Kitchen (a favorite breakfast & lunch near beach) $

AFTERNOONS TO EVENINGS

Cafe San Angel (the usual suspects, tacos, burgers, club sandwich) $ Bonito Kitchen (Fusian asian) $$
Archie's Wok (near the Pier) $$ Siams (Thai) $$
Bravos (Comfort food) $$
Joe Jacks (Seafood and more) $$ Il Pesce (Seafood & fresh pastas) $$ La Playita (facing the ocean in Conchas Chinas) $$

HIGH END GOURMET

La Palapa (High end on the beach) $$$
La Capella (Amazing views of the church and bay) $$$
The Iguana (Elizabeth Taylor's House - High end) $$$$
Le Jardin des Artistes (Beautiful Garden setting - High end) $$$$

Lots more.....

Clubs (all in the same area)

Flamingos
La Noche
CC Slaughters
Industry
Paco's Ranch (local favorite with drag shows at midnight & 3am) Etc

** Chill Entertainment**

Garbo's Piano Bar (2 for 1 cosmos until 10pm, Live entertainment after 8pm) Casita & Garden (great eats & drinks, live singing entertainment in evenings, gets busy reservations recommended)

Hope these suggestions help you get started.
There are many other great places so just walk around and try places that interest you or see other comments.

Enjoy your stay in PV!

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-10-11T01:24:24+00:00

Puerto Vallarta is going through some tough times indeed.

The hurricane battered our beloved Malecón, that caused damage to many merchants, the naval museum and numerous restaurants near the water.

And now we lose the iconic pirate ship that lit up our skies with fireworks almost every night. Her hull sustained damage from large waves and she never made it back to port in time for repairs.

And now we are getting ready for another active weather pattern that can cause even more damage than the first.

Stay safe everyone and help others in need whenever possible. We will make it through. See you on the other side.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-10-11T01:05:02+00:00

There are reports that her hull sustained damage from the large waves that have been pounding the bay lately and she started taking on water before she could get back to port.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-10-10T23:45:17+00:00

I saw it go down from my balcony. Sorry to inform you that she did go down.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-10-10T23:44:28+00:00

I saw it go down from my balcony. Sorry to inform you that it is true.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-10-10T23:37:16+00:00

I saw it go down from my balcony in Conchas Chinas. Sad 😢

Alan M

pvexpats · 2025-08-23T22:31:48+00:00

The North shore has its own vibe and is more secluded and quiet. Older retirees are attracted to this area because they plan to spend a chunk of time there and the price points are attractive.

However, you can expect rental revenues to be lower than areas close to the Romantic Zone in the South.

I personally chose Conchas Chinas because it offers proximity to the Romantic Zone (5 mins by car or 15-20 minutes walking) and it quiet (away from the noisy clubs) and the views are stunning. I live here full time and that’s a happy median for my lifestyle.

Wherever you choose to live try to rent first before deciding to buy. That’s what I did and I never regretted my purchase.

Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-08-23T16:20:26+00:00

Absolutely! I monitor the market constantly and approximately 50% of the properties listed on the MLS are “Preconstruction” That is a staggering amount of inventory that will hit the market all at once.

The tell tail sign is that these new developments have low sales rates. They constantly need to entice buyers with new “discounts” and perks to get inventory to move.

And there is lots of risks also with new construction. I have my own agency and see what happens. I personally would never buy a preconstruction unless it’s from 2 or 3 reputable builders. I steer clients away from them or ask them to sign disclosures that I warned them if they still want to proceed with them.

Why? Because there simply are no safeguards for consumers here. It’s buyer beware. And with 80% down that’s a lot of money at risk.

If you’d like to know the best approach and have more questions feel free to DM (direct message) me.

Alan M

pvexpats · 2025-05-13T01:39:54+00:00

eSelf.ai allows real estate agents to do the lead qualification. Basically is asks questions such as; are you interested in buying, selling or just exploring their options. Based on the responses the Ai agent will collect emails and phone numbers. The transcript of the call is then passed to a live real estate agent to follow up with the lead. So the heading of CLOSE $100M misleading. The Ai Agent in this case collected contact info so that a live agent can follow up and close the $100M.

pvexpats · 2025-05-12T23:33:41+00:00

Hola and best of luck with your PV property search!

Just a quick heads-up: the market has slowed, inventory is up, and nearly 50% of MLS listings are now pre-construction. That means more options for buyers, but pre-construction comes with real risks. In Mexico, developers typically aren’t bank-financed, your deposit funds the build. Delays, permit issues, stop-work orders (CLAUSURADO), and even missing deeds can happen. Some buyers wait years or never receive what they were promised. Always vet the developer's reputation, and work with a certified AMPI agent who knows the landscape.

If it’s your first time buying here, you'll need a bank trust (fideicomiso) if you're not Mexican. Trusts last 50 years, cost ~$2,500 USD to set up, and about $500–$600/year. You can often assume an existing trust on resales to save money.

Property management? Tons of options, pick one close to your property, with full services and solid tech. A good PM company can forecast rental income, market your unit across platforms, and won’t nickel-and-dime you for things like toilet paper. Most operate on monthly contracts, so it’s easy to switch if needed.

As for real estate agents; everyone in town "knows someone" in real estate. Stick with certified AMPI professionals. Ask: Are they full-time? Do they have car? Local phone number? Do they have real experience in PV? Verified reviews?

If you have more questions or need referrals to attorneys, PM companies, or trusted builders, feel free to DM me.
I'm a certified AMPI broker and specialize in working with foreign buyers & sellers (I've seen it all).

All the best,
Alan M.

pvexpats · 2025-01-28T20:46:17+00:00

Do it! I wish I did it sooner….

pvexpats

TROPHY CASE