Ever wondered what Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, can host? Here’s a sampling. In celebration of Puerto Vallarta’s 100th anniversary the destination has put together a roster of activities for sports enthusiasts. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the Bay of Banderas, the city of Puerto Vallarta is an ideal place for sports competition, training or to try a sport for the first time.
“Puerto Vallarta offers ideal weather conditions to practice all kinds of sports with sunny weather, natural beauty, as well as great tourist infrastructure in addition to the warmth of its people and the appeal of traditional Mexico.” said Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “Our visitors want to remain active while on vacation and Puerto Vallarta can offer a vacation with sports.”
Training for a sports competition does not have to stop while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. Members of the US Olympic Team continued their training while enjoying the diverse offerings of the destination, while Marathon candidates are often seen training across the Malecon and up the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
Always wanted to try a hand at tennis or golf, take some time away from relaxing on the beach to try one of the many sports activities offered by all the hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Play soccer, learn to swing a golf club or play tennis.
Some of the upcoming sports competitions that are taking place in Puerto Vallarta are the following.
Trans-Vallarta Enduro – March 1-5, 2018: The first edition of “Trans- Vallarta Enduro” invites participants to conquer the mountain range of Puerto Vallarta with a 3-day backcountry bike adventure across several unspoiled Mexican towns from the XVII century.
The inaugural edition will start in the Magical Town of Mascota at 2.5 miles over 12,000 feet above sea level and past Puerto Vallarta’s countryside to finally drop straight into the tropical paradise beach town of Puerto Vallarta where fresh fish tacos and cold beers will be waiting. www.trans-vallarta.com
Visitors interested in bike activities will find that several local tour operators offer bike trips that will fit everyone’s fitness and experience level, from beginner to expert; from bike taco tours to 3 or 10 mile climbs through the Sierra Madre to the shores of the Pacific Ocean and to a secluded beach or even the town of Yelapa.
Mexorc Regatta – March 10-17, 2018: The 2018 edition of the Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit, or MEXorc, will return to the shores of Puerto Vallarta from March 10 to 17. The international regatta began in the 60’s, and this year will bring over 40 boats from 12 countries, including a fleet from San Diego, California. This is a sharp rise from 25 boats in 2014.
Over 600 sailors will participate in long and short races taking place in the Bay of Banderasin the week-long event, which will feature a Centennial Regatta of Puerto Vallarta in celebration of the destination’s anniversary. In addition, tours will be available for those who wish to observe and celebrate the maritime sports from close up. Private yachts can also provide day relaxing in the sun or for those who prefer a more active vacation, to go swimming and snorkeling in protected coves or catch a glimpse of dolphins and humpback whales
MEXorc will have its headquarters in Puerto Vallarta’s Marina Vallarta, located just south of the airport, it has a 500-slip marina surrounded by condos, and a boardwalk housing a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants. The Marina area is also home to an 18-hole golf course, luxury accommodations and in the same area as the destination’s cruise port. www.mexorc.com
National Stand Up Paddle & Paddle Board Championship – March 15-18, 2018: Puerto Vallarta’s National SUP Championship will take place on the calm waters of Quimixto, in the Southside section of the destination. The championship will have a 5k route and an 18 k route for participants to race across the Bay of Banderas.
The event’s opening ceremony will take place at Los Arcos on the Malecon on March 15th with additional activities taking place at Mango’s Beach Club. For more information on the championship, please email Asejsurf@gmail.com.
SUP excursions depart from Boca de Tomatlan and Colomitos Beach South of Puerto Vallarta’s historic center. There, the calm and clear turquoise water of the Bay of Banderas allow for wild excursion in the destination. From November to March, marine life is abundant, and some of the species visitors may encounter include multicolored tropical fish of all sizes, sea turtles, manta rays and eagle rays among others. For a completely Puerto Vallarta experience, try paddle boarding across the shored of the Malecon at sunset.
Puerto Vallarta Marathon - April 5, 2018: Puerto Vallarta will hold its first full marathon as part of the Centennial 2018 festivities on Sunday, April 15th. An estimated 3-hour race, will have three routes, a full marathon, a half marathon and a 5k run, all routes will have the runners visiting some of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular neighborhoods. www.maratonpuertovallarta.com
Running as one of the most popular sports practiced by both locals and visitors. Early runs across the Malecon and up the and around the historic center are popular. For a more extreme run, try a run around the Bay of Banderas. The trail starts in the fishing village of Boca De Tomatlan by a river that flows into a small bay leading through the tropical jungle and over a rope suspension bridge and ends at one of Puerto Vallarta's most secluded beaches, Playa Los Colomitos. Runners may encounter a wide variety of exotic birds, butterflies, lizards, and tropical trees along the way.
Puerto Vallarta Open – April 30 To May 5, 2018: Puerto Vallarta will be home to an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tourprofessional tennis tournament. The first edition of the Puerto Vallarta Open will be played on the new outdoor hard courtsof Parque Parota, a space close to the destination’s Malecon. The venue is easily accessible, and the courts were built to accommodate the tournament and the international requirements on ATP.
The Puerto Vallarta Open will have a prize of 75,000 USD and ATP ranking. It will be played on a hard surface with a best-of-three format in single and double matches.
Puerto Vallarta has had a long history with the ATP. It held its first challenger in 1994 and hosted tournaments for the ATP Tour Challenger and the WTA from 1996 to 1998. Futures tournaments were held in Puerto Vallarta from 2000 to 2010. Tennis legends such as Martina Navrátilová, Billie Jean King, Vasek Pospisil, Santiago González Torre have played in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is a dream tennis destination for tennis buffs and beginners. There are ample opportunities to learn or practice the sport in several of the destination’s resorts and hotels. There is even a complete tennis complex with four indoor and four outdoor lit tennis courts in downtown. Clinics and individual instruction are available.
For more information on the Puerto Vallarta Open, please contact Alejandra Martínez Rizo at alejandra@macorinalab.com
Down Puerto Vallarta – May 2018: The second edition of the urban cycling competition, Down Puerto Vallarta, will be taking place this May. The race will feature three categories: Downhill, Slopestyle and Freestyle and take participants from the Sierra Madre’s La Cruz hilltop, downhill and across the historic center to the Malecon in a panoramic 3,000-foot-long speedway. Puerto Vallarta is expecting over 20,000 visitors to travel to the city to attend the race and cheer on the more than 40 international competitors.
While in town, bike enthusiasts can take advantage of the many offerings the destination has to offer and soak up the rich culture, colonial and pre-Hispanic history, cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
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