Puerto Vallarta was one of the first cities to get a purified water system and most recently updated it to state of art and has won "safe water" awards for the past 16 years.
P.V. is an artists town. Markets are centered around artisians and their crafts whether that be sculptures, pottery, jewelry or food. Artisian markets are held Friday and Saturdays in the old town and the Marina. One Tuesday a month an additional market is held at the marina. I was luck to arrive at the market during set up and prior to the crowds.
P.V. also has sculptures throughout the tourist areas and free walks twice a week to share and explain them.
Where ever you are in the Hotel Zone, Old town, Romantica Zone or Malecon you can see evidence of creativity.
The tourist areas are very clean, garbage cans and cleaners are abundant. The wares peddlers are dressed in white and carry a license. No where did I see any "pushy" seller whether it was selling of silver jewelry, garments, blankets, wood carvings, hammock, henna tattoos, or food items. Minstrels also stroll the beaches stopping to play for tips through the beach area.
In the evenings, there is a subtle shift of tourists and services available. The malecon becomes an area of entertainment. Performers appear in traditional Aztec dress and instruments. Mimes, clowns, balloon artists appear. Free entertainment occurs in the two stage areas. Small food vendors appear.
One evening a military officer was singing the most beautiful ballads outside the military museum. He attracted a large crowd and no one appeared to stay only for a song or two. If he hadn't taken a break I'm sure the crowd would have continued to get larger.
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