| Flowing from the jungle-filled mountains
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| | located nearby on the island's western
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| above Puerto Vallarta, the Rio Cuale cuts
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| | shore.
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| right through the heart of this majestic
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| | While the western side of the island
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| city. Before emptying into Banderas Bay,
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| | seems to match the energy and excitement
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| this river provides several unique
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| | of the city, the eastern end of Isla Rio
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| activities to Puerto Vallarta's visitors.
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| | Cuale serves as a quiet sanctuary. The
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| One of the most overlooked sites in
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| | narrow paths that wind through the trees
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| Puerto Vallarta is Isla Rio Cuale, a
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| | are perfect for bike riding and peaceful
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| natural island in the middle of the river
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| | strolls. Local families are known to
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| near the city's downtown area. Though
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| | relax and picnic in the shade of Isla Rio
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| Isla Rio Cuale is only six blocks long
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| | Cuale's large trees. As the island also
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| and one block wide, there is much to do
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| | serves as a refuge for plants and
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| and see any time of year.
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| | animals, tourists often try to spot the
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| Though Isla Cuale might not receive much
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| | families of iguanas that reside in the
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| more than passing mentions in travel
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| | treetops. On the easternmost tip of the
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| guides, the island has become an integral
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| | island, you will find the Centro Cultural
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| part of Vallartan culture. It is believed
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| | Cuale - a popular destination for outdoor
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| the island was created many years ago
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| | performances, film screenings and art
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| after a strong rainy season caused the
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| | classes.
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| river to overflow and sediment to collect
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| | In the middle of the island's botanical
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| in its center. As Puerto Vallarta
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| | garden, you will find the Museum Rio
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| developed in the mid-20th century, the
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| | Cuale - a charming archeological museum
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| island came to serve as the unofficial
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| | devoted to local cultures. If possible,
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| center of the city's casual pedestrian
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| | try to visit the museum on a Tuesday at 1
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| culture. Bridges were constructed off
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| | pm when the director offers her free
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| nearly every side of the island,
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| | weekly lecture in English. If you are
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| connecting Isla Rio Cuale to several of
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| | more interested in the recent history of
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| the city's most desirable neighborhoods.
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| | Puerto Vallarta, stop by the John Huston
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| Today, the island boasts numerous shops
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| | Plaza - the city's dedication to the
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| and restaurants, an archeological museum,
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| | director of "Night of the Iguana."
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| a popular nightclub, miles of peaceful
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| | Credited for putting Puerto Vallarta on
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| trails, amazing scenery and one of
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| | the international tourism map, Huston and
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| Mexico's largest public markets - the Rio
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| | his film are revered to this day, several
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| Cuale Flea Market. Besides being a
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| | decades after its release.
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| distinctive tourist destination, the
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| | With a handful of narrow suspension
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| island and its unspoiled nature serve as
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| | bridges connecting Isla Rio Cuale to the
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| an urban oasis for the city's residents.
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| | mainland, getting to the island is
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| On the western side of the island,
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| | considered by many visitors as one of the
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| bordering the bay and Insurgentes Street,
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| | most exciting activities. Beyond Isla Rio
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| you will find the incredibly popular Rio
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| | Cuale, you will find the Zona Romantica -
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| Cuale Flea Market. With two stories of
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| | a popular place for upscale dining and
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| vendors selling everything from
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| | entertainment - and the Downtown Puerto
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| locally-made leather goods and blankets
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| | Vallarta neighborhoods. The island also
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| to pottery and jewelry, this market is
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| | connects to El Malecon, the city's famed
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| the best place to find a bargain in
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| | boardwalk along Banderas Bay.
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| Puerto Vallarta. As you browse the
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| | Besides being at the heart of the action
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| stalls, feel free to try out your best
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| | in Puerto Vallarta, Isla Rio Cuale is
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| bargaining tactics. You might be
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| | often referred to by locals as "el lugar
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| surprised to find that most sellers are
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| | mas bonito" (the most beautiful place in
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| friendly and receptive. After you have
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| | Puerto Vallarta). Come experience the
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| finished shopping at the flea market, you
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| | market and the cafes, but stay for the
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| can dine at one of the small cafes
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| | natural beauty and solitude.
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