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Olas Altas
by Vallarta Online Staff | published: 5/10/2005
| More Than Just a Street
Situated south of the Rio Cuale, this popular street is more than just an avenue; it has become the pulse of the city. Spanning less than a mile, and a half-block from the ocean, Olas Altas houses an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops and accommodations that beckons a diverse group of visitors and locals alike. Lodging 
Accommodations are available to suit any budget but the majority of the hotels in the area are value priced and traditionally Mexican. Don't expect sprawling resort complexes, spas or Olympic sized pools. Most hotels range in price from $40.00 a night to $100.00 based on double occupancy in high season, including a large amount of long term rentals for the snow-birds.Hotel Playa Los Arcos is right on Olas Altas with the pool and grounds directly on the ocean. Other excellent ocean front hotels are Suites Emperador, Hotel San Marino, and Hotel Tropicana. All offer mid-range accommodations and cut-rate specials in the off season. Exceptional off-beach hotels and boutique accommodations are within a block or two of Olas Altas. Favorites include the immaculately clean Vallarta Sun Suites Hotel, Los Arcos Suites, and Hotel Eloisa, and Vallarta Shores. One of our absolute favorite places to stay is a less than five minute walk to Olas Altas. Casa Isabel, nestled on the hill above Zona Romantica, this adults only villa has breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. Each unit has a wonderful layout for maximum views, full kitchens, and everything you need for an utterly relaxing and peaceful vacation, but still close to everything lively and exciting. Street Side Cafes 
The majority of dining options are street side cafes and speciality restaurants. In between coffee shops and retail boutiques, you can acquire fuel for your body at any one of over 30 restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines. Kaiser Maximillian stands out with its five star international and Austrian menus, known for its decadent desserts. Two outstanding Asian restaurants stand side by side, Pekin and long standing Archie's Wok which was started by John Huston's private chef, Archie Alpenia, almost twenty years ago. La Piazzetta brings a taste of Italy to Mexico with exceptional pizza and bruschetta that melts in you mouth. Vegetarians flock to Papaya 3 for animal free foods and a huge selection of fresh squeezed juices. A must try is the new Cafe Bohemio, right behind La Piazetta, which has excellent dinners, nightly specials, including homemade soups and New York style cheesecake. Ever popular Cafe de Olla still draws crowds as people wait in line to indulge in Mexican plates and twice baked potatoes. Daiquiri Dick's, another long time icon of the area offers an extensive menu of California chic on the ocean. Traditional Mexican and International favorites can be found at La Palapa, El Dorado, and Angelo's, to name just a few. Early Mornings, Late Nights 
Many of the restaurants along Olas Altas open early to serve breakfast. The late night party place, Andale's, stays open late and re-opens early to feed the hungry. If you need coffee to get you going, coffee shops abound on Olas Altas. Coffee cafes such as The Big Kahuna, Cafe San Angel, A Page in the Sun, PV Cafe.com, and Beanz start pouring cups of caffeine and serving delectable pastries in the early morning light. Dee's Coffee Company on Rodolfo Gómez serves fresh brewed java along with homemade pastries and a breakfast bagel that makes your mouth water.Late night eaters can get a snack at D'Mikes hot dog cart or a street side plate of quesadillas and other finger food at El Chavalon, which also houses a pool hall upstairs, mainly inhabited by local pool sharks. Theater and Entertainment 
If your tastes run beyond drinking margaritas and riding a burro in a bar, check out the Santa Barbara Theatre. They are known for their theatre, murder mysteries, cabarets, live music, and other performances.
Late Night Fun 
Most places on Olas Altas stay open late and do not have a specific closing time. Many owners/managers feel that if you want to stay late at their place, they'll keep it open for you.Andale's, which is a legend in Vallarta plays a variety of music, serves great drinks and gets wild and crazy after midnight. If the man and the burro are outside Andale's, grab a margarita and ride the burro around the bar for a few pesos and a lot of laughs. Stimulating the Mind Keeping in touch with friends and family is as easy as stepping into one of the many cyber-internet cafes. If you have a Mac laptop and an airport card, you can sip coffee while connecting to their wireless internet connection at Beanz. Anyone who buys a cup of coffee or sweet treat can also access the internet for 15 minutes at no extra cost. If you want to keep in touch with the world, many of the local shops have a newsstand with English newspapers and magazines. Bookworms can find used books in many languages at A Page in the Sun, which also takes books in for trade. From Bikinis to Bangles 
Along Olas Altas, just about any item can be bought. Rebeca's carries an extensive selection of beachwear and clothing, Mango Too is known for tropical women's clothing and Safari Accents can fill a home with delightful decor. Two Six Tecate convenience stores sell liquor and cold pop, water, ice, and snacks. Cigar aficionados can find imported Cuban cigars and a few farmacias sell whatever pharmaceutical needs you may have. When you run out of cash, Bannorte Bank, multiple Casa de Cambios and ATM machines will refill your wallet.Need to Know Just like any large city artsy area, Olas Altas is gay-friendly and attracts a diverse group of people who mesh and blend. Travelers from all over the world speak an assortment of languages and people with alternative lifestyles sip coffee or meander around town holding hands. Merchants invite you into the shops and restaurants and Time Share sellers offer tours and gifts if you tour their resorts.  If you rent a car, parking is scarce, but everything you need is within a few blocks. Although buses don't run on the narrow cobblestone street, you can catch one to Centro/downtown and most points beyond at Lazaro Cardenas Park.People looking for a peacefully quiet and laid back vacation may find Olas Altas too active for their taste, albeit many travelers find this area a self contained plethora of choices. |
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