What? No Beach Vendors?

Everyone has been to the beaches of Vallarta and been disturbed time and time again by the steady stream of beach vendors asking you for the twentieth time, "You want braids?" or "silver?" or a picture with an iguana, but nobody is asking if you want to be left alone! It can get annoying, to say the least. There is salvation however and it's not too far away. Just a short drive down the Mismaloya highway is "Playa Conchas Chinas" and there you will find respite from most interruptions. It's a small beach but very few of the vendors from "Playa Los Muertos" will make the hike so you can actually read a chapter or two of your book or take a brief siesta. Depending on the conditions of the water you can snorkel, kayak or just listen to the waves. The day we went, we were lucky to see a couple of whales jumping not too far offshore--what a treat! If you want to drive to this special beach, take a right on Calle Sagitarius off the main road and head down the steep cobblestone drive. Rest and relaxation is still possible!