You don’t have to come to town during the high season to have a memorable stay in a Puerto Vallarta vacation rental. In fact, those weeks between seasons can be some of the most enjoyable: the weather is lovely, visitors enjoy off-season pricing for many of the area’s attractions, and the crowds that fill every nook and cranny of town during winter months have, for the most part, moved on.

That’s not to suggest that visitors aren’t welcomed with open arms in Puerto Vallarta at any time of year; it’s simply a question of whether you prefer the muted merrymaking on the Malecon in late May or the dull roar and boom town atmosphere of February. And don’t let the relative calm fool you – there’s still plenty of action in town. In fact, one of the favorite, and most highly anticipated, events of the year brings hundreds of sports lovers to town in May.

Break a Sweat
The Puerto Vallarta-Manzana AGA International Sports Classic, now in its umpteenth year, is an opportunity for kids of all ages to enjoy some good, clean fun and physical activity on the doorstep of Banderas Bay. The mastermind of the PV Sports Classic, former Canadian basketball star Howard Kelsey, simply wanted to put together a set-up where his old round-ball buddies could get together on the beach for a little healthy competition. From that unpretentious beginning, a star event was born.

Today, the annual event provides an opportunity for local kids and international teams to come together and enjoy some healthy and wholesome activity. Participants compete in team sports (basketball, softball, beach volleyball) and individual competitions (tennis, 5- and 10-K runs). In addition, youth and master’s soccer matches (futbol to locals) let athletes show off their best moves.

Party On
And the fact that a visitor is taking part in those sporting events during the day does not rule out the likelihood that she’ll have an equally good time at night. Local wisdom suggests that Carlos O’Brien’s is “party central” during the PV Sports Classic, so after the day’s events, you’ll find athletes and spectators alike enjoying a night on the town before returning to their Puerto Vallarta vacation rental for some well-deserved rest.

You can see why many visitors to Puerto Vallarta prefer to schedule their trip during May. The food is still delicious, the beverages remain cold, and the opportunity to lace up those athletic shoes and enjoy some light-hearted competition is better than ever.