Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Overview

A study in symmetry, Puerto Vallarta surprises with its engaging balance between the old and the new. This venerated port city was virtually unknown to the general vacationing public until director John Huston chose the locale for his film Night of the Iguana with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. As word spread, a burgeoning influx of guests was seduced by the city's Old Mexico charm. In the years since, Puerto Vallarta has become a major vacation destination, with a multitude of travelers every year attesting to its allure. The city has taken great strides to become more cosmopolitan, while preserving its vast cultural and natural treasures.

Upscale hotels and retail stores accommodating most any budget are juxtaposed beautifully with the Sierra Madre, where the Huichol Indians continue their ancient way of life. The region's tropical climate guarantees constant sunshine while you explore the coastline on horseback, lounge on the beach, snorkel amid the fantastic marine ecosystem, or simply walk the cobblestone streets looking for crafts and trinkets. During the day, a rainforest and rolling valley hills are your playground. Then at night, you can relax in a piano lounge or dive into a Mexican fiesta. With so many pleasures, you'll find yourself returning to Puerto Vallarta over and again!.

Reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

One of Puerto Vallarta's many strong suits is its diverse selection of beaches, each catering to specific activities. The northern beaches are ideal for surfing, diving and fishing, and are also the breeding site for the Yubartas whales during winter. Puerto Vallarta is also renowned for its Old World charm, retained in the city's small cobblestone streets and whitewashed, red-tile roofed houses. And of course, there is the area's wealth of natural beauty.