Reasons for visiting Puerto Vallarta

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 winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs. And of course, there is the area's wealth of natural beauty.

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A study in symmetry, Puerto Vallarta surprises with its engaging balance between the old and the new. This venerated port city on the Pacific was virtually unknown to the general vacationing public until director John Huston chose the locale for his 1964 film The Night of the Iguana, with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. 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 rain forest and rolling valley hills are your playground. 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!

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City: 6.75 hrs
• Boston: 7.25 hours
• Philadelphia: 6.5 hours
• Miami: 5.5 hrs
• Los Angeles: 3 hrs
• Chicago: 4.75 hrs
• Dallas-Forth Worth: 3.5 hrs
• San Francisco: 3.5 hrs

Please note that limited nonstop flights are available. All travel times are subject to change.

Areas within Puerto Vallarta

Downtown/The Malecón (Boardwalk)

The center of activity is in the downtown area. Elegant shops and fine restaurants line the boardwalk, making this the perfect place to take a pleasant stroll and mingle with locals and other tourists. Framed by the picturesque bay, numerous monuments and landmark statues dot the walkway, including Los Arcos (The Arches) and the famous El Caballito (The Seahorse). The main square, Plaza de Armas, is just a short walk from what may be Puerto Vallarta's most famous landmark, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The cathedral's sculptured stone tower features an illuminated cross held by angelic figures. When lit up at night, the structure can be seen from miles around.

Isla Rio Cuale

Located in the heart of town and flanked by the Rio Cuale, this isle is both a shopper's delight and a quiet haven from the city bustle. Enjoy a day of bargaining with street merchants offering colorful and handmade local arts and crafts in a lush, tropical environment.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

Although Puerto Vallarta is not the quaint fishing village it once was, there are still areas where you can cast your line in modest seclusion. "The Cross" is a great getaway for anglers and also hosts a few local restaurants specializing, of course, in seafood.

Playa Los Muertos

This village district of beachfront cafés and ocean vistas became much more accessible with the construction of a bridge across the Rio Cuale, allowing the "old town" of Puerto Vallarta to spill southward. A hot spot under the Mexican sun, this is a simple place to enjoy the beach and sip a margarita while listening to music, catch a courtside seat for a beach volleyball game, or watch the local fishermen haul in the day's catch.

Topography

Puerto Vallarta resides on the northwest Pacific Coast of Mexico, within one of the largest bays in the world, the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Shaped like a horseshoe and with over 40 miles of coast, the open end of Banderas Bay faces west, providing a natural barrier against hurricanes. The inland to the east is mountainous with lush vegetation.

Climate

If sun is what you want, then you've come to the right place - Puerto Vallarta has about 300 days of sunshine each year. The summer rainy season usually sees brief afternoon showers that cool temperatures from the high 80s to the low 80s. The winter months bring temperatures ranging from an average of 65° to 80°. The heart of hurricane season lasts from early September to late October, though strikes are rare.

What To Do & See in Puerto Vallarta

Marieta Islands Cruise

For excellent diving and snorkeling, take a boat ride out to these islands, where you'll encounter many beautiful fish and giant mantas. Surfers also love the islands for the constant waves.

City Tour

Get to know the city with a guided visit to all the main sights, including Guadalupe Church, City Hall, The Malecón, Rio Cuale, and many others. Tours starts with a convenient pick-up at your hotel.

Jungle Tour

Take an excursion through the jungle surrounding Perto Vallarta, which tems with wildlife and exotic plants and flowers. You'll have stops at fishing villages and a beautiful beach for 2 hours of playing in the surf.

Mexican Fiesta

Celebrate with traditional style in a colorful, jubilant atmosphere with more than 40 performers, an open bar featuring Mexican drinks, and a Mexican buffet. Olé!

Fishing

Banderas Bay is one of the largest in the world, and great catches come in year-round. Charter a deep-sea vessel or fish like a native in a smallpanga boat and still reel in the big ones.

Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

The venerated structure of Guadelupe Cathedral features exquisite examples of Puerto Vallarta's old-world artisan heritage. Examine the cathedral's handcrafted columns and moldings.

Shopping

Puerto Vallarta is a great spot to pick up jewelry, art, and clothing. Prices are reasonable as is, but you should definitely try your hand at bargaining! Remember that from 2- 4pm, many shop owners are taking their siestas.

Dining in Puerto Vallarta

With over 200 restaurants serving international cuisine as well as native Mexican fare, you'll definitely want to make time for at least three meals a day. And your budget is a non-issue, because there are restaurants that cater to everyone without sacrificing quality!

Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta

After dinner, your night is nowhere near over! Evenings in Puerto Vallarta begin with a spectacular array of colors in the sky, as the setting sun bids farewell amidst mariachi music. There's plenty to choose from, like dancing to pop hits, learning traditional Mexican dances, hopping from bar to bar, taking a party cruise, and much more.

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