The attraction of Puerto Vallarta has been for years in the charm of its old spells mixed in the comfort of modern conveniences.
In recent years, progress in transportation and communications has facilitated access to Puerto Vallarta, and at the same time the population has worked to meet the needs posed by the growing number of its visitors, all while preserving its unique appeal.
Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, on the western coast of the Pacific. It is sheltered by the second largest bay in the American continent, Bahía de Banderas, known for its extraordinary beauties, for its unexplored deep waters and for the abundance of marine life. To the east of Puerto Vallarta rises the majestic Sierra Madre, whose mountains covered with abundant tropical vegetation form an imposing framework.
The picturesque "town" has its own architectural style. Its exotic cobbled streets and its adobe houses topped with red roofs highlight the elegance of the Mexican colonial style.
Puerto Vallarta dozed peacefully for almost 50 years. Then, in 1963, famous film director John Huston arrived to film Tennessee Williams' Night of the Iguana. Film actor Richard Burton worked locally with Elizabeth Taylor and the couple's love affair made headlines in the world's newspapers. Unexpectedly, the town became a magnet for international visitors.
This fertile region is rich in plants and marine life. The presence of species such as dolphins, turtles and humpback whales adds to the other natural attractions of Puerto Vallarta. On the other hand, art is spreading as one of the preferred activities given the increasing number of showrooms. During the winter season, the best contemporary artists are presented, as well as a wide selection of indigenous art, particularly from the Huichol Indians of the Sierra.
There are in Puerto Vallarta, too, a multitude of recreational opportunities. Water sports dominate, including scuba diving, sailing regattas, fishing, skiing, and leisurely boat trips around the bay. On land, the Marina Vallarta Golf Club has a course that has become known as one of the most challenging tracks in the entire country.
In sum, the rapid and well-planned growth of the tourist infrastructure, the quality of the services and the authentic hospitality of the inhabitants, have made Puerto Vallarta one of the favorite destinations for tourism in the world. See you there!
