Overview
Visitors will find that Puerto Vallarta and its
beaches make for a richly rewarding vacation. The best way to experience this wonderful
seaside resort on the Pacific is to tap into the rhythm of its daily life, as the
Mexicans do, by strolling the
Malecón (Sea Wall),
nosing around inside one of the city's magnificent art galleries, visiting a museum or
simply loafing around on one of its many beaches.
Even if that earlier Puerto Vallarta probably exuded the charm of a veritable Garden of
Eden, repeated bursts of hotel-building have not tarnished its beauty. Even after some
renovation, this resort town has managed to preserve its old areas in the heart of the
urban core. Apart from the inevitable architectural errors along the beach, most modern
hotel development has taken place away from the town's centre.
Those strolling along the
Malecón,
a long seaside promenade, will come upon several contemporary sculptures, open-air
amphitheatre, where all sorts of activities and cultural events take place. The
Malecón, where the blazing sunset is at its most
dazzling, comes to life at sundown.
Los Muertos, or
Playa del Sol (its official name), is Puerto Vallartas most popular beach. It boasts an
outstanding location on the majestic Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags). The easiest
access to this lively spot is from Calle Rodriguez. Numerous hotels and restaurants line
the beach.
Hotels abound in the northern section of
Puerto Vallarta. The hotels stand along the Las Glorias and Los Tules beaches, all the
way to Terminal Maritima.
Destiladeras is one of
the most beautiful beaches in the area. Its waves, which can get extremely powerful, are
perfect for surfing.
Marina Vallarta is one of
Mexico's prettiest pleasure-craft ports and very popular among sailing enthusiasts. The
marina attracts many vacationers and locals looking to partake of everything this
immense complex has to offer.
Going Out
Puerto Vallarta is crammed with
night spots that offer a whole range of diversions, such as lavish shows, folk groups,
contemporary bands, jazz concerts, and dance music. In the bars and cafés along the
Malecón, night-owls can always find somewhere to dance to the rhythm of their favourite
music.
Where on earth
The city of Puerto Vallarta is located on the west
coast of the state of Jalisco, in Mexico.