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| A Wealth Of Attractions & Natural Beauty Waiting to be Explored... |
 The glorious coastline surrounding Puerto Vallarta begs to be explored. Select one of the many terrific organized tours or arrange a convenient car rental and make up your own itinerary. The road is an open door to experience fantastic scenery and catch a glimpse of authentic Mexico. Some of your finest vacation moments await.
Years ago, this was an isolated fishing village of some 10, 000 people. Today, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular and fastest growing destinations in Mexico with a population of over 350 000. Spend some time here, see the sights and fall in love with one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico. Then you will understand why people return year after year to enjoy their well earned vacations and why some never return home!
The Old Downtown and the Malecon: Rustic cobblestoned streets, spanish colonial architecture and the Malecon (sea wall) make Puerto Vallarta's downtown unmistakable. The Malecon is a waterfront boardwalk that serves as an inviting promenade between the main road and picturesque Banderas Bay. With 100 miles of coastline, Banderas Bay is the second largest natural bay in the world. Wander along the Malecon and you are guaranteed to discover bronze sculptures, fine jewelry shops, art galleries, popular restaurants,cafes,and bars. Discover the variety of offerings of each of the side streets running between Juarez, Morelos and the Malecon. It's definitely a paradise for shoppers, and for those who love the adventure of exploring quaint city streets!
Los Arcos Open Air Theater: Open air concerts and free evening entertainment make this a lively choice. Mexico's colorful spirit lives on here with festive puppet shows and mariachi music. Local artists set up shop and sell their paintings nearby as do the local craftsmen.
 Church of our Lady of Guadalupe: In the heart of downtown, this breathtaking cathedral was built over a 33-year period, from 1918 to 1951. Atop its steeple is an ornate crown that is a replica of the one worn by Empress Carlota of Mexico in the 1860s. The crown of Our Lady of Guadalupe can be seen for miles around, and is the city's most important symbol as well as attraction. This beautiful spot is host to many weddings made in paradise.
Mercado Municipal Market: This indoor/outdoor market, located along the north shore of the Cuale River, is the perfect place to bargain for souvenirs, crafts, clothing and hundreds of other items. Dozens of stalls offer a wide array of inexpensive goods. Numerous shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants around the market make it a great place to spend some time. The market is open daily from early morning to early evening, take advantage of the coolest times of day to visit and spend a siesta in one of the nearby restaurants.
Rio Cuale (Cuale River Island): The natural paradise setting of Rio Cuale Island is made even more appealing by its unique restaurants, fine boutiques and comfortable cafes. Located in the middle of the river that divides the downtown area in two, there are stairways leading to the island from the two bridges that cross the river. There is an interesting archaeological museum located near the lower (ocean side) bridge.
Viejo Vallarta: The area on the south shore of the Cuale River is known as Viejo Vallarta, (Old Vallarta.) and also "Olas Altas". This part of town has most of the older restaurants, shops, and businesses. The authentic feel of Puerto Vallarta from days gone by still permeates the scenic streets of this area, lined with traditional hotels. Walk over one of the short bridges and into a region of unique charm and character. Some of the best bars and pubs are located here. Viejo Vallarta was once the city's only beach resort, located at the beautiful Playa Los Muertos.
Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco, the birthplace and home of tequila. For a completely different activity try a Tequila tour which can include visits to famous blue agave plantations and sampling the celebrated drink. |
| Miles of Beautiful beaches on the bay are lined with modern hotels and resorts. This area, known locally as the "Hotel Zone", starts at the Marina Terminal, ends at the entrance to town and also follows Puerto Vallarta's main highway. It's just a short drive from all the ambience and excitement of downtown Vallarta and minutes to the airport on the other side . This area is popular, not only for its sandy shorefronts and sprawling hotels but also for the many restaurants, shopping plazas and hot night spots located here. |
| Just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta is the beautiful Marina Vallarta. Not only Mexico's largest and most complete marina accommodating yachts of all sizes, this area is also a bustling commercial, tourism and residential zone. The shores are lined with beautiful beaches and a colorful boardwalk, and there are abundant shops and restaurants to choose from. Kids will love the huge water park with slides and wave pools and adults will enjoy the 18 hole golf course. |
| Less than 10 miles north of town is Nuevo Vallarta (New Vallarta), an expanding yet still secluded, rarely crowded tourist center. A modern infrastructure decorated by palm trees, modern hotels and over three miles of beautiful beach, it is a vacation destination in itself. Nuevo Vallarta has its own bustling marina, and a unique collection of great dining and shopping options. Kayaking the lagoon, biking the miles of smooth roads and swimming with the dolphins are just some of its top attractions. |
Colorful Mismaloya is a beautiful scenic drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This beautiful mountainside region is found just south of Puerto Vallarta where the Sierra Mountains drop steeply into the Pacific. The adventurous can jump off high rocks into fresh water pools formed by waterfalls coming down the mountains. The classic movie Night of the Iguana was filmed here in Mismaloya in buildings that still stand today. Plus Hollywood later returned to the area to make the action adventure film Predator. Once you have gotten a glimpse of movie history, further south take a river ride past exotic tropical wildlife to the living history of the famous fort at San Blas. Great attractions at Mismaloya include horseback riding, superb beaches, a traditional market and great ocean-front restaurants. |
 Cool off with a wade in the freshwater pools at the small seaside village of Boca de Tomatlan. This nearly deserted enchanting cove is a perfect spot for getting away from the crowds. The restaurants here offer a great opportunity to try some local dishes. Don't forget your bathing suit! |
Just beyond Boca de Tomatlan are more terrific spots that are quite difficult to resist and accessible only by boat.
Playa las Animas is located in a small fishing village ripe with great seafood restaurants.
Further west along the bay, Quimixto is a deserted tropical paradise that boasts a beautiful nearby waterfall and natural swimming pool.
Yelapa is a popular destination, so alluring that many tourists stay much longer than they originally planned. Its Polynesian-style village has several beachfront thatched-roof restaurants serving fresh seafood. A short inland hike leads to a 150-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical jungle. T
The Marietas Islands, located at the northern edge of Banderas Bay, make a great day-trip. A nature sanctuary, the islands boast over 40 native and migratory bird species, while the surrounding waters abound with dolphins, whales, turtles and manta rays.
Los Arcos is a beautiful national marine park surrounded by a colorful reef and an abundance of tropical sea life. |
| The area running south from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo (about 180 miles) is known as Mexico's Gold Coast, although the scenery is priceless. An endless number of breath-taking views and attractive coves will tempt you to stop again and again during the easy ride to Manzanillo. This popular port city has a colorful history of pirates and treasure chests. Sightseeing opportunities and sensational beaches abound. Manzanillo is also known as the home of the world's best sailfishing. There are annual events and fishing competitions. The warm waters just off the coast are also full of giant tuna, red snapper, rooster fish, and marlin.
One of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the region, Playa la Audiencia is named for its historic significance. It was on this spot that Hernan Cortes first encountered the Indians.
Manzanillo is the place to come for sun, sea, natural beauty, and tranquility; it's an ideal getaway. And the splendor of the coastal views along the way alone would make it worth the trip. |
 Inland from Puerto Vallarta about four hours is Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city. With more than 400 years of history, Guadalajara's rich heritage is evident throughout. The streets are alive with colonial charm, beautiful churches, museums, and centuries old architecture.
Flowers that bloom all year long make it a sensual treat. Mingling with colonial mansions and lovely old churches are new skyscrapers, fine hotels, and some outstanding golf and country clubs. Guadalajara is known as the "Pearl of the West," a beautiful modern city with a population of about five million, that has retained the serenity and beauty of a Spanish provincial town.
Guadalajara's downtown area is ruled by the colonial cathedral, whose construction dates from 1571, and the seven-block-long Plaza Tapatia, a beautiful area of colonial and restored architecture, fountains, ancient and modern sculpture, shops, cafes, and a museum.
The Libertad Market, said to be the largest open-air market in the Western Hemisphere, is a great place to bargain for fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, shoes, toys, leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, and much more. There are also bird sellers, restaurants, live musicians, a sea of sombreros, and an ocean of flowers. Lose yourself in authentic Mexicana. |
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