Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta enjoys a tropical climate. During the sunny dry season from November to May, daytime temperatures hover around 27 C to 30 C and there is virtually no rain. At night, the temperature drops to a comfortable 14 C to 18 C. But do pack a light jacket for evenings out. The hotter, more humid season lasts from June to October.

When Spanish conquistador Francisco Cortés de Buenaventura arrived on the Jalisco-Nayarit coast in 1524, he and his men were confronted by an army of 20,000 Aztecs, their bows decorated with colourful banners. Cortés was so impressed by the group of warriors that he called this area around the Rio Ameca (north of present-day Puerto Vallarta) the Valley of the Banners. That's also how the great body of water came to be known as the Bay of Banderas.

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Puerto Vallarta. Canadian debit cards are also widely accepted but Canadian currency and travellers cheques are not. That said, most stores in Mexico do not accept debit, so using pesos is usually easiest.

Set on the shimmering waters of the Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta offers visitors an eclectic mix of the old and new. Original pueblo architecture remains intermingled with modern, luxurious beachfront resorts. Whether you choose to frolic with the crowds or find a secluded hideaway, there is much to see in Puerto Vallarta. Most neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, by virtue of its picturesque location, are shore-hugging territories that offer sweeping views of the bay.

Viejo Vallarta

A narrow island in the middle of the Cuale River divides Old Vallarta. Also known as the Romantic Zone, Vallarta's quaint Old Town offers experiences that distinctly stand out from other touristy activities found in the rest of this bayside town. On the island, people can visit quaint outdoor shops, museums and an arboretum. A seaside walkway, El Malecón , is also in this part of town and is considered to be the heart of Puerto Vallarta. The Hotel Rosita, the first hotel built in this city, enjoys this central location and a spectacular beach view. A host of beachside restaurants, bars, local food stands and shops straddle the sides of Morelos, a thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of this neighborhood.

Art lovers will find the works of internationally known Mexican artists featured at the Galeria Pacifico. This gallery is well worth your time to experience a taste of Mexico's cultural best.

Visitors can also enjoy the architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most recognized landmarks of the town. With the beautiful bay as a backdrop, visitors will also see noted statuary such as Los Arcos (the arches) while strolling along the Malecon. The famous Playa Los Muertos, or the Beach of the Dead, is one of the most beautiful places in town to enjoy glorious sunsets and sultry evenings.

El Centro

The allure of Puerto Vallarta's azure waters and utterly romantic location was a huge draw for the swish expat set through better part of the 1960s and the 70s, when this fabulous town served as a rich, secluded vacation territory for most. Along with the droves of well-heeled international crowds that trickled in, also came in Hollywood's then-Golden couple - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton - who, with their whirlwind romance immortalized this otherwise hidden Mexican gem as a coveted resort town. They chose Casa Kimberley, now converted into a dreamy hotel, as their love nest, which along with other landmarks, forms one of the main attractions in El Centro.

Also known as 'Gringo Gulch' for the jet setting crowd that continues to purchase seaside villas and vacation in the neighborhood's ritzy hotels, El Centro's proximity to the sea also renders it as the city's cultural, political and commercial epicenter. A wide berth of entertainment and culinary options await one and all at the heart of this vibrant neighborhood. Part of the windswept Malecon rolls into El Centro from Old Town, and the Monumento El Caballito dominates its stretch. Not far away, the Naval Museum and the adobe-shaped Galería Uno are located.

5 De Deciembre

Hemmed by the Hotel Zone and El Centro, the 5 De Deciembre neighborhood enjoys a more laid-back vibe compared to its other more popular counterparts. Those who wish themselves some down time can relax on cabanas and decks at the pebble-beach wonder of Playa Camarones. Surrounding the beach along Avenida Colombia is an assemblage of small taco restaurants, local bars, and motels that offer uninterrupted view of the Bahia de Banderas.

Marina Vallarta

Located to the north of the Hotel Zone, this is one of the more swanky spots in town. A host of five-star resorts and hotels stand almost equidistant to one another on a vast stretch of the sandy beach, with a range of condominiums and expensive vacation rentals looming in the backdrop. It is a also a veritable playground for the rich, with several premier world-class golf courses spanning its picturesque sprawl.The Galerias Vallarta, a superb haven for luxury shopping upholds Marina Vallarta's indulgent personality.

Puerto Vallarta offers visitors a wealth of things to see and do, whether it's shopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, golfing, clubbing, visiting ruins or just plain relaxing on the beach. Regardless of what your budget is, or what your interests are, “Vallarta” offers unlimited fun, day or night.

Outdoor Activities

Puerto Vallarta has 41 kilometers (26 miles) of the most beautiful beaches in all Mexico, maybe even the world, and these beaches are one reason that this area has been dubbed, the “Mexican Riviera.” Banderas Bay is the focal point and popular gathering place for visitors, providing easy access to many beaches. Virtually everywhere you turn there's a beach vendor renting everything from boogie boards and water bikes to jet-skis and wind surfing equipment. Thrill seekers might want to try their luck parasailing. The view from aloft is a spectacular panorama of the city and the miles and miles of surrounding coastline and jungle terrain.

Each local beach is unique in its own right and seems to serve a different purpose. Playa Los Muertos is a centrally-located, lively restaurant and vendor-strewn hot spot, regardless of its ominous-sounding name. To the north there is Punta de Mita, which has beautiful white coral beaches, making it extremely popular among sunbathers. Playa Anclote, nestled within a small cove, is perfect for swimming and surfing. Playa Pontoque offers visitors crystal clear waters, making it perfect for snorkeling. To the south (and accessible only by boat) are three beaches worth making the trip to: Playa Las Animas, another cove protected, white-sand beach popular with swimmers and sunbathers and those with small children; Quimixto another beach perfect for snorkelers; and, Vallarta's southernmost beach, Playa Yelapa, located in the well-known, once hippie-inhabited town of Yelapa.

Hop aboard the 116-foot Alegre Cruise ship for a day of fun in the sun or a romantic sunset cruise. Ecological cruises have become increasingly popular in these waters and elsewhere, while humpback whale-watching is a favorite as well. Those with a thirst for adventure may want to try their luck aboard the pirate ship Marigalante, a day-long, round-trip voyage that's guaranteed to make you dream of pieces o' eight.

Art Galleries

Puerto Vallarta's rich art culture dates back centuries to the Aztec culture and much of the artwork you'll find here—from the pottery of its indigenous peoples to gleaming streamline modern sculptures—is steeped in historical significance. One gallery not to be missed is the Galería de Ollas, which is devoted to exhibiting and selling the works of art created by the areas finest Mata Ortiz potters.

More contemporary works can be seen at the Manuel Lepe Museum Gallery, which showcases the work of the area's most renowned artist. Lepe's colorful works of art (dating back to the 60s) allow you to see a more natural side of Puerto Vallarta, a side that only Lepe has been able to bring to life. The Galeria Pacifico is a great starting point for novice art enthusiasts, offering an eclectic array of paintings and sculptures by up and coming local artists.

Shopping

In Puerto Vallarta, many of the bargains to be had here come directly to you as you relax on the beach. Locals, hawking their wares, offer a wide variety of souvenirs, necessities and local folk art to visitors as they relax in the shade of a palapa—be sure to haggle over the prices, it's expected.

For those who simply must get a little browsing in while on vacation, be sure to stop by the municipal market in the Rio Cuale area. Everything from the mandatory souvenir T-shirt to fine silver jewelry is available there. If you get hungry while shopping up a storm, check out the food market upstairs; it serves some of the best traditional Mexican dishes around. Once fortified, you'll be ready to do the town. Indoor shopping avenues around town include Plaza Caracol, Galerias Vallarta and Los Mercados. Peyote People in El Centro offers a wide range of Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs.

Nightlife

Puerto Vallarta's nightlife used to be pretty tame, but within the last couple of years there has been a surge in the dance party scene. Take the Malecón, for example. This area used to be filled with shops and restaurants, but not anymore. Nowadays it's the place to come dance ‘til dawn.

From the infectious energy of the El Solar bar that sits right on the Playa de los Muertos beach, to bringing in the weekend with Mexican locals and live music at La Ingrata, there is no dearth of nighttime entertainment in Puerto Vallarta. If your idea of chilling in this seaside town involves kicking back with cocktails or beers, then places like Bar Morelos, Bar La Playa and Los Muertos Brewing are right up your alley. Bar Frida, gracing the gay-friendly streets of Zona Romantica, is a popular local cantina.

Puerto Vallarta is a city rich with history and an integral part of that stems from its cuisine. A few hundred years ago, as the city was just beginning, inhabitants didn't have the luxury of dining at four-star restaurants. Residents had to rely on their own knowledge and experience in order to feed their families. Through trial and error, a great number of the recipes that Puerto Vallarta cherishes today were created. Many of those same recipes have been handed down from one relative to the next, for generations. Some families have taken their prized recipes and opened restaurants. Today, many share them with locals and tourists alike.

Today, finding a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta is easy. The only foreseeable problem is which restaurant to choose. There are the typical chains and fast food restaurants such as McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, KFC and Taco Bell, if that's what you're in the mood for. There is also a wide variety of international restaurants and bars in the city—German, Italian, American, Asian, South American and Moroccan are just of few of the types you can expect to find. There are also the more regionalized Mexican restaurants and taverns that seem, logically, to be the biggest draw.

Northern Puerto Vallarta

North of the downtown area and the Cuale River are a number of popular eateries and taverns. If you head a little closer to the downtown area, you're bound to find Chez Elena (on Matamoros); the best time to dine here is in the evening, when the garden is illuminated. On Paseo Diaz Ordaz there are a couple of tasty choices: for burgers and traditional Mexican cuisine in a casual atmosphere, there's Cheeseburger in Paradise; Old-World Italian cuisine can be found at La Dolce Vita. Over on Morelos is Mickey's No Name Café, the areas best BBQ hands down; be prepared for a wait here regardless of when you arrive.

The Downtown Area

In the downtown district choices include hip nouveau eateries and small out of the way places. One of the more trendy places to dine is Café des Artistes (on Guadalupe Sanchez). Its combination of French cuisine and original artwork creates a serene atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere else in town. International fare has become quite the trend amongst Puerto Vallarta's restaurant community, and Cafe Maximilian (on Olas Altas) is no exception. Memo's Casa de Hotcakes or Pancake House (on Basilio Badillo) is where virtually everyone in Puerto Vallarta goes for breakfast, so there's always a wait to get in. For some truly authentic Mexican cuisine there's only one place to go downtown, Café Olla (on Basilio Badillo). Be prepared for a wait, as it does not accept reservations.

Southern Puerto Vallarta

To the south of the downtown area is Olas Altas, also known as “Restaurant Row.” It is the most heavily visited street in south Puerto Vallarta, due mainly to the sheer number of restaurants located there. Some of the eateries in this area include Chianti's, where fresh homemade pasta is always the house specialty. Just down the road, party-goers will find Daiquiri Dick's, renowned for its frozen daiquiris and Sunday brunch. Another popular stop is La Palapa at Los Muertos Beach, a doyen in beachfront dining. Located just a short walk from Olas Atlas is Café Frankfurt (on Basilio Badillo). The German cuisine and open-air dining experience is what customers come here for.

Banderas Bay

Scenic views, spectacular sunsets and an abundance of romantic intentions are what you can expect if dining along the Banderas Bay. Tropical plants and an impressive waterfall surround you at El Palomar (on Aguacuate). International cuisine with a Mediterranean flare is the specialty of the house at Coco's Tropical (on Olas Altas).

Cuale River Area

If you enjoy dining with a view, there are plenty of places to choose from along the Cuale River. Cuiza (on Isla Rio Cuale) is a popular spot for couples.

One last bit of advice—If you're having a hard time deciding, ask the hotel management where you're staying or one of the local store owners. Do not ask the cabdrivers; many of them get paid to recommend specific restaurants.

Puerto Vallarta


State: Jalisco


Country: Mexico


Puerto Vallarta by the Numbers
Population: 255,725 (city); 379,886 (metro)
Elevation: 7 meters / 23 feet
Average Annual Precipitation: 139.2 centimeters / 55 feet
Average January Temperature: 21°C / 71°F
Average July Temperature: 28°C / 83°F


Quick Facts

Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz standard two-pin plugs

Time Zone: GMT -6 (GMT -5 Daylight Saving Time); Central Standard Time

Country Dialing Code: +52

Area Code: 322


Did You Know?

John Huston's "The Night of the Iguana" was filmed in Puerto Vallarta in 1963.

Puerto Vallarta is the second most visited resort destination in Mexico.


Orientation

Nestled on the west coast of Mexico's mainland, Puerto Vallarta shares the same latitude as Hawaii. The Banderas Bay (one of the largest in the world) laps ashore from the west while the Sierra Madre Mountains border the town from the south and east. It is 889.96 kilometers (553 miles) northwest of Mexico City, 447.3 kilometers (278 miles) southeast of Mazaltan, and 1931.21 kilometers (1,200 miles) south of Nogales, Arizona.

Puerto Vallarta sits in the middle of the Bay of Banderas, Mexico's largest bay with 68 km of coastline. North of the city, the Ameca River forms a natural boundary between Jalisco and the state of Nayarit, where newer resorts and developments form Riviera Nayarit.

A Port in the Storm Since the 16th century, when Spanish soldiers first landed on the shores of the Banderas Bay, it has been known as a safe haven. During that era, the need for ships to find shelter along the Pacific Coast was of vital importance. These safe havens helped to provide ships with shelter if pirates and renegades were to attack. They also provided ships with a place to seek repairs and to stock up on needed supplies such as food, water and firewood.

In the late 16th century, Captain Pedro de Unamuno proposed that a settlement be built on Banderas Bay; however, he was not he first to suggest this. Other navigators such as Gonzalo de Francia, Sebastian Vizcaino and Lopez de Vicuna had proposed ideas that such colonies be constructed, but their requests never received any formal attention. However, in 1644, a shipyard was built in what is now known as Mismaloya. Two of the ships constructed in that shipyard were built for Bernardo Bernal de Pinadero and were used to help colonize the southern region of California.

A City is Created During the 19th century, mining companies from Cuale and San Sebastian used the area to load and unload materials and mining supplies. At that time the area was known as Las Peñas. Halfway through that century, the area was dubbed Las Peñas de Santa Maria de Guadalupe. This formal name was bestowed by Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres (he delivered salt to the mines, which was needed in order to refine the silver). He named the area this because he arrived there on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres was so fond of the area that in the latter half of 1851, he brought his entire family there to live. It wasn't long before other families began to arrive and a small village began to emerge. Each family did their part to help the local economy grow. Some brought salt while others devoted themselves to agriculture and raising cattle. It was during this time that the French and Germans began to appear in this area in search of Brazil wood, a strong wood that they processed in order to acquire dyes.

By the year 1880, Las Peñas had a population of 1,500 inhabitants. Families from various places including Cuale and San Sebastian, came to Las Peñas to make lives for themselves. Within a few years the port was officially known as Las Peñas thanks to Admiral George Dewey's report to the U.S. Naval Hydrographic Office, which was used to establish the exact geographical positions of cities along this coast in order to make an accurate map.

In 1885, Las Peñas was open to national maritime traffic and on July 23rd of that same year, a Maritime Customs Office was established. In October of the following year, the town was given its official political and judicial standing by the State Congress. Over the next 20 years, Las Peñas flourished thanks to the collective efforts of Don Guadalupe and the many families who settled there.

Growing pains In Puerta Vallarta The people of Las Peñas also suffered their share of setbacks. In mid-1888, a pot of grease, which was being heated over a fire in local restaurant, burst into flames and set the structure ablaze. The fire spread quickly, destroying more than half of the homes in town. It is said that the fire would not have caused such extensive damage had nearly all the town's male inhabitants population not been at a cockfight. In 1911, a waterspout hit the village, leaving more than 100 inhabitants homeless. In 1922, an outbreak of Yellow Fever spread through the city, causing more than 150 deaths.

In early 1911 Las Peñas' first post office was opened, and later that same year a telegraph was installed. In 1889, the port of Las Peñas was upgraded to a municipality. It was at this time that the settlement's name was changed to Puerto Vallarta, in remembrance of the Governor of Jalisco, Don Ignacio L. Vallarta.

Thirty-five years later, the Montgomery Fruit Company purchased 70,000 acres for banana plantations in the neighboring town of Ixtapa. Because of the surplus job opportunities created by these plantations, Puerto Vallarta began to flourish. Eventually, a railway was built in order to transport the bananas to El Salado and eventually onto the United States. Unfortunately, in 1938, the company was forced to leave the area due to new laws and restrictions that had been put into effect. Other products such as beans, coconuts, corn and tobacco continued to be grown and shipped to national markets.

The World Discovers Its Beauty Unlike some other cities in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta was not created for tourism. However, in the 1930's, the city got its first taste. Those who visited the area loved it so much that they began returning year after year. Word of Puerto Vallarta's beauty quickly spread, and each year the number of tourists grew. By 1950 the city was known internationally, but what really put Puerto Vallarta on the map was the movie Night of the Iguana (filmed in 1963) and the steamy romance between film stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Thousands of tourists flocked to the area, eager to see the location where the movie was made. That exposure helped the city grow quickly. Transportation improved, hotels were built and the city now had a new primary income source, tourism.

Because of that growth, Francisco Medina Ascencio, governor of Jalisco, and Sr. Jose Vasquez Galvan as mayor of Puerto Vallarta, pronounced decree No. 8366, which elevated Puerto Vallerta to the status of a city. Puerto Vallarta has come a long way since 1930. Today, hotels and restaurants line the beaches. Cruise ships come into port on an almost daily basis. Tourism, which was once nonexistent, now draws in more than half a million visitors a year, turning this once a tiny fishing village into a sought-after vacation destination.

In the beginning, somewhere around the eighth day, Puerto Vallarta must have been created. Once you see the beauty of the area, you'll likely agree. Sunshine will be your daily companion as you walk the magnificent beaches, sail in the Bahia de Banderas, or hike the secluded areas. These are only some of the ways to enjoy this tropical paradise:

Water World

One of the great ways for the whole family to enjoy the sights and water activities is by sailing on the Marigalante, a magnificent reproduction of a Spanish Galleon. Meals are served on board as you set sail for a day of snorkeling or other activities near the Marieta Islands. Evening cruises allow passengers to sail into the sunset while enjoying delightful cuisine, Mariachi music and fireworks. Eco Tours allows visitors the experience of communing with the families of humpback whales that return to Banderas Bay every year. You will be able to hear these wonderful creatures communicate with one another by the use of special hydrophones on board. Turtle Camp is another interesting and educational trip offered by Eco Tours. Visitors can help release baby Olive Ridley Sea Turtles into the bay in an effort to preserve this endangered species.

Alegre Cruises will take passengers to the beautiful and secluded fishing village of Yelapa. Once you arrive, enjoy swimming and snorkeling; or just bask in the peace and quiet of this unique area accessible only by boat. The Puerto Vallarta Fishing Company will take you on your quest to bring home a trophy fish. Blue, black and striped Marlin swim these waters, as do wahoo and yellowfin tuna. If you are here in November, you may want to participate in the annual International Sailfish Tournament. Cash prizes are awarded for the biggest catch and a great time is guaranteed, win or lose.

Terra Firma

If water sports are not your thing, there are still plenty of things to do besides lounging in the warm sunshine with a cool drink and being waited on hand and foot. Golf fans will be happy to see some excellent venues to perfect their skills. The Marina Vallarta Golf Club combines a magnificent ocean view with palms, lagoons and waterfalls. Herons, ducks, sand cranes, iguanas and alligators will help you keep score. Flamingos Golf Resort offers a par-72 challenge designed by Percy Clifford.

BikeMex Adventures will take rides to many venues for all levels of riding skill. One exceptional day trip will take you to Punta de Mita, a beautiful costal area north of Puerto Vallarta.

For an enjoyable tour on foot, visit the seaside walkway called Malecon, part of Old Vallarta and considered the heart of the town. Art lovers will enjoy the works of internationally known Mexican artists featured at the Galeria Pacifico, and the place is well worth your time. This gallery offers not only fine works by Mexican artists, but a “Walking Art Tour” as well. These enjoyable jaunts take place every Tuesday morning from January through the early part of April. Another must-see is the Galeria Sergio Bustamante, hosting the artistry of this famous sculptor. Visitors can also enjoy the architecture of the Church of Guadalupe, one of the most recognized landmarks in town. With the beautiful bay as a backdrop, visitors will also see noted statuary such as Los Arcos (the arches), The Dolphins, and El Cabillito (the sea horse).

Sun, Sand and Surf

Offering a combination of both water and land activities are the playas in and around Puerto Vallarta. Punta Mita, located in a small fishing village to the north, offers spectacular scenery and water sport venues. Off the coast sits the Marieta Islands that provide exceptional diving and whale-watching sites. Next, going south towards the city, is Bucerias, a quaint beach community and fishing village with sandy coves and cobblestone streets.

Heading into Puerto Vallarta proper, visitors will come to Playa de Oro, a paradise for surfers looking for the perfect wave. This beach is popular with both tourists and the many wandering vendors who cater to their every need, offering helpful items such as sunscreen as well as knickknacks like Aztec symbols. Playa de los Muertos, the “beach of the dead,” is located south of the Hotel Zone. Despite its notorious treacherous undercurrents, it is an extremely popular beach. Conchas Chinas, a quiet beach also in the hotel area, features natural wading-pools created by rock formations. At the southernmost point of Banderas Bay, and accessible only by boat, is the Playa Yelapa. As beautiful as it is secluded, its breathtaking views, waterfall, hiking trails and horseback riding make this a hidden paradise.

However you choose to see the sights of this city—by land, by sea, or a combination of both—Puerto Vallarta will delight you with its beauty and friendly people. Those who visit are likely to dream of returning.

Taxis in Puerto Vallarta are inexpensive, easily accessible and the most common way of getting around. But do check with your hotel concierge to inquire about average cost to common points of interest. Even though the Mexican Taxi Syndicate works to regulate the rates of taxis, it is best to know what to expect.

Arrival

During your flight into Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport, you'll receive two forms to fill in. One is your Customs Declaration Form. The other is your Multiple Migratory Form for Foreigners or FMM for short. One Customs Declaration Form needs to be filled out per family, while each guest must complete an FMM.

Mexico uses the North American standard plug, however some properties have only two-pronged receptacles in the room rather than three-pronged receptacles.

Puerto Vallarta was recently voted "the friendliest city in the world" by Conde Nast Traveler, "the best place to retire globally" by The American Association of Retired Persons, and "the best Mexican vacation destination" by U.S.News.com.