Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta comes closest
to being all things to all visitors. It is considered the ideal
vacation spot for the first-time Mexico visitor.
Nestled on the shores of Bahía de Banderas (Mexico's largest
natural bay), Vallarta is a bustling town that attracts nearly
2 million annual visitors. The city is graced with lovely architecture,
cobblestone streets, and white stucco buildings, crowned by flower-covered
balconies and red tile roofs.
The area touts over 16,000 units of lodging. It offers exclusive
private villa hide-aways, grand-class resorts and bargain, beachfront
inns. Lodging is concentrated in one of five "zones."
Depending on where you decide to stay, you can be in the heart
of the action or tucked away in a remote tropical villa.
First is the marina and deluxe complex at Nuevo Vallarta, a enclave
of resorts and condos north of the airport. Second is the swanky
Marina Vallarta development, some 440 acres of deluxe hotels
and other amenities just south of the airport. Third is the well-developed
hotel zone between the marina and downtown. Fourth is the charming
downtown area, close to shopping, dining, and nightlife. Finally
comes the lush and secluded region south of town, eventually
leading to Playa Mismaloya.
Every imaginable watersport is available along Vallarta's miles
of sandy shore. Its dining and nightlife are excellent. Shopping
is Mexico's finest, thanks to Mexican and international artists
that make Vallarta their home. There are also some great day
trips, either by boat or on land.
