Puerto Vallarta

Enchanting Mexican architecture, lush green vistas, beautiful uncrowded beaches, and eco-adventures will capture your heart at this seductive hideaway, that will forever be known as the setting for 'Night of the Iguana.' Puerto Vallarta offers colorful mercados, secluded nature trails, sumptuous cuisine, and a dazzling nightlife. And yes, while all the 'bells and whistles' of a modern resort community are here, you'll also find the peacefulness and tranquility of a hidden getaway sure to soothe your soul.

About Puerto Vallarta

Mexico is a richly romantic country, the kind of place that seduces you with its scenery (think lush jungles, high-plains deserts, colonial architecture, and honey-colored beaches), intrigues you with its history (i.e. ancient Mayan and Aztec ruins), teases you with its flavors (hello hot salsa and frosty margaritas), and relaxes you with its "manana" vibe. So why not go where the view is postcard perfect?

Puerto Vallarta also known as "PV" or simply "Vallarta" is not your typical white-sand, calm-watered Mexican destination. Sure, there are sun-kissed breezes, azure waters and water sports galore not to mention some of the top restaurants in the country -- but this glittery resort also offers jade covered hills, secluded nature preserves, traditional Mexican architecture, and a bit of Hollywood glamour. It's here where "Night of the Iguana" was filmed, as well as where the romance between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor made national headlines years ago. Known for having some of the best beaches in Latin America (so says Cond Nast Magazine), it also offers small town charm, a thriving arts community, exciting nightlife, eco-tourism opportunities and luxurious accommodations. If you're ready for a sensory smorgasbord, this is the place.

Puerto Vallarta Facts

Getting Your Bearings

Puerto Vallarta is located in the heart of Mexico's Pacific coastline and is encircled by the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains to the east (which diminish hurricane forces) and fronted by the Bay of Banderas, home to migrating gray whales and a plethora of sea life.

Getting There

Airport Gustavo Diaz Ordaz is located four miles from downtown, and is served by a wide variety of national and international airlines, many with nonstop flights. You need a passport to enter.

Weather

Expect a tropical year-round climate with average daytime temperatures of 80 degrees and cooler evening temperatures in the winter months.

When to Go

High season is December to February, with temperatures in the 70s-80s range; Rainy season is June to October.

Festival Highlights

The Malecon is the host of the action for the city's May Day Parade on May 1st, with even more celebrations on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th); artists take over the city at the Art Festival in November; November is also home to the Gastronomic Festival which attracts foodies from all over the globe while December marks the Puerto Vallarta Film Festival. Go to visitpuertovallarta.com for more information.

A Brief History

Puerto Vallarta can trace its history back to the 1500s when Spanish conquistadors explored the coast. The area was later settled by farmers, fishermen and mango and banana plantation owners. In 1918, it was officially named in honor of then governor Ignacio Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta remained a sleepy fishing village until it burst into the national spotlight in 1963 for the filming of Director John Huston's movie, "Night of the Iguana." The subsequent scandal of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor's torrid romance put PV on the map as a gorgeous gold-sand paradise bordered by jungle-covered mountains. With all that publicity came a lot of building and commercialization. Though the area has grown considerably and features several distinct zones, it still maintains its "Old World" personality and charm.

Don't Miss

• Touring Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
• Sampling haute cuisine. PV has chefs that hail from all over the world
• Driving the coast line of Riviera Nayarit
• Strolling the Malecon and bargaining at a street side kiosk
• Riding the water slides at Sea Life Park
• Jumping off boulders at Chico's Paradise
• Visiting Playa Mismaloya
• Whale-watching
• Taking a day trip to Caletas