 |  |  | Travel & Outdoors 
Travel and Outdoors Although best known as a beach resort, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most versatile adventure travel destinations in the world. Nestled between the jungle-covered Sierra Madre Mountains and the sheltered waters of Banderas Bay, this region's geographical diversity offers an extremely wide variety of natural attractions and outdoor adventures.

Mexico Eases Visa Requirements for Tourists to Mexico In order to make it easier for international tourists to come to Mexico and to increase tourism, the federal government has launched a new visa policy that came into effect on May 1, 2010.

| Unlike many other popular beach vacation resorts, Puerto Vallarta is actually several destinations in one. Situated on the Pacific Coast of Mexico just south of Baja California, the Banderas Bay area offers more than 34 miles of incomparable coastline in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit - and innumerable activities that are affordable and easily accessible.
 For those who just want to relax, miles and miles of beautiful golden sand beaches offer one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay of Banderas. And with 322 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 80 degrees F, Puerto Vallarta is one of the few places on Earth that can boast an "ideal" climate for sun worshipers.
 With picture-perfect weather and extraordinary natural beauty, outdoor recreation around the bay is limitless. Traditional sports like golf and tennis are unforgettable. This region is one of Mexico's leading golf destinations with golf courses designed by some of the world's greatest golfers including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Robert von Hagge.
 Puerto Vallarta is also a major tennis destination with a growing number of tennis clubs, classes, workshops and tournaments each year. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing whale watching and sportsfishing await you in the warm, clear waters of Banderas Bay and the Mexican Pacific.
 On land you can explore the Sierra Madre Mountains and jungles on an exciting excursion provided by one of the area's many professional tour operators. If you prefer to do a little exploring on your own, the quiet pleasures and local colors of Mexico are waiting to be discovered in a variety of unique and inviting fishing villages and beachside retreats.
 A recent Travel and Leisure Magazine Readers' Survey listed Puerto Vallarta as the number one beach destination in Latin America because of the wide variety of beach communities and sleepy seaside villages around the bay. During your stay, be sure to explore these towns and enjoy a genuine taste of the real Mexico.


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 Wind Festival 2012: Kitesurfing in Bucerias
Marie Callan
 Kitesurfers from all over Mexico are ready to hit the beaches of Riviera Nayarit as they prepare for three days of spectacular kitesurfing during the 2012 Wind Festival. Competitions will take place on the waters between Bucerías and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle from May 18-20.
Vallarta's Festival Cultural de Mayo
Lorena Sonrisas
 From May 15-31, 2012 Puerto Vallarta will commemorate its 94th anniversary as a city and 44th as a municipality during the Festival Cultural de Mayo, a celebration that includes cultural events, live performances, film screenings, photo and art exhibitions, parades and fireworks.
Record International Air Travel Expected
Banderas News Team
 Airlines for America, the industry trade association for the leading US airlines, reported that passengers can expect full flights this summer, thanks in part to a record number of people traveling internationally and an improving economy.
Summer Camp at Vallarta Botanical Gardens
vbgardens.org
 From July 16-August 10th the Terra Firma Summer Camp at Vallarta Botanical Gardens offers campers ages 13-17 the opportunity to explore our environment & learn about the challenges of our future and how we can shape it, all while building friendships that will last a lifetime.
Cowboy Cheerleaders Visit Riviera Maya
BanderasNews.com
 The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders recently visited Riviera Maya for the photo shoot of their 2013 calendar. This marks the 3rd consecutive year that they have chosen Mexico's beaches for the production of their calander, the last two being shot in the Banderas Bay area.
El Tigre 10th Anniversary Golf Tournament
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 To celebrate El Tigre Golf & Country Club's 10th anniversary, a golf tournament will be held on their Robert Von Hagge designed 72-par championship course at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta on Friday, May 11th. All local and visiting golfers are invited to compete.
Hard Rock Hotel Coming to Puerto Vallarta
Doreen Hemlock
 5 years after buying the Hard Rock brand for nearly $1 billion, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is launching Hard Rock Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun this year as part of a larger global expansion; licensing its name to 3 existing hotels owned by Mexico's Palace Resorts.
Spring Break 2012's Impact on Vallarta
Banderas News Team
 Spring Break 2012 was an unforgettable experience, not just for the college students but also for the city of Puerto Vallarta due to the huge economic impact it made. Escalating spring tourism contributed approximately 7 million dollars to our local economy this year.
Galería Coppelia Opens in El Tuito
Leslie Korn
 While there is plenty of shopping in Puerto Vallarta, there are few galleries as eclectic, affordable and as worthy of your time and inspection as Galería Coppelia in el Tuito. The many different arts and crafts items displayed there will surely find their way into your hands.
Mexico to Host 'The Americas Summit'
Richard Dangler
 The Americas Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council will be hosted by the Mexican Ministry of Tourism in Cancun this May. The event will be the first in a series Regional Summits that focus on global travel and tourism issues in a unique networking forum.
Summertime is Turtle Time in Vallarta
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 Every June, sea turtles start arriving on the shores of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to nest their eggs. 45 days later, their eggs begin to hatch, attracting visitors looking to experience the magic of life first-hand by taking part in the region's turtle hatching season.
Mexico Top Seed at 2012 Summer Olympics
Dino Deramee'
 FIFA's organizing committee has announced that Mexico, Britain, Spain, and Brazil have been chosen to be the seeded teams for the London 2012 Olympic Men's Soccer Tournament. Here are the results of the draw for grouping for both the men and women's tournaments.
Travelocity Gnome Visits Puerto Vallarta
Marie Callan
 The Travelocity gnome arrived in Puerto Vallarta this morning for a four-day tour of the city and surrounding areas. From April 24-27th, the Gnome will promote the Banderas Bay region as a premier vacation destination by sharing his travel experiences with his online followers.
A Record Breaking Open Water Competition
Riviera Nayartir CVB
 On April 21st, over 420 swimmers from 47 Mexican teams participated in the 2nd Annual Aguas Abiertas Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. In the main competition, a 5k race for professionals, last year's records were broken in both the Men's and Women's divisions.
Successful Finale of World Economic Forum
Gustavo Rivas-Solís
 All eyes were on Puerto Vallarta this week as the 7th World Economic Forum on Latin America reached its successful conclusion, wrapping up a full program of sessions that spanned a number of topics under the theme 'Regional Transformation in a New Global Context.'
Group Seeks Improved Border Traffic Flow
John Thomas
 According to El Paso Mayor John Cook, an agreement was reached with Customs and Border Protection on a plan to use GPS technology to measure the wait times experienced by people at the international border crossing points between Mexico and the United States.
MLT to Manage Aeroméxico Vacations
TravelWorldNews.com
 MLT Vacations has been selected to manage 'Aeroméxico Vacations.' The new brand will offer high-value vacation packages to the most important leisure destinations across Mexico, including popular beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos.
El Tigre Hosts LPGA Qualifying Tournament
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 The Riviera Nayarit Classic, part of the Symetra Tour and a qualifying tournament for the LPGA, is coming back to El Tigre Golf & Country Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico from April 23-29, 2012, offering $125,000 USD in prizes - the highest in the entire tour.
World Economic Forum Spotlights Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta CVB
 Puerto Vallarta is a booming resort destination that combines the best of Mexico’s past, present and future, which is why it was the perfect place for the 2012 World Economic Forum on Latin America - and for world leaders to discuss the region's role in today's world.
Jalisco Agave Region Risks UNESCO Status
Duncan Tucker
 In 2006 Jalisco’s agave growing region was designated a 'World Heritage Sight' by UNESCO. The area is shaped by the culture of the plant used to produce tequila spirit for 2,000 years. Poorly cared for and threatened by pollution, it's in danger of losing its status.
Retirement Expo Coming to Jalisco in June
Diego Sancho
 The number of foreign retirees currently residing in Mexico is over 500,000. With baby boomers reaching retirement age, a few Mexican organizations have emerged to meet the current and future demands of the thousands that will move to Mexico in the next decade.
Quebec Showcased at Guadalajara Festival de Mayo
Lyne Benoit
 The Province of Quebec is the guest of honor at the 15th Annual Festival Cultural de Mayo in Guadalajara, Mexico. Various Canadian artists will be participating in the areas of dance, music and visual arts, with a focus on Quebec's renowned circus arts and street performances.
PV Named 'Favorite Mexico Beach Destination'
Nora Ocegueda
 About.com has ranked Vallarta as the favorite beach destination in Mexico on the popular website's 'Reader’s Choice Awards.' Our little slice of heaven on the Bay of Banderas was previously chosen as the 'Most Romantic Place in Mexico 2012' by the website's readers.
Villas in Vallarta Hot Summer Specials
Patrick Harrison
 Two of Puerto Vallarta’s favorite beachfront properties announced today a special summer offer for each of the properties. Guests of Casa Tres Vidas can enjoy stays of seven nights while only paying for five, and Quinta Maria Cortez guests will receive every 3rd night free.
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