Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Congratulations to Puerto Vallarta’s Tourism Trust 2011 sweepstake trip winners Latasha and Michael Johnson from Los Angeles, California. Latasha, who had her heart on visiting our destination for quite some time, entered the contest last year and won the all expenses paid trip for two to sunny Puerto Vallarta that included a 4 night stay in the beautiful Barceló Hotel.

The winners arrived at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and were greeted by Sandra Muñoz, a representative of the Tourism Trust, who ensured they made it to their hotel with ease. The staff welcomed them with cocktails, Mariachi and delicious Mexican cuisine.

"This was our first time in Puerto Vallarta and we loved it from the moment we stepped off the plane. The first day was such an eye opener! Very hot and great lush views," said Michael.

Latasha added, "Our hotel (Barceló) was probably one of the best I’ve ever stayed at... and the staff was amazing and so friendly."

The winners made good use of their time and kept busy during the day participating in an array of tours, exploring downtown, its markets and shops; and let loose at night in some of Vallarta’s most popular restaurants and nightclubs.

Standouts included the Canopy River zip line and ATV tour; "It was an awesome day and the guides were great. The mule ride at the end added to the uniqueness of the event. Afterwards we had lunch and then rode ATV's, which was great because it had rained the night before so there was lots of mud! We then rode up to a place that had swimming holes and a small bar; It was beyond words what it was like to sit in these swimming holes with small waterfalls, coronas in our hands and a light drizzle. We will never forget it!"

Taken aback by Puerto Vallarta’s clear blue waters, the sweepstake winners took to snorkeling off the Mismaloya beach shore. But once the sun set, it was all about the nightlife. First starting off with dinner at the famed La Leche restaurant. "We walked into an all-white room with exciting fun decor. Outstanding tamarind martinis were the starter of a great dinning experience." Their evenings were followed by visits to popular nightclubs, like The Zoo, Roo, and Señor Frog’s.

The girls in particular took advantage of great shopping deals in the Galerias Vallarta shopping center, downtown’s colorful boutiques, and the Rio Cuale Market, where they found the majority of their souvenirs and even opted for taking impressive Huichol art sculptures and seashell-covered face masks back home.

With over 20,000 applicants, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust Sweepstake contest was a huge success, and for Latasha and Michael it was an unforgettable experience.

"We had an awesome time in Puerto Vallarta - most definitely my favorite Mexican destination yet," said Latasha. "I can’t wait to come back next year with more friends and family. Thank you Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust for a spectacular vacation that our family will never forget!"