Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Crystal blue water, vine-hung foothills, and an idyllic old town have made Puerto Vallarta one of Mexico's most popular travel destinations. For years this paradise on the inner recess of the Bay of Banderas lived in relative obscurity, eclipsed by more popular resorts like Cancun and Acapulco. But over the last 50 years, word of this romantic jewel has gotten out.

The town was a frequent port of call in the popular 70's and 80's TV show The Love Boat and in 1964, it was the backdrop for Ava Gardner and Richard Burton’s movie The Night of the Iguana. The movie’s success, along with Burton’s off-screen relationship with film siren Elizabeth Taylor, helped draw attention to the glimmering Pacific Coast town.

Beaches

Puerto Vallarta boasts miles of pristine beaches. Since the city is positioned at the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, it has a very similar climate. From secluded sanctuaries to hopping hotspots, this tourist town can meet any expectations.

One of the town's most famous, popular, and liveliest beaches is Los Muertos, located in the Zona Romántica. The area is full of some of the best hotels, restaurants, and bars the city has to offer. The south section of the beach is part of Blue Chairs Resort, the most popular gay beach in the area.

'Playa Los Muertos' will be home to Puerto Vallarta's new fishing pier

Playa de Oro beach, which is located north of the city, is another popular spot. Playa Conchas Chinas stretches to the Sierra Madre Mountains and is said to be one of Puerto Vallarta’s most luxurious and peaceful areas.

Playa de Sayulita, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, offers surfer-friendly waves and fishing opportunities. El Anclote, on the northwest peninsula of Banderas Bay, draws surfers year-round. Movie enthusiasts can visit Mismaloya Beach and see the movie ruins from the 1963 film Night of the Iguana.

Sites

Puerto Vallarta's old town, with cobbled streets and white stucco buildings, is also a huge draw for tourists and history buffs. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the central feature of the town's skyline. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Mexico and the destination of thousands of Catholic pilgrims during the 12-day Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe each December.

If you are looking for a taste of history during your stay, you can visit the rural village of San Sebastián del Oeste. The village sits at an altitude of 4,500 feet and is nestled among pine trees in the Sierra Madre mountains. About 90 minutes from Puerto Vallarta by car, you can get a feel for colonial Mexico at the 400-year-old former New Spain mining capital.

Just a short distance South of the city is Los Arcos National Marine Park, an immensely popular diving and snorkeling spot.

Puerto Vallarta's New Malecón

Puerto Vallarta also boasts a vibrant art and culture scene and you can take advantage of the town's shopping, dining, and partying along the Malecón.

Wildlife

While in Vallarta, you have the chance to swim with dolphins or sea lions. If you visit between mid-December and the end of March, you can go whale watching in the Banderas Bay, possibly spotting humpback whales and wild dolphins.

Collections of native tropical plants such as orchids, anthuriums, agaves as well as colorful flowering trees are to be found on meandering jungle pathways of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Pelicans, parakeets, and the West Mexican Chachalacas are just a few of the birds you can see at gardens, which has won international accolades as a not-to-be missed highlight of any trip to the area.

The waters surrounding Puerto Vallarta are a favorite for deep sea fishermen and the bay area is also home to top-flight horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Whether you are looking for fun in the sun or a complete cultural experience, Puerto Vallarta has something for you.