Can one destination be all things to all people? Puerto Vallarta comes pretty close! It’s got all the amenities of any classic beach resort - surf and sand and sun, sun, sun. But it offers so much more to so many more. Puerto Vallarta is ideal place for honeymoons and weddings, couples, and families, meetings and conventions and wonderfully suited to seniors and eco-adventures. Puerto Vallarta offers big-time tours and activities: sport fishing, golf, motorcycling, whale watching, art, diving, hot air balloons, culture, surfing. Gourmet food for the upscale diner as well as affordable prices for the budget traveler? It’s true. And Puerto Vallarta is completely different from any other destination in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is geographically diverse, boasting mountains, jungles, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, and much more. Plus, while it is as modern as any destination, Puerto Vallarta maintains its traditional Mexican roots. And that just scratches the surface. Puerto Vallarta is where Mexico Comes to Life!

The second-most visited resort in all of México, attracting 2.2 million tourists per year, Puerto Vallarta has long-served as an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. The sun-drenched colonial seaside town is both dramatic in setting and diverse in its appeal.

Easily accessible from key U.S. gateways including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix and a new flight from Newark as of December 16, 2000 [Check the "How to get here" Section]. Puerto Vallarta is a located in the western part of the state of Jalisco in central México overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From the moment visitors step off the plane, they will be awestruck by the natural beauty of this popular Mexican destination.

Tropical-forested mountains and mineral-rich volcanic slopes appear to literally rise from the sea and 100 miles of mountain-ringed golden coastline hugs the stunningly beautiful Bay of Banderas [member of The most beautiful bays in the World Club. The country’s broadest and deepest natural bay, the Bay of Banderas teems with aquatic life that many visitors will likely discover on an eco-tour (or perhaps sample at one of the city’s amazing seafood restaurants!). The bay’s many blessings - dozens of beaches, sparkling sunshine and clear blue water ideal for snorkeling and swimming - are sheer magnets for visitors.

From the rugged Sierra Vallejo to the north and Sierra Cuale to the south, rich lush green slopes overlook the sandy arc, and long stretches of beach and intimate coves wind along the Bay.

Sleepy fishing villages - Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán and Yelapa [photo] - punctuate the coastline to the north and south of the town, offering visitors a glimpse into the real Puerto Vallarta- the way it was, and the way it remains today. Nestled into the verdant valleys and jagged mountains that overlook Puerto Vallarta’s narrow cobblestone city streets, the idyllic colonial-era villages of San Sebastián, Mascota and Talpa invite travelers to experience yet another side of Puerto Vallarta.

In addition to the beauty of this spectacular setting, the inherent warmth and friendliness of the locals have attracted a lively expatriate community from the U.S., Canada and Europe, who in turn make vacationers from those countries feel right at home [Friendship club].

As such. Puerto Vallarta has envolved to meet the needs of today’s modern tourist (luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, new golf courses, high-tech meeting facilities, upscale shops and restaurants have opened at rapid pace in recent years).

Fortunately though, the town has retained its quaint charm. Picturesque colonial and whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets that wind in and out, red spanish tile roofs, and a brilliant profusion of flowers and jungle-like fauna differentiate Puerto Vallarta from any destination. The architecture mirrors the colonial facades with brickwork and flowering plants. The beauty and charm of Puerto Vallarta is symbolized by the landmark Church of Guadalupe [photo]. Built in 1951, located in the picturesque main plaza [photo]. The red brick bell tower is topped by a crown modeled after the one worn by Mexico’s 18th century Empress Carlota.