Mexico
Explore the Malecón, a boardwalk with sculptures, shops, and street performers. Visit the Zona Romántica, the Old Town, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and diverse restaurants. Puerto Vallarta caters to many interests, presenting options for every visitor.
Puerto Vallarta is more than a beach resort. It presents a cultural experience, a culinary journey, and a hub for outdoor activities. From whale watching in winter to jungle adventures, the city has varied opportunities. This guide helps with choices and time in the city.
Find a place where the mountains meet the sea, where history lives alongside modern life.
Puerto Vallarta sits on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. It lies on the large Banderas Bay, one of the deepest natural bays in the world. This bay has a protected area, ideal for marine life and water activities. To the east, the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains rise, covered in lush jungle. These mountains frame the city and have many adventure tourism options.
The city stretches along the coastline. Its different areas, from the busy Downtown and Zona Romántica to the quieter Marina Vallarta and Hotel Zone, reflect its coastal position. The Cuale River runs through the city, creating an island known as Isla Cuale, a hub for markets and cultural sites. This river connects the mountain ecosystems to the bay.
Visit from December to March for breeding and calving in the bay's warm waters.
These marine species live in the bay throughout the year.
A variety of fish populations support water sports and eco-tourism.
Mountains and ocean allow for varied experiences, like jungle ziplining and beach relaxation on the same day.
Mountains affect weather systems, contributing to humidity in the wet season.
The region's topography influences its climate. The mountains block some weather systems, but also contribute to the humidity during the wet season. The bay's natural protection reduces direct storm impact, though tropical weather can still occur.
The marine environment supports many water sports and eco-tourism activities, with diverse marine species.
The mountain backdrop has many adventure tourism options, including ziplining and ATV tours.
Panoramic view of Puerto Vallarta bay with city and mountains.
Puerto Vallarta has a rich history, moving from a small fishing village into a globally known tourist destination. Its origins trace back to the mid-19th century when it was a small port named Las Peñas. It served as a shipping point for agricultural products and minerals from the nearby Sierra Madre mountains. The name changed to Puerto Vallarta in 1918, honoring Ignacio L. Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco.
For many decades, Puerto Vallarta remained a quiet town, accessible mainly by sea. Its transformation began in the 1960s. The arrival of the American film director John Huston and the filming of "The Night of the Iguana" in Mismaloya, just south of the city, brought international attention. The film starred Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, whose publicized affair during the filming drew global media to the quiet Mexican town. This exposure placed Puerto Vallarta on the map for tourists, especially from North America.
Originated as Las Peñas, a shipping port for agricultural goods and minerals in the mid-19th century.
"The Night of the Iguana" and stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor brought global media attention in the 1960s.
Rapid development of hotels, airport, and roads followed the film's success.
After the film, tourism infrastructure developed rapidly. New hotels, an airport, and better roads connected the city to the world. Puerto Vallarta grew, but worked to maintain its traditional charm. The city center, with its cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings, preserves much of its original character.
Tropical, with a dry season (Nov-May) and wet season (Jun-Oct).
Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs common, credit cards accepted in tourist areas.
Spanish is official. English is widely spoken in tourist zones.
From cultural walks to mountain adventures, Puerto Vallarta has varied options.
The city has a friendly environment for travelers.
A location where mountains meet the sea creates stunning views.
