Puerto Vallarta is set in the center of this bay, whose 48 km make it one of the largest in the world. It has beaches with fine sand and gentle waves. To the south, the Sierra de Cuale comes right down to the coast with its spectacular cliffs dotted with villas and deep blue bays.

El Malecon
This long esplanade surrounding the sea and lined with bronze sculptures goes right through the center of the town.

El Salado
This beach, lying within the Vallarta Marina, has deluxe facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and golf courses.

Las Animas
Beach with horses available for hire and parachute rides. It has a quay where yachts, water taxis and small watercraft can berth.

Los Arcos
The way the mountains join the ocean to form peaks and rocky crags create formations that are magnificent at this beach.

Mismaloya
Nestling in the back of a small bay, this beach is regarded as one of the finest in Puerto Vallarta and is a favorite among swimmers and divers. It has hotel and restaurant facilities.

Yelapa
White sandy beach with restaurants and a small hotel. There are boats available for hire, together with diving and fishing facilities. Nearby is a beautiful 30 m high waterfall.

Puerto Vallarta enjoys a typical tropical climate, with near constant temperature. Puerto Vallarta usually experiences 322 days of sunshine a year and average temperatures between 20° C and 30° C. Rainfall is heavier in June and October. Even during the rainy season precipitation tends to be concentrated in large rainstorms with insignificant precipitation on most days.

Protected by the second largest bay in the American continent, Bahia de Banderas, with over 40 km of golden beaches in the center of the Mexican Pacific and surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental lies Puerto Vallarta, a paradise whose special charm is due to its blend of colonial and cosmopolitan features.

The city proper comprises four main areas: the hotel zone along the shore to the North, Olas Altas, the Centro along the shore in between these two areas, and a number of residential areas to the East of the hotel zone.

Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when it was occupied by Nahua groups (in the south) and Huichol (in the north). The Spanish discovered the secluded harbor in the 16th century but never colonized it. It was not till the mid 1800 that farmers began establishing themselves, following the example of the first family to do so, going by the name of Sanchez.

During the 18th century Puerto Vallarta grew, transforming itself from a small fishing village into a small landing port serving the Sierra towns and a vacation destination for residents of the Sierra Towns. In the 1950s the domestic airline had started exploring Puerto Vallarta's potential as an American tourist destination and the rest is history.

The Los Arcos Marine Ecological Reserve, which consists of a group of three rock islands, is located in front of Mismaloya Beach and is an area where marine birds reproduce as well as being a refuge for marine mammals and a sample of ocean organisms. This marine life can be observed while diving.

Although not recommended for beginners, a wonderful area to hike is the Palo Maria where the journey will take you past 7 remote waterfalls. It is located just past Villas Garza Blanca next to the Garza Blanca River and can be accessed by bus. Flash floods can occur during a heavy rainfall.

Explore the Sierra Madre Mountains with one of the jeep, mountain biking, hiking or jungle tours. Many other activity tours are offered as well.

Plenty of boat rides round the bays to watch dolphins, turtles and humpbacked whales, are just some of the natural attractions that make this destinations, one of the world's favourite.

Puerto Vallarta boasts numerous festivals throughout the year. And in November, Puerto Vallarta hosts one of Mexico's premier culinary arts events, the Festival Gourmet, attended by more than 20,000 people annually.

Local chefs at participating restaurants and more than 20 guest chefs from around the world serve up some 500 gourmet foods, cheeses, tequilas and liquors. The event also involves cooking classes, wine tasting, beer samplings and other activities.

Puerto Vallarta has a network of deluxe hotels, some located on secluded coves, divided into five distinctive areas. And you still can find a few budget hotels on the waterfront.

The best places for camping in Puerto Vallarta are: Koa that has all the facilities; the Trailer Park and the Tchos Trailer Park where you can camp in trailers.

There is nothing like a good massage to complement the fun and help you stay in shape. Some of the best places for this activity are the Velas Vallarta, Westin Regina hotels, Qualton Club & Spa and Villa del Mar Resort & Spa.

Puerto Vallarta's more than 250 restaurants offer a wide array of delightful local seafood dishes as well as a broad range of international cuisine. Quaint sidewalk cafes and coffee houses also abound in Puerto Vallarta, often featuring live music.

National and regional offer such dishes as filete de huachinango al mojo de ajo (red snapper in garlic sauce), the Aztec mixiote (a central Mexico delicacy marinated and slow-cooked in a piquant sauce), plates served with tequila-based sauces, and typical desserts including regional candies and flan.

Make sure to stop by La Casa del Tequila, specializing in over 50 tequila brands to sample such as the spirit of blue Agave cactus.

Puerto Vallarta is an important indigenous handicrafts center, especially those produced by the Huichol Indians, an ethnic group that has learned to conserve its traditions within the atmosphere of progress and tourism that has overcome the city. They are particularly known for their beadwork.

Of particular note is the pottery and glass-blown objects characteristic of the state of Jalisco. You may actually help produce ceramic objects at Terra Noble where the locals will teach you some of their artistic techniques.

Puerto Vallarta has great shopping possibilities wth the stores on Juarez and Morelos streets in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Shoppers will also delight in Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno and Plaza Caracol, among others.

Make sure to stop by La Casa del Tequila, specializing in over 50 brands to sample such as the spirit of blue Agave cactus.