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This is a wonderful article originally written in Spanish by Ana Luisa Ochoa. It describes both the beauty and history of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What follows is a translation of her text for your reading pleasure:

35 years ago, nobody would have thought that the couple's romance would bring world notoriety to the little fishing village port found in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Obviously, no one would have projected this outcome, as each day thousands of lovers live out their love on the shores of the world's seas. All the same, we are by no means speaking of just any couple in this instance, it was Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor - both famous, both extremely attractive and both… married.

It was during the filming of "The Night of the Iguana", directed by John Houston, that the story began to take form. Burton and Ava Gardner (called the most beautiful animal in the world by ex-husband Frank Sinatra) shared the starring roles. It was 1963, and it was a scandal of world proportions to see how Richard and Elizabeth, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra, lived out their love on the beaches of Mismaloya.

Even without the famous faces, Puerto Vallarta was over a century old - ever since Guadalupe Sanchez Torres, the Jalisco merchant, christened the town Peñas de Santa Maria de Guadelupe in 1851. The town was waiting, maturing and growing in beauty in order to present itself to the world.

To Get to Puerto Vallarta [Airlines fly direct to PV]

Aeromexico
Mexicana
America West
Alaska Airlines
Continental Airlines

At this moment in time, after three decades (almost four), the unique atmosphere continues to thrive. Ever-growing, this dynamic resort which is buried in the Bay of Banderas - the largest natural bay in all of Mexico and the second largest in north America - still maintains that magic which materialized itself through two actors who thereafter went forth and shared its contagiousness with the entire world.

In spite of its 159 hotels, which span from the south to the north and cover a distance of 32 kilometers, from Cabo Corrientes to Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta is still a gem. The city still exhibits the typical ambience of a provincial city that has failed to leave its flavor aside over the course of time. All this, even after the arrival of the most modern tourist services for both national and international visitors. In fact, it is the internationals who have in turn practically flooded the town. The foreign presence is year-round, even visible from April through November.

Today, Puerto Vallarta is divided into zones: the main, central area known as the "Centro" or "pueblo", and the newer area is known as the Marina. Nevertheless, all of "Vallarta" still has the same appearance as was created by the engineer Guillermo Wulff. Wulff maintained a base of brick and tile so as to create a style that would provide both body and form to this now very important Mexican tourist destination.

Many are the charms that promote the traditional aspects of this port, and without doubt one of the greatest benefits of the downtown area is that it is easily reachable on foot. One can stroll along the "Malecon" (boardwalk) and enjoy its beauty step by step. From the banks of the Cuale River (which crosses the city), or from the Romantic Zone - also known as the Café Zone - the authentic "fiesta" can be experienced each and every night.

In the Marina, on the other hand, a more tranquil and sophisticated ambience can be found. It is worth the effort to visit the lighthouse at night in order to take in an incomparable vista.

Also close to the downtown area, one can find an innumerable number of small coves and beaches - each with its own attractions and particular feeling. Among these beaches is the Playa Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), one of the most visited within the city. Another beautiful spot is Conchas Chinas, boasting crystal waters that are spared the danger of large swells. A little further to the south is Mismaloya beach, which is of course the most famous of the lot. Even more to the south is Boca de Tomatlan, where the Horcones River pours out into the Pacific Ocean. Boca de Tomatlan is a spot whose vegetation provides tourists with a unique setting.

Within the choices of all the beaches in this port city, there are three that are definitely worthwhile to visit, and they are only accessible by water. Via water taxi, it is possible to reach Las Animas, a tiny town surrounded by reefs. The second destination is called Quimixto, which is ideal for scuba diving. The last stop (all can be reached using the same boats) is Yelapa, a Polynesian-type village.

For golf lovers, there are three courses within Puerto Vallarta which offer all the relevant facilities and infrastructure required for its enjoyment. The Marina Vallarta Golf Course is a 18-hole par 71, nestled within the Marina itself. The Flamingos Golf Course is another 18-hole public course found 20 minutes north of town - available at any time for play without reservations (also offering special group fares). As well, in order to facilitate access to this course, there are daily trips departing from the Sheraton Hotel at no additional cost.

In May of 1999, Puerto Vallarta completed the construction of a third golf course: The Punta Mita Four seasons Golf Course. This third course was designed personally by Jack Nicklaus himself. It boasts magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean, and some uniquely challenging holes. The Punta Mita course is located 45 minutes from downtown.

Puerto Vallarta is a tourist destination that is presently placing special importance on the sport of golf. As such, Raul Chavez Merino, who was the president of The Mexican Association of Hotels and Motels of Puerto Vallarta, commented during an interview that there are now existing plans of yet another new golf course in the "El Salado" Estuary zone. This zone is found in front of the Hotel Zone, and near the projected convention center (in planning as well). It has been projected that this course will be opened to the public before the end of the year 2000.

One of the most famous Vallartans has been, without doubt, the naïf painter Manuel Lepe. Lepe's art, in its enjoyable childlike form, invites smiles along with a return to infancy through his brushstrokes and colors. The work of this famous Mexican occupies a highlighted place within the pictorial heritage of the world. As such, his works form part of the collection of Queen Elizabeth of England, and the 25th of September is Manuel Lepe Day in Washington. Not to mention the fact the Manuel Lepe is the sole naïf painter in the Painters Directory of France.

Unfortunately, Lepe, who was named the Mexican National and Jalisco's "Primer Pintor" (First Painter) by President Luis Echeverria, has left us. Luckily, his daughter Marcela has continued with his work, recently inaugurating a museum-gallery which houses testimonials to the amazing work of her father. In creating the museum, Marcela has guaranteed that the success of this inherited art form will be preserved.

Marcela has commented that through the simple paintings of her father, without racking your brain, it is quite easy to travel backwards in time to infancy, remembering and smiling throughout.

It is said of the people that visit this precious Vallarta, that few ever forget her. The majority of visitors visit a second time, but many just stay here to live. Perhaps it is for this reason that there is such a large quantity of gourmet restaurants delectable treats to all the visitors in Puerto Vallarta.

Nouvelle Cuisine reigns supreme in Puerto Vallarta, and the many seafood and fish dishes are prepared with a delicate touch. Among the eateries worth emphasizing is the restaurant Trio. Trio is a restaurant-bar-café, which, among its many specialties, offers Rabbit in a Parsley and Garlic Sauce. Another gourmet restaurant is the Café Des Artistes, offering among its specialties Cream of lobster and Pumpkin Soup, Crab Au Gratin and Fillet of Marinated Sea Bass.

Another restaurant worth visiting is Café Maximilian, located in the Olas Altas zone, where one can enjoy excellent dishes -within an Austrian atmosphere. As well, without doubt, El Set is a good option as a place to savor true Mexican cooking. One of the main attractions that bring people to El Set is that it boasts one of the premier views in all of Puerto Vallarta.

We invite all our readers to feel free to contact us via e-mail with any questions, comments or requests regarding Mexico. We also welcome submissions of interesting stories and/or experiences you wish to share with other travelers to Mexico.