Puerto Vallarta Travel General Information - Puerto Vallarta, described as "the hidden paradise" and acknowledged as the "friendliest city in the world".

Brief Historical Review
To See & Do
Dining & Nightlife...
Shopping...

Brief Historical Review

Records dating back to the 16th Century refer to this bay as a place of incredible beauty with fertile lands, a safe and key place for resting and for supplying provisions to various merchant and pirate ships, and a valued home for its original inhabitants.

In the 19th century, the place where Puerto Vallarta is now located was known as Las Peñas, and was a harbor for loading and unloading supplies and material extracted from the silver mines of the villages of Cuale and San Sebastián del Oeste.  Around that time Mr. Guadalupe Sánchez, a native of Cihuatlán, Jalisco started to make salt deliveries to the mines that needed salt in order to refine the extracted silver. The demand for this product grew very quickly, and with the help of his collaborators Mr. Guadalupe started to establish a village. He was in need of more support, and so facilitated the arrival of new families to the region.  In doing so, he initiated the growth of an economy that has not stopped since then. At the end of 1851 the Sanchez Torres family had firmly established itself in the region. By that time, agriculture and cattle ranching – in addition to providing salt for the mines - were strong economic activities.

Historical records tell us that during this period, Las Peñas was also a very popular place for the resting and recreation of ship passengers and crew members.  Thus began another activity which has become the city’s main source of income over the years.

Generations have told of Puerto Vallarta’s beginnings as a fishing village.  Local records corroborate this claim, confirming that before Mr. Sánchez founded the small village, inhabitants of nearby villages used to enjoy coming to the place where the Cuale River flows into the ocean.  In this place, they were able to catch large fish … and since then, the harbor has been known as a place with abundant fishing.

By 1880, there were 1500 inhabitants in the village. Five years later, on July 14th, 1885, the harbor was opened for the traffic of national ships and was officially given the name of Las Peñas.

In March 1914 the first post office was opened, and in September of the same year, the telegraph was installed. On May 31st 1918, the port was raised to the level of a municipality by an act of Congress, and the name was changed to Puerto Vallarta, in memory of the distinguished citizen Mr. Ignacio L. Vallarta, a lawyer and governor of Jalisco.

In 1925, the Montgomery Fruit Company purchased 30,000 hectares surrounding the village of Ixtapa, with the purpose of developing banana plantations. Immediately, the demand for workers grew and a railway was built to transport the fruits. In addition to bananas, other products like corn, beans, tobacco and coconuts, valued for its oil, were also exploited and distributed nationally. By 1935, the Montgomery Fruit Company had to withdraw from Mexico as a consequence of the new agrarian law.

By 1930, national and foreign tourists had begun to visit Puerto Vallarta more frequently, appreciating the tranquility and natural beauty of the place. Little by little word spread, and every year more tourists came. The visitors started to purchase properties – some as an investment for the future, others with the goal of living there. Puerto Vallarta began to attract significant attention. The first plane landed in 1931, and since then things have changed quite a lot.

In 1951, Puerto Vallarta presented itself to the world during its 100-year anniversary celebration. To commemorate this event, a war ship sailed from Acapulco to the Puerto Vallarta, firing 21 canon shots as a greeting. On this occasion, Mrs. Margarita Mantecon de Garza wrote the first history of Puerto Vallarta.

In 1963, the filming of the movie “The Night of the Iguana” brought fame and popularity to Puerto Vallarta, thus completely opening its doors to the outside world. Thousands of tourists arrived unexpectedly at the town, anxious to observe scenes where the movie had been filmed, hoping to meet some of the stars of the movie.

After the publicity from the movie filming and the improvement of roads and means of transportation, the village grew exponentially. Puerto Vallarta started to be accessible by air, sea and land, and first-class hotels began to be built. Agriculture, the region’s main economic source until that moment, was soon displaced by the tourist industry.

Puerto Vallarta’s population grew from 12,500 in 1964 to more than 350,000 today.  Numerous foreigners live in Vallarta, primarily US citizens, followed by Canadians. Many of these foreigners participate actively in the life of the community.  Thanks to their efforts, the city continues to cross borders, consolidating its presence as a tourist destination on par with the best available in the rest of the world.

Today, Puerto Vallarta receives flights daily from the principal airlines based in major cities of the United States of America, Canada and Europe. By sea, cruise ships bring in tens of thousands of tourists each week, all year long. By land, modern and safe highways connect Puerto Vallarta to the cities of Tepic and Guadalajara, and from there to the rest of Mexico. While hotels are available for every budget, there is an emphasis on luxury or five-star hotels.

Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by impressive natural beauty, together with other villages sharing the bay. Some of these villages have hotels in quiet and secluded environments, making them excellent places to visit for a while, or to stay and live. Among these are Las Palmas, Bucerias, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, San Ignacio, Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo De Marcos, Boca de Tomatlán, Yelapa, Quimixto, El Tuito and others.

In addition to sport fishing, long a very popular activity, golf and art have become principal Puerto Vallarta attractions for an increasing number of travelers and investors with high purchasing power.

There have been many events, people and actions contributing to make Puerto Vallarta a world-wide center of tourist attention.  Because of this, Puerto Vallarta has everything! Abundant natural wonders, spectacular sceneries where adventure activities are carried out every day, with first-class comfort and service. 

If there is something that can be guaranteed for Puerto Vallarta, it is the unstoppable economic growth which has been achieved without losing much of what is called its “provincial essence”. All this is contributing every day so that Puerto Vallarta is consolidated as a favorite destination of international travelers as well as of visionaries and investors.

To See & Do

In Puerto Vallarta and its outskirts, entertainment is the name of the game! The range of open air activities that the area of Banderas Bay offers is practically inexhaustible. There are options for every taste, even the most demanding ones.

• For romantics:

Sunset boat excursions are very popular among this group. There are many options for the type of vessel to take on a boat trip along the bay coast: sailboats, catamarans, trimarans, yachts and even galleons. In general, the route taken during the sunset is similar and all of them guarantee (as long as it is not the rainy season) that passengers will observe a spectacular sunset. The difference between these vessels lies in the dinner menu, as well as in the activity staff and the service on board. Some of these excursions offer a menu of specialties that are highly recommended, if you can afford it. There are some vessels that rather than serving a dinner on board, dock up at an exclusive beach where passengers are served a moonlight meal on the beach, while perceiving the fragrance of the ocean and listening to the surf as it caresses the sand. Some of these romantic excursions offer the sale of a video that show significant scenes from the trip, including several shots of the couple.

Sunsets are definitely the centerpiece of romantic excursions. There have been sunsets, even while raining, that simply take your breath away.  Thanks to its strategic location, Banderas Bay is caressed daily by winds that come from different directions, at the same time. This natural activity generates a constant and varied movement of the clouds, thus creating scenes in the sky that cannot be seen in any other place of our planet.

Here love stories are famous; Puerto Vallarta has been catalyst and witness to many marriages. Inspired by the atmosphere, thousands of couples in love sign on to an agreement for a new life together, while the sun celebrates happily, smiling down upon them and dancing with them while hiding in the horizon.  I imagine the sun departing with a mischievous chuckle, knowing that it will travel faster across the other side of the world this night, in order to return to see the newlywed couple after their first  night as husband and wife.

Another very romantic time can be had walking along the city’s cobblestone streets, especially in the downtown area behind the Guadalupe church, an area with  narrow sidewalks that invite couples to stroll calmly up and down, hand in hand.  And for a perfect end to a romantic day, finish with dinner in one of the restaurants with spectacular views of the town or the bay.

A stroll along the boardwalk is definitely not to be missed while in Puerto Vallarta.  This area is the perfect backdrop for the sculptures currently being exhibited there. The following stand out: the seahorse, which was the preferred emblem of the city for many years; the sculpture of "nostalgia", which is considered to be the most romantic one; and the group of sculptures created by Colunga, attracting the attention of every passerby.  According to local tradition, the most romantic way for a man to declare his unrequited love to a woman is to watch the sunset from one of the iron-wrought banks, or underneath a palm tree.  After the sun has disappeared beyond the horizon, the lovers will buy some typical food or sweets to share together while talking and walking along the boardwalk... sure signs of a couple in love.

• For adventure-lovers:

Excursions to Quimixto, Yelapa, Majauitas, the villages of Cuale, San Sebastián del Oeste, Mascota, Talpa de Allende, San Blas and La Tobara are, amongst others, some of the trips that could turn intothe most exciting and enriching adventure that you have ever experienced.

Exploring is the best way to get to know Puerto Vallarta and its outskirts. The details that reveal local cultural secrets can be found in the everyday life of each village, and perceived through observation and living together with people from each region.

The western Sierra Madre is truly appealing, with its jungle and rivers.  In the midst of deep mountain paths, the adventurer always stumbles upon fantastic places full of colorful mystery.  This has an impact on the mind, awakening more curiosity while the adrenalin increases, without disturbing the enchantment that each discovery generates.

Adventurers appreciate this, which is exactly what moves them to put on a backpack and begin hiking.  Other options are to travel by bicycle or motorcycle, which can be rented through local companies, some of which also organize mountain excursions and jungle trips. Jeep safaris -- where you drive yourself -- are also an excellent opportunity to enter a world that shows you another face of Mexico. If you don’t mind eating dust or taking a mud bath, you could even try something that is a favorite with locals and visitors alike: a dune buggy excursion.

Another widespread form of venturing is to take an excursion on horseback. All ranches with horses for hire offer an excursion of approximately 5 hours.  Some have trips that last various days, allowing adventurers to spend the night out in the open, or in a ranch, where an excellent cup of coffee can be enjoyed at the light of a campfire while contemplating the starry sky.

In the southern area of the city, headed for Mismaloya, there is also a place where you can practice bungee jumping: a jump into the void. The bungee leap is made towards the ocean, and the view while falling down is chilling.

• For active travelers:

The Bay offers splendid places to go scuba diving or snorkeling, and parasailing or banana boat rides are easily available from the beach.

Puerto Vallarta is widely known for deep-sea fishing. The entire Bay is rich in marine life and species like sailfish, marlin, tuna and dorado, which attract novice and expert fishers throughout the year. The options for fishing vessels are varied and sufficient, nevertheless due to the high demand, we recommend advance reservations for your fishing day. For the last fifty years Puerto Vallarta has been the seat of the International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament, which is the longest-standing tournament of its kind in Mexico.

Between the months of November and March, a spectacular event occurs in the Bay; if you are here at that time, make sure and fit it in your plans ... this is when humpback whales arrive to breed, calve and nurse their young. Once they are here, it is a daily spectacle to see them jump and to listen to the sounds they make, in order to maintain communication. Coming here and not going on a whale-watching trip is like having visited Paris without having gone up the Eiffel Tower.

Swimming with dolphins is another high-demand activity, whether in their natural habitat or in big pools where this type of activity is offered.

On land, some of the hotels have tennis courts open to the public in general. If you would like to practice this sport, it is recommended that you make reservations.

There are typical coastal villages surrounding Puerto Vallarta where you can appreciate Mexican folklore without giving up the comfort of an international tourist destination. Towns like Sayulita, San Francisco, Lo De Marcos, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías and others in the north, and Mismaloya and Boca deTomatlan towards the south, are found within short driving distances from each other. These are places where the inhabitants receive visitors openly. Each village has an interesting history and offers peculiarities, such as local dishes that can only be known and enjoyed through a personal visit.  For people who love to learn more about the culture, one excellent idea is to rent a car, to get to know the villages around the whole Bay. Of course, this activity is most popular with photography lovers.

For that class apart -- the golfers -- there are seven professional golf courses around Banderas Bay.  The following courses stand out: Flamingos Golf, first in the area; Marina Vallarta Golf, most recommended by Golf Digest magazine, and Vista Vallarta Golf, surrounded by exuberant vegetation and seat of the 2002 World Golf Championship / EMC World Cup.

At present, Puerto Vallarta is known as an international golf destination for the serious lovers of this sport. Vallarta is a golf paradise, requiring excellent preparation and a high level of concentration in one's game.

Dining & Nightlife...

Puerto Vallarta was already known as a natural hidden paradise, but today it is also distinguished and recommended as a "gastronomical paradise", where flavors and aromas from around the world blend with regional and local ones,  where various cultures are unified in each dish that includes ingredients representing different regions or countries. Some call this "fusion" cuisine.

The influence of different types of cuisine is not exclusive to Puerto Vallarta. Practically all the tourist towns around Banderas Bay are being inspired by a variety of international flavors. At present, the whole zone is an excellent field for gastronomic exploration where daring travelers can discover delicious and unexpected corners.

Seafood, of course, is always on the agenda. Shrimp, fish, octopus, squid, scallops, Manta ray, crab, oysters, lobster, prawns, snails and many other marine animals make up the basic menu of the majority of restaurants, especially the local ones.  The way they are prepared transports us to places and dimensions where the origins of the recipes are evoked in every bite.

For those for whom poultry and meat are essential, there are also plenty of options for their palate to be pleased and completely satisfied.

Represented in Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants are Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, Korea, China, Japan, Austria, Greece, Canada, United States of America, and others, as well as Mexico with all its regions.  The variety in Banderas Bay is equally impressive. The number of chefs from all over the world arriving to work in the Vallarta area are contributing to turn this region into the gastronomical capital of Mexico.

Beyond food, nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is definitely ... "full of life!" Night entertainment is no longer just a complement and has become a center of attraction all by itself. Bars, discos, cafes, terraces and clubs with live music, amongst others, are some of the centers of reunion that travelers and locals choose in order to meet, to mingle and to have a good time.

At nighttime, the downtown boardwalk area is also a highlight. Here we find the most popular entertainment night clubs, offering an ocean view. A good number of theses places are partly open-air bars where the latest music can be heard while masses of people dance throughout night ... the atmosphere is contagious!  For many visitors this is the area with the best action in Puerto Vallarta, and due to the closeness between bars, one inevitably barhops through them all in search of great adventure.

Crossing the Cuale River, towards the southern part of the town, is the romantic zone, where the nocturnal madness is tinted with an atmosphere fusing nostalgia and joy. There, the entertainment starts with the most popular live rock bar, followed by a prestigious restaurant that turns into a disco and exclusive bars offering alternative ambiance and shows.

In this zone, there is something for every taste and it is important to distinguish that although formal dress is always welcomed and well-accepted, it is not mandatory for entrance, or to have a good time.

In the hotel zone, the night scene is different.  A cosmopolitan air prevails, with places that can genuinely be called a discotheque. The style and characteristics of this place require one to be prepared to observe and to be part of a grand and continuous catwalk.  From the first moment, it becomes clear that looking good is essential for feeling good.

In the Marina Vallarta there are also bars with an excellent atmosphere and there it is class that prevails. In this zone there is nothing more romantic and sensual than taking a walk on its boardwal, dressed elegantly. While walking, you see yourself surrounded by luxury yachts and sailboat,s making you feel as if everything were a scene from a movie set.

Shopping...

Puerto Vallarta is a  richly-endowed showcase where you can purchase articles from diverse artistic manifestations such as jewelry, beachwear, souvenirs, furniture, accessories, blown glassware, ironworks, decorative adornments and much, much more. Since it is an international tourist destination, here you can find almost anything from any part of the world.

The options for shopping are endless and they are on the daily agenda. Within all the areas of Puerto Vallarta and its outskirts you can always find a place to go shopping, and of course there are key places and spaces for each kind of purchases – ask around, and you will find the way.  Here we give you an idea of the general layout:

• The Beach

Here you can find (among other things) pareos, jewelry, silver jewelry from Taxco, rugs, hammocks, carved figures, hats, caps, t-shirts, toys, key chains, post cards, accessories, adornments, and other souvenirs. Besides the huge variety of articles, on the beach the novice tourist has the opportunity to practice "bargaining" or negotiating, without the possibility of someone making fun of them or protesting. Bargaining on the beach is part of the game. 

It is important to understand that there is a difference between bargaining and taking advantage of the situation.  The latter is not well-looked upon by the society of beach vendors and by not practicing this abuse, are respectful visitor demonstrates his/her difference from others in the art of bargaining.  In bargaining, the idea is to end at a price that is fair to the buyer, but also fair to the seller – most often low-income -- who is making a living from what you buy.  Bargaining on the beaches of Vallarta has been the beginning of many  friendships transcending distance through time.

Even though the visitor can find vendors on the majority of the beaches, the most popular shopping beaches in Puerto Vallarta are the at Los Muertos and in the hotel zone. Outside Vallarta, the most popular shopping beaches are at Mismaloya, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Sayulita and Rincón de Guayabitos.

• The Cuale River Municipal Market

Formerly, this was the place where regular local families would go to buy all sorts of  food and daily supplies. Due to the current tourist characteristics, and the market’s strategic location, today the market has evolved into a shopping center for various arts and crafts. Bargaining is a good idea here, to.

For lovers of culinary adventures there are picturesque restaurants on the second floor of the market, where you can enjoy regional food rich in smells and traditional flavors. Eating here is an unforgettable cultural experience. These restaurants are inexpensive and are visited mainly by employees and workers of the area. Here the visitor finds himself forming a part of the local scene, where it is common to find people from around the corner or around the world.

• The Handicraft Market

Located two blocks form the municipal market, this market is full of arts and crafts, clothes and souvenirs from almost all the states of Mexico.

Walking along the aisles is an aromatic adventure, with the smell of leather, palms, wax and wood invade the whole place.  The latest Mexican popular music can be heard as you walk by, through the many radios that are turned on in the commercial stands. Here, the hum is continuous.

• The Cuale River Island

Some steps away from the municipal and handicraft market is the Cuale River Island.   Bathed on both sides by the river, is a refreshing stroll due to its unique natural surroundings.  It is also a good place for comparison shopping, with the shopping area being found primarily in the western part between the two bridges that cross the island.

On the island, you can shop in famous designer boutiques, in air-conditioned stores.  Or, you can find outdoor stores with a variety of hand-made dresses, masks, and arts and crafts from all over Mexico.  While shopping, take a break with a refreshing drink or a succulent meal at one of the restaurants with a river view.

An interesting place to visit on the island is the regional museum, which has been reconstructed and currently offers interesting information on our region, our people and the archaeological findings that have been discovered.

The island is also an excellent setting to take photographs.

• Downtown

As the area with the largest crowd of visitors and locals, shopping in the downtown area is a genuine cultural experience.  This is especially true if done on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or evening.

Downtown, the shopping places are boutiques, art galleries and fashionable clothing stores, bathing suits and accessories, jewelry, brand-name stores, antiquities and handicrafts including fine ceramics, glassware, leather, masks and wooden figures. The majority of the places offer a refreshing atmosphere with air conditioning. As a rule, the stores here do not bargain.

While you will find many stores in the streets by the boardwalk, there are many more stores if you venture a few blocks towards the hills.  This is a great area to explore on foot! While shopping, curious visitors can explore and discover special corners of the city all by themselves, witnessing many popular aspects of local everyday life. In some corners you may discover a fantastic bar or restaurant, or a favorite local place to get frozen popsicles or handmade sweets ... keep your eyes open, and  you may come across an open window, offering a glimpse into the intimacy of a Vallarta home.

A constant flow of cars and buses makes this the most heavily transited zone, especially through the streets Paseo Díaz Ordaz, Morelos and Juárez. For that reason, you must be extremely careful while crossing these streets. Even if many drivers would like to give priority to pedestrians, due to the continuity of traffic most of the times it is almost impossible to do so.

On Saturdays and Sundays, vehicle traffic is prohibited in the boardwalk area, making these great days to walk around, when the only thing you have to worry about is to observe the multiplicity of things happening all around you.

• Old Vallarta or the Romantic Zone

Even though it is considered a section of downtown Puerto Vallarta, this area is a tourist attraction all by itself.  There are sidewalk restaurant terraces on the main streets, a huge variety of cafes, and stores selling gifts, clothes and handicrafts, all with open doors towards the street. 

Walking along the streets, you can feel the special intensity of this section.  During day or night, this area shines with a very special coloring.

• Marina Vallarta

The most exclusive zone is in the north. It is a place that has an ample boardwalk along the marina, inviting people to take long strolls while shopping in boutiques, art galleries and stores with gifts, beach wear and jewelry, located in very well-conditioned spaces so that the visitor may shop comfortably.

There is a shopping mall at the main entrance of Marina Vallarta where the most prestigious stores in Puerto Vallarta are located. The designs that are offered here are unique.

The particularly special thing about going shopping in this area is that many items offered here are not found in any where else in town. In addition, while touring the Marina boardwalk and shopping, you will observe the spectacular yachts and sailboats moored at the floating piers.