As México continues to modernize, Puerto Vallarta is one destination, which has carefully maintained a mix of the traditions of a true "pueblo" while moving forward to provide the amenities, activities and conveniences of a modern destination. Of the many paradoxes of this destination, Cellular phones can now be seen in use on the cobblestone streets of this seaside village, burros (donkeys) carrying sand are used to construct state-of-the-art entertainment centers and roadways to accommodate Puerto Vallarta's recent growth.

The entire Marina Vallarta complex is nearing completion after ten years in development. This exclusive area situated between downtown Puerto Vallarta and the airport has added 6 grand tourism hotels, a championship golf course, tennis club, and shopping centers. Boutiques, cafes and services are set along a walkway lining the marina, filled with luxury yachts and sailboats.

In addition to increased tourism, Puerto Vallarta has become a popular destination for meetings and conventions, with its added facilities and hotel accommodations. The community leaders have worked hard to meet every request of this select group of professionals, surely some of the most demanding travelers.

Over the past ten years, tourism has grown to become the second most important industry in México, and Puerto Vallarta's principle source of income. Yet, unlike other Mexican destinations, the city has quietly grown into this role and is not one of the planned tourism destinations created by government programs. At its base, Puerto Vallarta still holds an agrarian community with a history of isolation. Located on the pacific coast of México, on the Bay of Banderas, the town grew to support the mining operations in the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east.

The spectacular natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta has become a focus for active ecological groups interested in preserving the vast array of natural ecosystems found here: rainforests, tropical jungle, mountain forest, sierra and the diverse marine life found in the protected water of the Bay. In particular they are working to advance Mexico's studies of marine mammals. Each September the Puerto Vallarta community participates in an annual beach and underwater clean up and awareness day coordinated in conjunction with the Center for Marine Conservation.

Hand in hand with these conservation efforts, Seapal, Puerto Vallarta's water authority has gained national recognition for its modernization of the potable water supply and sewage treatment facilities here. For the last several years Seapal officials have been awarded Certification of Clean Water, guaranteeing the quality of the water supply for human consumption. This comes as a result of regular, monthly testing at the plant, hotels, restaurants and random residences in town.

Improvements in the roadways in Puerto Vallarta have taken place, and the new entry from the airport into town is a wide, paved road lined with towering palms… a la Palm Beach. The streets in the center of town have also been upgraded, setting the cobblestone in cement for grater stability and smoother rides. Yet they are still the well-know cobblestones of Vallarta… after all, some things are better left unchanged.