Puerto Vallarta

Despite being one of Mexico’s most popular Pacific resorts, Puerto Vallarta has managed to retain much of its quaint charm, with its white-washed houses, cobblestone streets and picturesque beaches. There are many boat trips that can be taken, and the resort offers plenty of snorkelling and diving tours.

South of the Rio Cuale is where many cheaper hotels and calmer beaches are located. North of the river runs the Malecon, with many shops, restaurants and bars. Many of the larger hotels are situated north of the town in Nuevo Vallarta, next to Mexico’s largest marina, Marina Vallarta. Go south, and you will come to Mismaloya, the idyllic setting of John Huston’s The Night of the Iguana.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Puerto Vallarta is full of places to eat, although it may be hard to find somewhere reasonably priced. However, many restaurants offer cocktails, candlelight and entertainment, and trendy European restaurants sit next to American diners along the Malecon.

Puerto Vallarta is definitely a party town, especially when American students go on Spring Break and head to Mexico because of lighter alcohol restrictions. The Malecon has a party-atmosphere at night, with happy hours always on offer and no cover charges. The presence of a branch of the bar Hooter’s indicates the type of nightlife to expect along the Malecon.

However, head south of the River Cuale and there is a selection of more relaxed and varied bars.

Tourist Information

Local 18 Planta Baja, Zona Comercial Continental Plaza, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco., C.P. 48310Telephone: +52 (322) 2241175 Fax: +52 (322) 2240915info@visitpuertovallarta.comwww.visitpuertovallarta.com

Airport

Puerto Vallarta has its own airport, the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. It lies 9km north of the centre. More than 450 flights arrive every week in high season, and Mexicana, American Airlines and Aeromexico among others fly, from the United States to the resort.