Once a picturesque Mexican fishing village, Puerto Vallarta is now the top destination for holidays, known for its pleasant climate, tropical beaches and landscapes …
It charm tourists for many years, it is often found on cinematic canvases, and every year more and more visitors come to this tropical playground, ideal for walking, shopping, sunbathing, drinking tequila and much more.
Puerto Vallarta is located where Mount Sierra Madrea meets Banderas Bay, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular view of the blue of the bay, with green mountains covered with palm trees in the background.
But that’s just the beginning. We now offer you a guide with eight experiences in Puerto Vallarta, which will enable you to use your time in this sensational paradise in the right way.
Playa Mismaloya is the reason why Puerto Vallarta is now a popular place. John Huston’s 1964 film The Night Of The Iguana has been filmed here, and his fans and actors, as well as the set of an action movie of the ’80s, Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger, often visit this beach because of its charm, clean water and peace.
Just as with coastal destinations, diving is incredible here. Make sure to visit Las Islas Marietas, a small uninhabited island group near the Puerto Vallarta, which is a landmark and ecologically protected location in which a large number of animal species live.
Once a Mexico City bomb testing site, Las Islas Marietas is now a protected natural wonder, perfect for animal lovers, especially birds, diving through caves and tunnels. Access to this site is strictly limited, so we suggest that if you go there, do not miss the visit to the hidden beach, Playa del Amor, located within a magnificent and mysterious cave.
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is especially distinguished in the panorama of Puerto Vallarta. This intimate church is something you must see when you visit this city, not only because of its mixture of neoclassical, baroque and Renaissance architectural styles, but also because it is in the very center of the city, and is of key importance to its history and heritage. You will recognize it instantly, thanks to the crown of cast iron, which raise the angels.
In Puerto Vallarta you can enjoy the sun and luxury accommodation. There are several types of accommodation, including hotels, boutique hotels, motels and resorts in the northern part of the city. As an exciting new all-inclusive option, an almost open extension of the Hilton hotel is only intended for adults, called Hacienda. It’s a beach estate, with rooms and apartments designed by Ricardo Elias in the style of authentic Mexican hacienda. About thirty rooms of this resort have its own private pools, surrounded by lush vegetation.
With or without a private pool, there is no excuse for staying in the room while you are in this city, because you just have to explore everything that he offers.
No trip is complete without walking through the lively Malecon, which represents the soul and heart of this city and the best place to enjoy the fresh sea air.
The romantic zone of this city is the oldest and most stunning part of Puerto Vallarta, and contains numerous restaurants, cafes, art bazaars and design boutiques. This part of the city has some charming ambience, with plenty of accessories that will attract you attention.
The downside of the romantic zone is Playa los Muertos, which is a real attraction despite its predominant name. This beach is often full, but offers you numerous adventures. We advise you to rent a sailboat and enjoy the view of the sunset. You can do the same from the restaurant La Palapa that puts its tables on the beach.
You can also opt for a super luxury holiday in the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor. Casa Kimberly, the work of the famous actress and Richard Barton, is located at the top of the hill, now it is a romantic boutique hotel with apartment accommodation, swimming pool and valued Iguana restaurant. Do not miss a walk through the legendary Venetian-style bridge, which Barton built to keep the paparazzi away from him and his beloved.
Of course, Puerto Vallarta offers many things in addition to all the things that we have suggested to you, but if you try just one piece, we believe you will want to visit it several more times.