Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico
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When you think of the Mexican Riviera, with its palm-fringed beaches,
luxuriant jungle vegetation and posh resorts, lots of places come
to mind. But no resort better typifies the classic Mexican beach
vacation than does Puerto Vallarta. From its sleepy, seaside village
roots, it has grown into one of Mexico's most loved destinations.
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Of all of Mexico's resorts, Puerto Vallarta comes closest to being
all things to all visitors. It delivers 'round-the-clock activity
(or blissful seclusion), sophisticated amenities, and a romantic
dream- like natural setting. It's considered the ideal vacation
spot for the first-time Mexico visitor, while also boasting enough
diversity of activities to keep people coming back over and over
again.
As you arrive
by plane, the town's romance and beauty begin to take hold: a blanket
of lush tropical jungle surrounds the quaint colonial city as it
climbs away from the blue Pacific, into the Sierra Cuale mountains.
Nestled on the shores of Bahia de Banderas (Mexico's largest natural
bay), Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500's, when it was
visited by Spanish explorers. It later became known as a respite
for pirates plying the Pacific Coast.
In 1963, director
John Huston came to film Tennessee William's "Night of the
Iguana," and the rest is history. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton
left their mark as well, giving Puerto Vallarta an international
jet set reputation. It is now a bustling town of 250,000 residents
that attracts 1.5 million annual visitors. Despite its popularity
and the recent flurry of new resort development, the city itself
retains much of its "Old Mexico" flair. The city is graced
with lovely architecture, cobblestone streets, and white stucco
buildings (by city ordinance, all buildings are white), crowned
by flower-covered balconies and red tile roofs. You may even see
an occasional burro headed for market, clip-clopping along the city's
streets.
Lodging is concentrated
in one of five "zones." Each has its own advantages and
personality. Visitors can be either in the heart of the action or
tucked away in a remote tropical villa, depending on which of the
zones is selected. It is important to make this choice carefully
based upon vacation desires.
First is Nuevo Vallarta, an enclave of all-inclusive resorts and
condos north of the airport. Just south of the airport is the 440-acre
Marina Vallarta complex, with its deluxe hotels, a championship
golf course, and a world-class marina. Next comes the Hotel Zone,
a parade of hotels, condos, shopping malls, and apartments between
the Marina and downtown. The resort's fourth zone is the Downtown
Area, with its diverse dining, shopping, and typically Mexican atmosphere.
And finally is the Southern Zone, a somewhat secluded area sprinkled
with hillside villas, deluxe hotels, tropical coves, and fine beaches.
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Sightseeing
and Activities in Puerto Vallarta
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Outdoor recreation
is limitless. Every imaginable water sport is available along Puerto
Vallarta's miles of sandy shore. Its dining and nightlife are excellent.
Shopping is some of Mexico's finest, thanks to a bevy of Mexican
and international artists that make Vallarta their home. There are
also some great day trips, either by boat or on land. Visits to
offshore islands, remote jungle coves, snorkeling cruises, and inland
eco-adventures are offered by a diverse assortment of professional
tour operators.
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