The charms of colonialism are fortunately not lost among the beach resort developments and tourist amenities that have helped make Puerto Vallarta such a popular holiday destination. Stunning natural beauty and a myriad of activities to pursue reinforce the city’s position as one of Mexico’s most successful holiday centers.

A stroll along the city’s promenade is a treat for the eyes offering a variety of picturesque and aesthetically pleasing views. Sculptures line the promenade walkway, invariably attracting the attentions of locals and visitors who stop to marvel at their beauty. In the main square, the magnificent fountains with their leaping dolphins are also sights to behold. The square sits in an area known as the Malecón, which is generally a hive of activity on account of its excellent selection of bars and restaurants.

The beaches here are among Mexico’s finest and are irrefutably the city’s strongest attractions. Over a dozen sandy strips sit along the Bahia de las Banderas, with Playa Los Muertos being the main one serving Puerto Vallarta. The beaches closest to the city center are understandably the busiest and the best places to find water sport amenities, while those farther away are the places to head if you are looking for peace and tranquility.

Highlights

Fishing: areas off the coast of Puerto Vallarta offer some excellent fishing conditions, with marlin, sailfish and other species among the likely catches.

Water sports: activities are plentiful, with diving, snorkeling, waterskiing, jet-skiing and parasailing among the possibilities.

Nightlife: popular holiday resorts inevitably have thriving evening entertainment scenes and Puerto Vallerta is no exception with it’s abundance of bars, clubs and live music venues.

Sightseeing: take in the former home of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, the magnificent Church of Guadalupe, the promenade’s sculptures and the fountains in the Malecón.

Golf: practice your swing or brush up on your putting skills at any of three golf courses available in Puerto Vallerta.