Romance is at the core of Puerto Vallarta. Nestled at the base of the lush Sierra Madre Mountains and stretched along the shoreline of an impressive natural bay on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta has been called “ridiculously picturesque” and provided the perfect backdrop for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s blossoming love affair in the 1960s. Accommodations, from value to luxury, line golden beaches, while the cobblestone streets and white-walled, tile-roofed houses in the historic town center retain a tropical village atmosphere. Downtown teems with shops, restaurants and cantinas, and high-energy nightlife. Throughout the town, you’ll discover fine Mexican handicrafts as well as an array of galleries featuring excellent local, regional and nationally known artists.

Weather and Geography

Puerto Vallarta is located in central Mexico on the shores of Banderas Bay on the Pacific Ocean. It’s on the same latitude as Hawaii, and temperatures are tropical and warm year-round. Average summer daytime temperatures are in the mid 80s to 90s Fahrenheit and average winter daytime temperatures in the high 70s to mid 80s Fahrenheit. Brief tropical rains come almost every afternoon during the summer. The rainiest month is September.

Quick Facts

• In 2001, readers of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine voted Puerto Vallarta the “Friendliest City in the World.”



• Puerto Vallarta boasts all the services and infrastructure typical of a modern city, but has the charming feel of a colonial Mexican village, with its cobblestone streets, enchanting cathedral and numerous public sculptures.



• Great shopping for Mexican arts and crafts abounds in Puerto Vallarta, especially at the Mercado Municipal. Wares are produced locally, or brought in from nearby Guadalajara, home to some of the best handicrafts in the Mexican Republic.

Expert Travel Tips

• Eat out. Puerto Vallarta is a food-lover’s delight. Over 500 restaurants offer everything from budget meals to international haute cuisine.



• Stroll along the malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s broad beachfront walkway, and take in the ocean breeze, the gentle crash of the surf, or a famous Puerto Vallartan sunset.



• Take a day tour to Caletas, an unspoiled cove and the former home of late director John Huston.