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Puerto Vallarta Travel
Guide:
No resort is more representative of the Mexican Riviera than Puerto
Vallarta. Indeed, for many international visitors, the resorts of Puerto
Vallarta are their first experience with Mexican culture.
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Known for palm lined beaches, luxuriant jungle vegetation and even
more luxurious resorts, Puerto Vallarta is a picture postcard come to
life. In just a few short years, Puerto Vallarta has shed its history as a
quiet seaside village to blossom into one of Mexico's most cherished
vacation destinations.
More than any other Mexican resort, Puerto Vallarta comes closest to
the goal of being all things to all people. If you want total seclusion
and relaxation, you can find it in Puerto Vallarta. On the other hand if
you want 24-hour nonstop activity, you can find that as well. Here
you will find the sophisticated amenities you would expect from a posh
resort, all in a romantic, dream like setting surrounded by natural
beauty. Is it any wonder Puerto Vallarta remains a top honeymoon
destination?
While Puerto Vallarta is considered the perfect destination for the first
time visitor to Mexico, it features such a wide array of activities that it
keeps visitors coming back year after year. In addition to
honeymooners and young people, more and more families are making
Puerto Vallarta their favorite vacation destination.
From the air, Puerto Vallarta appears as a blanket of lush tropical
jungle, surrounding the quaint colonial town of Puerto Vallarta. The
beautiful Sierra Cuala mountains are visible in the distance, along with
the crystal blue waters of the Pacific.
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Puerto Vallarta is nestled along the shoreline of Mexico's largest
natural bay, the Bahia de Banderas. The Puerto Vallarta region traces
its history back to the 1500's, when it was visited by the early Spanish
explorers. The region later gained notoriety as a haven for the pirates
who plied their trade in the great Pacific ocean.
Those pirate days are far behind now. Puerto Vallarta is now a bustling
town of more than 250,000 residents. In addition to these year round
residents, Puerto Vallarta attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a
year. In spite of its immense popularity and the flurry of new resort
construction, Puerto Vallarta has managed to maintain much of the
charm and flair of the old Mexico. In many ways, Puerto Vallarta
remains the quintessential Mexican village. The city features
wonderful architecture and cobblestone streets. As you stroll through
town, you will see white stucco buildings adorned with red tiled roofs
and flower covered balconies. You may even see the occasional burro
making its way down the city streets, carrying its owners goods to
market.
Finding a hotel room in Puerto Vallarta should not be a problem. The
area boasts more than 8,000 hotel rooms and time-share units. All
types of lodging are available, from exclusive private villa hideaways
to first class resorts, bargain inns, and beachfront lodging.
When planning your visit to Puerto Vallarta, it is important to know
that lodging in Puerto Vallarta is divided into five zones. Each zone
has its own personality and advantages. Visitors can choose to stay
either in the heart of the action or in a secluded tropical villa.
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It is important for the visitor to Puerto Vallarta to choose their lodging
appropriately to ensure that the lodging you choose matches your
desires and personality.
The first lodging zone in Puerto Vallarta is known as Nuevo Vallarta.
This zone is a collection of resorts and condos north of the airport.
The area used to be somewhat apart from the action, but in the mid
1990's the area went through a wave of development which broadened
its attractions. Just south of the airport lies the 440 acre Marina
Vallarta complex, with deluxe hotels, a championship golf course and a
first rate marina. The third zone is simply known as the hotel zone.
This zone features a long line of hotels, condos, apartments and
shopping malls, and is located between the Marina and downtown.
The fourth zone is the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. This area
features diverse shopping, dining and a typically Mexican atmosphere.
The fifth zone is the southern zone, featuring a somewhat secluded
area with deluxe hotels, hillside villas, deluxe hotels, fine beaches and
tropical coves. If you are looking for a relaxed and secluded vacation
experience, the southern zone would be your best choice.
Outdoor recreation in Puerto Vallarta is unparalleled. In addition to
every imaginable water sport along the beautiful beaches, the dining
and nightlife are rightly famous around the world. The extensive
concentration of artists from Mexico and around the world make
shopping in Puerto Vallarta some of the best you will find anywhere.
Visitors to Puerto Vallarta will also find some great options for day
trips, either by boat or on land. You can choose to visit offshore
islands, jungle coves, snorkeling and other ecological adventures. A
diverse assortment of tour operators offer trips for everyone's tastes.
No matter what you are looking for from a Mexican vacation, Puerto
Vallarta is an excellent choice. The combination of luxury and
authentic Mexican culture awaits you in Puerto Vallarta.
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