Puerto Vallarta is an old coastal city located on the Bay of Banderas, which is the largest natural bay on the Mexican coast. The city has a population of over 250,000 and is growing rapidly as a major tourist destination. Actually, they are several destinations in one with many interesting places to visit in the States of Nayarit and Jalisco.
Several major highways lead into the city, and major airlines from around the world now serve the international airport. The marina of 450 boats ensures that people will visit Banderas Bahía throughout the year. Puerto Vallarta is located at the same latitude as Hawaii, so it enjoys a similar sun-kissed tropical climate.
Fifty years ago this city was nothing more than a small town on the Mexican coast. There was a small industry here and most of the business was focused on agriculture. Then some filmmakers from the United States took notice and big things started to happen in this small town. John Huston decided to do “Night of the Iguana” in the Puerto Vallarta area and several stars began making regular trips here. It wasn’t long before Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor bought Casa Kimberly in Puerto Vallarta and John Huston had a house built in the little cove of Caletas where he lived until his death.
Many of the Mexicans began to travel to Puerto Vallarta for their vacations due to the huge sheltered bay and the mild climate. People from all over the United States began to hear about the city nestled between the bay with palm-fringed beaches and the lush tropical jungle with towering trees on the sides of the coastal mountains. The city has experienced tremendous growth and can now offer international travelers a taste of old Mexico right next to beautiful new hotels and resorts. We could have easily spent several days there, but on a cruise you usually only get half a day at each port of call.
Tours and Activities
If you want to save a few bucks, it’s a good idea to shop around for your travel arrangements. The cruise ships try to convince you that it would be safer if you book your tours through them, but of course you will have to pay higher rates when you take advantage of their offers.
There was so much to see in Puerto Vallarta and our group headed off in several different directions. First there was a city tour that took us through the oldest district near the waterfront. Then we head to the countryside to learn how tequila is made. After we finished learning about the process we were able to taste several varieties of tequila spirits. It sure was a great way to work up an appetite before being served a traditional dinner and invited to dance and listen to local music. Everyone who participated in the tequila tasting seemed to have a great afternoon.
A more adventurous part of the group went sailing on the Pirate Ship and had a great time being entertained all afternoon by the singing and dancing pirates. There were riots and sword fights, plenty to eat and drink and even a bit of time for diving. I then went out alone in the back of an open truck with 14 other people from the cruise ship we arrived on. After a 45 minute drive into the mountains, the 15 of us had the thrill of our lives trying out Canopy Adventure and riding cables from one treetop to another as we made our way back down a mountainside. I would recommend this hike to anyone and it was worth every bit of the $75.00 it cost each of us.
Opportunities abound here, especially for outdoor adventurers. Activities include horseback riding in the mountains, diving in the Pacific, swimming with dolphins and interactive tours with the indigenous cultures found in the surrounding area. Puerto Vallarta is a world class sport fishing destination and Marina Mismaloya offers a wide range of fishing adventures in the surrounding Pacific coastal waters. Puerto Vallarta tends to be a perfect blend of tropical waters and rich Mexican culture, and this is undoubtedly one of the most diverse beach destinations in the world. You are close to lush jungle vegetation with hidden waterfalls on one side and miles of beautiful beaches in the largest natural harbor on the Mexican coast. The perfect place to learn, relax, have fun and enjoy the many natural wonders.
