Once a quiet fishing village, Puerto Vallarta was "discovered" by director John Huston, who filmed "Night of the Iguana" with
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Since then, "Vallarta" has developed into a lively resort with wide appeal.
Part of Puerto Vallarta's allure is its blend of the old and new. White stucco houses with red-tiled roofs and flower-filled balconies line
cobblestone streets, and Mariachi music streams from downtown bars. But that's just half the story here. You'll also find resorts for
every taste and budget along 25 miles of beaches; plus water sports, golf, horseback riding through the jungle, Sport Fishing and
much more. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the action or in blissful seclusion, one of Vallarta's five zones has just what
you're looking for. The Southern Area offers a peaceful setting of palms and cliffs, while Downtown is in the center of Old Vallarta's
colonial charm.
Puerto Vallarta's Old Town
Puerto Vallarta's Old Town has a rich and
colorful history. Throughout the 1500 and
1600's, pirates and Spanish galleons
visited this quaint fishing village to take
on fresh supplies and water. In 1851
Puerto Vallarta was born under the name
Las Peņas de Santa Maria de Guadalupe.
It was an important port, supplying salt
and other needed supplies to the nearby
silver mines.
It's unique charm lives on, from the
traditional melody of church bells echoing
down rustic coblblestone streets, to the
rich aroma of fresh food sizziling oven
open flames. It's buildings painted in
tones that reflect the brilliance of an inspirational, tropical sunset, Puerto Vallarta sits nestled
between the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains and Bahia de Banderas, one of the most
beautiful bays in the world. Old Town has become gathering place for a cosmopolitan blend of
local inhabitants, international travelers and foreign residents. You never know who you may run
into in this popular seaside destination.
Visit some other highlights of the area: Mismaloya Beach, Gringo Gulch, and Conchas Chinas, the Beverly Hills of Puerta Vallarta.
