P.V. is the short name of Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is one of the friendliest and most diverse beach destinations in the world. It is a Mexican resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahia de Banderas. Puerto Vallarta has something special for everyone, regardless of your personal preferences. There are many cultural events and exhibits, exciting day trips to the jungle, relaxing days at the beach and countless romantic hideaways. Immeasurable activities, both on and off the water that will keep you entertained, until it is sadly time to depart. This is a city with modern infrastructure and conveniences that have somehow managed to maintain its unique Old Mexico charm.
Beaches:
Puerto Vallarta is the second largest natural bay in North America. It is like a haven for anyone who enjoys their any type of beach activities, from whale watching to parasailing. Distinctly different beach zones with more than forty individual beaches mark Puerto Vallarta as one of the favorite destinations for the true beach lover. Playa de Oro and the Marina district are here. The Playa de Oro is a wide, sandy beach with a few rocky areas. It is also very popular with guests and locals alike, because of its water sports.
- Playa de los Muertos:
Playa de los Muertos is a Puerto Vallarta's most popular beach. It is located at south of the malecon and the River Cuale. This beach is surrounded by the neighborhood of Olas Altas (Old Town or Zona Romantica), with its indescribable variety of restaurants and shops. The beachfront bars and restaurants in this area are a great place to catch one of the incredible Vallarta sunsets.
- Playa de Mismaloya:
You will find numerous small coves and beaches at South of town. Playa de Mismaloya is a second beautiful beach at Puerto Vallarta. It is still fairly remote and remains a beautiful beach in spite of development. It is a great place to relax on the beach for a day.
Destiladeras and Los Venaderos are two of the more enjoyable beaches in the northern area. Snorkeling and also wind surfing (under the right conditions) are also great at the Las Marietas Islands, which have been preserved by the Mexican government as a bird sanctuary. These islands are accessible by boats which can be rented on most of the northern beaches.
These beaches are generally less crowded than the city beaches and make for a great side trip for a day of relaxing and munching. The southern beaches are also very beautiful and usually much less crowded.
Water Sports:
Water sports abound in and around Puerto Vallarta. Because the waters of Banderas Bay are protected and calm, swimming, parasailing and jet skiing are fantastic from almost any beach. You'll find that diving and snorkeling are the best at either the south end of town toward Los Arcos. If you are the daring type you can Bungee Jump from a platform built on a cliff out over the Pacific.
Fishing:
Puerto Vallarta offers not only some good deep sea sport fishing, fresh water fishing in the local mountains is also available for the true sportsman. All types of fish inhabit the waters around Puerto Vallarta at different times of year. Marlin, sailfish, dorado, snapper, all of which can be chased (and caught) on a wide variety of fishing boats, from established fishing fleets or from pangas that can be hired at almost any of the more popular beaches.
Activities:
Puerto Vallarta is certainly a place where you can find endless activities, to keep everyone in the family amused for your entire vacation, maybe even two or three vacations. From road racing 60 MPH Go Karts to bird watching. From Harley Davidson rentals to a calming hike to a serene waterfall. Mountain biking in an incredible array of environments, champagne flights in a Hot Air Balloon, free concerts in the main square on the malecon. The list goes on forever and is as diverse as any resort in the world.
Restaurant:
Puerto Vallarta is a food lover's paradise!!! This wonderful city has more quality restaurants than any other resort in Mexico. There is everything from tacos to beef Wellington, escargot to hamburgers, and everything in between. Great restaurants are everywhere, you may have to watch your eating habits, while on vacation. You could easily have a true gourmet meal every time you eat in Puerto Vallarta.
Night Life:
Puerto Vallarta's great night life scene starts late and goes until the roosters are getting ready for their first siesta. Many of Puerto Vallarta's restaurants feature live music and there are often unscheduled, impromptu performances along the malecon on any given night. There are public concerts at the main square on Thursdays and Sundays, just before sunset. This is a regular part of Vallarta culture and one that should not be missed.
Transportation:
Airlines: Puerto Vallarta is very easy to get to, with over 400 flights arriving weekly. PuertoVallarta is one of the most pleasant of all beach destinations in Mexico. You can fly to Puerto Vallarta from quite a few U.S. cities. Is it best to book airlines.
BusLines: National bus lines connect Puerto Vallarta (via the Central Camionera near the Modelo building north of town near the airport) with Guadalajara, Mazatlan, Manzanillo and points beyond. Bus lines include ETN and Primera Plus. Smaller bus lines connect Puerto Vallarta to small coastal and sierra towns.
