Located in the Bay of Banderas in the state of Jalisco, the city of Puerto Vallarta is considered the second most important tourist destination in the Mexican Pacific. Its spectacular mountain landscape, beaches, and mangroves offer visitors countless activities and tours.

State: Jalisco

Coordinates:
20°36'49 "N 105°13'38"W

Altitude: 1-110 meters above sea level

Area:

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 203,342 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 322

A frequent destination for international cruise ships from the United States, Mexico and Canada, among others, Puerto Vallarta has all the tourist services that a world class destination requires: excellent hotels and entertainment with plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs; a marina, prestigious golf courses, as well as a wide and growing range of real estate.

Puerto Vallarta is noted for its great artistic, cultural, and sports activities. Proof of this are the multitude of celebrations and international film festivals, music, golf and sports fishing throughout the year and world-class events that are held at the Convention Center. Performances by national and international artists are held in its theater.

And don’t forget its boardwalk (malecón), a long promenade adorned by original bronze and sand sculptures which can be seen daily, in addition to the beautiful sunsets and the daily spectacle of the Flyers of Papantla.

In Puerto Vallarta you will find a wide variety of gourmet restaurants, the very same that participate in the renowned International Gourmet Festival which brings together the top chefs from around the world every year. The nightlife is fun and entertaining in Puerto Vallarta. Along the boardwalk and the hotel zone you can find places for all ages which is why a number of young Americans visit here during Spring Break.

How to get there?

Puerto Vallarta is located in the North Coast Region of the state of Jalisco about 310 kilometers from Guadalajara, the state capital. It is bordered on the north by the state of Nayarit, on the south by the cities of Cabo Corrientes and Talpa de Allende, to the east with the cities of San Sebastián and Mascota and to west by the Pacific Ocean.

Puerto Vallarta is a destination that is fully accessible by air, land and sea. The Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport connects the port cities of the United States, Canada, and major cities in Mexico.

By land the port connects to Guadalajara by three roads: GDL-Compostela-Puerto Vallarta Highway, GDL-Autlán-Vallarta, and lastly the pilgrim route GDL-Ameca-Talpa/Mascota- Vallarta.

The city has a bus station, the Central Bus of Puerto Vallarta, which is responsible for connecting the port with important destinations in Mexico.

By sea: The Marina of Puerto Vallarta has a capacity for more than 100 private vessels.

Distances from Puerto Vallarta to other destinations in Mexico

• Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit: 19 km.
• Rincon de Guayabitos, Nayarit: 72 km.
• Tepic, Nayarit: 166 km.
• Manzanillo, Colima: 286 km.
• Guadalajara, Jalisco: 307 km.
• Mazatlan, Sinaloa: 437 km.
• Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes: 518 km.
• León de los Aldama, Guanajuato: 524 km.
• Morelia, Michoacán: 590 km.
• Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro: 663 km.
• Mexico City, Federal District: 842 km.
• Pachuca, Hidalgo: 860 km.
• Cuernavaca, Morelos: 865 km.
• Monterrey, Nuevo Leon: 1060 km.

Climate

Puerto Vallarta's climate is considered subtropical and warm.

March-May: During this period the weather is warm without humidity with a minimum temperature of 18 ° C and maximum 30 ° C.

June-September: During this time there it rains constantly, so the weather gets warm and humidity with a minimum temperature of 23 ° C and a maximum of 38 ° C.

October to February: This time is dry and warm with a minimum temperature of 15 ° C and a maximum of 35 ° C.

What to pack?

Being a beach destination it’s essential to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, flip flops, and light clothing such as, shorts, tank tops, and sandals.

Only in the winter is it necessary to pack a light sweater since strong winds can cause a little chill in the air.

Activities and Tourist Attractions in Puerto Vallarta

Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, Jet Ski, windsurfing, kite surfing and parasailing.

Tour by the Bay in small boats, motor boats, or catamarans. Tour and snorkeling at the Marietas Islands.

Spas, Beauty Salons, and Massages.

Humpback Whale watching from December to March, Swimming with the Dolphins, Turtle release.

Walks in the city center (Boardwalk, Isla Rio Cuale, Playa de los Muertos and the Romantic Zone).Walk around the Marina.

Fishing and sports fishing, Ecotourism, rappel, zipline, motorbikes, ATV, dune buggy, horseback riding.

Golf Courses ,Art Galleries, Cultural visits and visits to indigenous communities of the Huichol Indians, Theatre and Convention Center, Nightlife.

Feasts and Festivals in Puerto Vallarta

February: The Marina del Rey regatta, held every two years since 1972 bringing together sailors from around the world.

March: The Feast of the Patron Saint of the town Pitillal is carried out in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

March and April: Spring Break and Electro Beach Party

April: Holy Week and Easter May: The May Cultural Festival at the state level has some of their events in the town Puerto Vallarta.

July and August: The city is visited by nationals because of the summer holidays.

November to March: Mostly visited by Americans and Canadians September

15 and 16: Independence Day

November: International Tournament of Sailfish and Marlin, and the Vallarta Golf Cup.

November-December: International Gourmet Festival

November 1 and 2: Day of the Dead

December: International Film Festival

December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe