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Puerto Vallarta comes closest to being all things to all
visitors. It is considered the ideal vacation spot for the first-time
Mexico visitor.
Nestled on the shores of Bahía de Banderas (Mexico's largest
natural bay), Vallarta is a bustling town that attracts nearly 2 million
annual visitors. The city is graced with lovely architecture,
cobblestone streets, and white stucco buildings, crowned by
flower-covered balconies and red tile roofs.
The area touts over 16,000 units of lodging. It offers
exclusive private villa hide-away, grand-class resorts and bargain,
beachfront inns. Lodging is concentrated in one of five "zones."
Depending on where you decide to stay, you can be in the heart of the
action or tucked away in a remote tropical villa.
First is the marina and deluxe complex at Nuevo Vallarta, a
enclave of resorts and condos north of the airport. Second is the swanky
Marina Vallarta development, some 440 acres of deluxe hotels and other
amenities just south of the airport. Third is the well-developed hotel
zone between the marina and downtown. Fourth is the charming downtown
area, close to shopping, dining, and nightlife. Finally comes the lush
and secluded region south of town, eventually leading to Playa
Mismaloya.
Every imaginable water-sport is available along Vallarta's
miles of sandy shore. Its dining and nightlife are excellent. Shopping
is Mexico's finest, thanks to Mexican and international artists that
make Vallarta their home. There are also some great day trips, either by
boat or on land. |