With its year round good weather, its amazing beaches, sheltered position on Banderas Bay, and its many different zones and regions, the city of Puerto Vallarta is a natural hot spot for travelers from all over the world. Over the past decade it has also transitioned from a place for bargain holidays to one meant to be enjoyed by even the most discerning travelers. A visitor to Puerto Vallarta can now enjoy world-class golf, tours of Mayan ruins, private boating and fishing excursions, amazing beaches, and upscale boutique shopping in addition to accommodations in high end resorts and luxury villas.

The Must See and Must Do Activities

Anyone who pays a visit to the city will want to be sure that they spend time in the different zones. There are debates about just what the zones are, but for the most part, travelers see the Romantic Zone (also known as the Old Town or the Zona Romantica) as an absolute essential. There is also the Central Zone or heart of the city and then there is the Nayarita Riviera. The latter is a relatively new term used to describe the areas along the shore, and running both north and south of the city. Home to luxury resorts and amazing beaches (including some with trails leading to jungle waterfalls), the area is gaining in popularity.

While visiting the city proper, travelers will want to take a walk along what is known as the Malecon or boardwalk. Dotted with special art and sculpture, it provides impressive views of the sea along with direct access to delicious local foods and artisan vendors. In the downtown area, the Los Muertos Beach is where some of the trendiest spots are located.

If walking in the city, enjoying the shopping, dining, and sightseeing is not for you, the Puerto Vallarta area has its golden sand beaches and small villages to the north, its fishing villages and rolling hills to the south, and in the east you find the Sierra Madre where you will be able to book zip line and canopy tours, days of hiking and more. West of the city is the sea, but first is the Bay of Banderas where you can enjoy everything from whale watching and snorkeling to fishing, sailing, windsurfing and more.

Clearly, the area has something for everyone, and is even a hotspot for culture and art. The Botanical Garden is enormous and impressive, the Hacienda de Oro Visitor's Center offers mountain views, and there is an Old Town Art Walk that takes in the top galleries and museums.

Visitors interested in the natural environment will want to consider some turtle watching, bird watching, and hiking in the area as well.

Guests of Isle Blue villas can speak directly with their concierge to discover the options available and to book those activities that are of interest. Many of the finest resorts offer access to their facilities, including world-class golf courses, spas, horseback riding, tennis and more.

One thing that anyone visiting Puerto Vallarta must do is plan to dine at one of the 1,000+ restaurants in the city. They range from street food to five star, gourmet establishments, and they offer some of the most impressive cuisine imaginable.