Puerto Vallarta Villas. With its Pacific coast location and its amazing year-round weather, the city of Puerto Vallarta remains one of the most popular tourist spots in the world. Traditionally noted as second to places like Acapulco and Cancun, the area has seen its reputation improve and outrank many other spots in recent years.
Why? Because of its proximity to natural attractions like the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area (an impressive place to snorkel), the Ixtapa Archeological Zone (home to many Mayan sites), gorgeous botanical gardens, and a major increase in luxury properties and villas, it is becoming a "must see" destination.
With its tropical climate, it is also home to more than a dozen impressive beaches, an Old Town with historic buildings and shops, a popular fish market, and the gorgeous Malecon boardwalk. The Playa de lose Muertos area features excellent works of art, and the city itself is backed up against the surrounding jungles where travelers can enjoy hiking and exciting zip line experiences.
Known as a spot to satisfy the most discerning and low-key traveler, it is also a family-friendly destination with plenty to do each day. Whether you are a dedicated shopper and fan of luxury dining or you prefer to savor the natural world and historic spots, Puerto Vallarta will be a very satisfying choice.
There are three areas of the city - the Riviera Nayarit zone, the El Centro area and the Zona Romantica. Each has its own distinct feel and flair, and it is the El Centro and Zona Romantica that will have the biggest blend of local and tourist amenities and services, while the Riviera Nayarit zone is relatively new and contains the beaches and high end resort properties.
Travel Advisory: Due to an increase in crime in the Mexican state of Nayarit, guests are urged to exercise increased caution when traveling in the region. According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred. Please contact Isle Blue for further information or alternative travel destination options.
If you decide to travel to Mexico:
Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
Review the Crime and Safety Reports for Mexico.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.
There is truly something for everyone in the Puerto Vallarta area. The Los Muerto Beach is among the central attractions as it runs the entire length of the Old Town or "Zona Romantica". This is home to the many shops, cafes, boutiques, bars, clubs and restaurants.
The city is also home to impressive Botanical Gardens covering more than 20 acres and the Haciena de Oro Visitor's Center offers truly amazing views of the mountains. Visitors will also enjoy the frequent whale watching excursions out into the bay, and there are several excellent golf courses in the city as well. Diving is, naturally, a key activity, and the city is one of Mexico's top diving destinations, so shops are in abundance. Snorkeling is popular as well.
For those who want to head into the mountains, the Sierra Madre are popular with zip line and canopy tours as well as hiking expeditions. Sailing, kite surfing, turtle and bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, and many other activities are all readily available in the area and the resorts. Of course, dining, shopping, art and entertainment are enormously popular in the city as well. Speaking with an Isle Blue concierge can help you choose the right options to make your Puerto Vallarta holiday even more unforgettable.
