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Puerto Vallarta |
Like many large Mexican coastal towns, Puerto Vallarta was once a small fishing village that was rapidly transformed into a tourist monolith. Hollywood brought Puerto Vallarta to mainstream North America in the 1960’s, when Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor arrived there to film “The Night of the Iguana.” Other movies have brought the U.S.‘s elite entertainers to its verdant mountains and sunny beaches, and many Hollywood producers still choose Puerto Vallarta for tropical scenes and jungle footage.
Tourist attractions in Vallarta, as it is referred to by locals, are wide-ranging, from the full gamut of water sports, golf, shopping, dining, dancing, and walking around exploring the nooks and crannies of its beachfront road and quaint downtown, easily accessible and attractive with cobblestones and red tile roofs. Visitors often rent cars to explore the beach communities north of town such as pretty Bucerías, breathtaking Punta de Mita, and Sayulita, a surf haven.
Nuevo Vallarta, characterized by large, all-inclusive hotels, is a commercial tourist development lacking historic character, but providing fine ocean views for those who just want to settle in and relax.
The Costa Alegre (Coast of Joy) starts about 75 miles south of Puerto Vallarta. This exclusive area stretches down about 60 miles, ending at Barra de Navidad, which is just north of Manzanillo. Vacationers who happen not to have their own plane or boat will reach the Costa Alegre by flying first into Vallarta’s international airport. Taxis from the airport are very expensive (over US$100) although many hotels there arrange airport transfers for guests. Exploring this area by rental car is usually the best option.
Vallarta has a significant expatriate population of U.S., Canadian, and European entrepreneurs as well as retirees. There is a flourishing real estate industry focused around foreigners and an appealing social and cultural life where those who speak English play an important role. The magazine, Vallarta Lifestyles, helps visitors get a sense of the community.
Puerto Vallarta watches over the well-being of its tourists in an exemplary fashion, with special tourist police sporting white uniforms and traveling on foot. They are visible throughout the tourist zone, and are often found directing traffic. The police are very willing to help should you need assistance.
Water Safety
Hazards include strong waves and undertow, so visitors should be aware of beach flag warning systems. The U.S. General Consulate in Puerto Vallarta reports:
- green – it is safe to swim
- yellow – swim with caution red – stay out of the water due to rip tides or large waves.
Playa los Camarones, near the Zona de Aventura, is a dangerous beach and should be avoided. Though many tourists swim there, it is not considered a tourist swimming area and is not overseen by lifeguards.
Hurricanes are very rare because the town is sheltered by the bay, but warning and emergency systems are active and in place.
Seawater pollution is a health concern for tourists, which can lead to gastrointestinal and skin ailments. Information from Mexico’s beach water advisory reports suggests the beaches most affected in Puerto Vallarta are Quimixto, Boca de Tomatlan, Playa los Muertos, and Playas del Cuale, while the beaches most affected in Bahía Banderas are Playa Bucerias, Punta Mita, and Sayulita. For more information, see Mexico Beach Water Advisory.
