Why You Should Vacation In
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Most of us have heard of Puerto Vallarta and it may bring
images to our minds of tropical scenes and exotic travels.
Maybe we remember that this was where the Love Boat made a
stop once a week. But there may be a question as to what attractions
and activities can be found in this coastal Mexican city.
Puerto Vallarta is located on the West Coast of Mexico, south
of the Baja Peninsula. The weather all year round is beautiful
and the cost of living is low, which may be why over 20,000
Americans own vacation homes there.
Puerto Vallarta may be best know as the location for the
1963 movie "Night of the Iguana" starring Richard
Burton and Ava Gardner. Actually, most of it was filmed a
few minutes drive down the coast in Mismayola, but walking
tours can point out buildings in town where Burton stayed
and had his affair (or one of his marriages with Elizabeth
Taylor. - Who can keep track?) The U.S. media gave a lot of
attention to the couple and to all the infighting among director
John Huston and the film's stars and the publicity put Puerto
Vallarta on the map. Today, most bus and walking tours will
make some mention of the film and point out applicable sights
of interest.
While there are so many reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta,
it is the beautiful beaches that lure most people to return
again and again. Puerto Vallarta sits on 25 miles of beaches
within Banderas Bay, Mexico's largest bay. Being located on
the bay is what opens the possibility of so many different
types of water sports and activities. The large marina is
home to an abundant population of sports fishing boats. Most
of the boats can be chartered to take you to any of the hottest
fishing spots, where you can try your hand at wrestling one
of the large fish the area is known for.
Another popular activity is to take a tour out to the island
of Yelapa where you can seem to step back in time and see
small village life as it still exists in Mexico. In addition
to tours, there are many programs available for swimming with
dolphins, a popular resort town activity that has increased
tremendously in recent years. Whale watching has also become
big business in Puerto Vallarta.
Most resorts are situated right on the water and provide
all sorts of activities, such as windsurfing, snorkeling,
and kayaking. Of course, you may just like to hunker down
under a palm tree with your favorite adult beverage and shop
from all the roving vendors that carry their wares up and
down the beach.
But if lying on the beach all day drinking and shopping gets
a bit mundane, you may feel the need to hit the links. There
are several championship quality golf courses in the immediate
Puerto Vallarta area. Clubs and shoes are available to rent,
so don't worry if you didn't bring any of your own equipment
with you.
For a tropical getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure
filled trip, you can bet that you will find something fun
to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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