Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is a popular Mexican resort city located on the western Pacific coast of Mexico, along Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas), approximately 563 miles west of Guadalajara. The Bay is home to a plethora of marine life, and according to UNESCO, is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The city itself is a vacationers paradise, boasting such modern conveniences as 5 star hotels, golf courses, and gourmet restaurants; all while maintaining its traditional Mexican charm with cobble streets, the beautiful Sierra Madre Mountains, and lush jungle environments and waterfalls perfect for the adventurous tourist.

According to the 2005 census, Puerto Vallarta is the 5th largest city in the state of Jalisco, with a population just under 180,000 and an area of approximately 500 square miles. The city derives its name from a former governor of Jalisco, Ignacio Vallarta, and is often referred to as PV, PVR (after the IATA code for its international airport), or simply Vallarta.

Second only to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most visited cities with approximately 2 million tourists and just under 500 flights to its international airport annually. The city also receives a number of cruise ships to its port (Terminal Maritimo), which include a number of the larger cruise lines:

• Carnival
• Holland America
• Norwegian
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Carribean

Puerto Vallarta offers a multitude of activities for every type of tourist. The most popular are of course the fine dining (featuring cuisines from all over the world), the night life, and many tours and excursions. If you are planning on visiting Puerto Vallarta, you may also consider booking your activities online. Vallarta Discovery offers extensive discounts on activities in Puerto Vallarta!