Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta is a coastal city in Jalisco, Mexico. Although a home for the native Cuyuteco and Aztatlan peoples for centuries, the official founding of what is today modern Puerto Vallarta occurred in 1851 when Don Guadalupe Sánchez Torres established a small fishing village there. In the early 1960s, Hollywood director John Huston filmed “The Night of the Iguana” starring Richard Burton in the area, a move that generated lots of public interest due to Burton’s ongoing affair with bombshell Elizabeth Taylor. The sudden influx of celebrities and international media outlets transformed Puerto Vallarta into a glamorous vacation destination and luxury summer retreat overnight. From beaches to entertaining performances, there’s always plenty of things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Learn more when you book travel with Gray Line Worldwide today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Puerto Vallarta
The Malecón Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta is an oceanfront promenade that undoubtedly serves as the beating heartbeat of the city. Dating back to the 1930s, this one-mile stretch of shoreline was initially constructed as a seawall to protect the town from flooding. Renovations in the 1980s heightened its convenience to pedestrians, which in turn attracted a slew of new entertainment, artistic, and cultural establishments. Take photos next to the Malecón’s bronze sculptures of The Little Seahorse and Nature as Mother. The boardwalk’s authentic tacos al pastor, tamales, and other regional favorites are a particular culinary standout
Also known as “Old Town,” Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone is an enchanting neighborhood composed of cobblestone streets, a lively arts scene, and beautiful beachfront. In the 1960s, Puerto Vallarca was transitioning from a small fishing village into an internationally renowned tourist destination. Director John Huston’s starring vehicle for Richard Burton and Ava Gardner — “The Night of the Iguana” — showcased Puerto Vallarta’s appeal as a vacation home for celebrities and business moguls. Burton and Elizabeth Taylor even purchased a residence in the city. Nowadays, the Romantic Zone’s whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and colorful facades hold just as much appeal to visitors as they did in the late 20th century.
A picturesque colonial town situated in the Sierra Madre Mountains and about 43 miles east of Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián del Oeste provides a great opportunity to introduce visitors to a traditionally authentic Mexican experience. Founded in 1605, the settlement started as a mining town under Spanish colonial rule. Centuries later, San Sebastián del Oeste is now considered an official “Magic Town” by the Mexican government for its historical and cultural significance. Don’t miss a visit to the town’s Main Plaza and Church of San Sebastián. The Hacienda Jalisco is another landmark that showcases the town’s mining history inside its converted museum space.
The Sierra Madre mountain range offers a truly spectacular backdrop to Puerto Vallarta’s already abundant charms. Stretching across the western coast of Mexico, this section of the Sierra Madres is renowned for its biodiverse ecosystems, long connection with indigenous groups, and array of outdoor activities. Since the arrival of Europeans, the mountains also served as a critical refuge and base of operations for population groups displaced by Spanish colonization. Participate in an eco-tour through the area’s tropical forests and keep an eye peeled for species like macaws, jaguars, and iguanas.
Time to live the pirate life during Buccaneer Night, a captivating evening attraction that combines live performance, immersive entertainment, and freshly prepared meals into a rollicking adventure on the high seas. The Marigalante is a faithful replica ship built to the specifications of Christopher Columbus’s Santa María Spanish galleon. Sit on the deck and marvel as acrobatics and actors spin through the air above you. Gourmet dinner options include grilled steak, lobster tail, vegetarian dishes, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Finish your evening with a literal bang as the night sky glows with an over-the-ocean fireworks display.
Nestled along the southern shores of Banderas Bay sits Las Caletas, the secluded beach getaway for famed Hollywood director John Huston. Filming “The Night of the Iguana” nearby, Huston fell in love with the area and decided to purchase a private residence. Now managed by Vallarta Adventures, Las Caletas is teeming with golden sand, lush jungle vegetation, and open-air massage huts overlooking the ocean. Accessible only by boat, Las Caletas is an exciting escape into imaginative experiences like “Rhythms of the Night.” With an emphasis on family friendly activities, Las Caletas offers a great mix of an exclusive adult beach club and plenty of things to keep the kids busy.
About 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a popular beach city on Mexico’s Pacific coastline. A relatively sleepy town for decades, amateur and professional surfers alike flocked into Sayulita’s waters during the 1960s and 1970s. With consistent waves great for all levels of skill on a surfboard, Sayulita is also a popular place to sunbathe, watch sunsets, and admire numerous galleries featuring work from local and international artists. Dining options include a little bit of everything — emphasis on Mexican and seafood dishes — and the fresh-mixed margaritas are constantly flowing. Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase traditional Huichol crafts, including intricate beadwork and yarn paintings.
In Puerto Vallarta’s neighboring Nuevo Vallarta, Aquaventuras Park is a destination that combines aquatic fun with outdoor adventure. The park focuses on providing guests interactive and instructive experiences with marine life. With 10 different water slides that range from high-speed drops to steep turns, Aquaventuras Park also is home to a lazy river, zip lines, climbing walls, and a full-on challenge circuit. For an extra fee, visitors can book time to swim with dolphins and sea lions under the supervision of trained park guides. Operating hours do vary seasonally, so make sure to check your vacation dates.
A small group of uninhabited islands about 7.5 miles off the coast of Nayarit, the Marieta Islands are a popular tourist destination accessible from Puerto Vallarta. In the early 1900s, the Mexican government used the islands for military testing. As a result, the crater-like formation of Hidden Beach — also known as Playa del Amor or “Beach of Love” — came to life. True to its name, Hidden Beach is nearly invisible from the outside and is only accessible through a water tunnel connected to the Pacific. Now the Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, the islands are federally protected after the advocacy of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau in the 1960s. Snorkel with sea turtles or go bird-watching for the blue-footed booby. Humpback whales can also be spotted on boat tours during their December to March migratory season. Note that access to this protected space is limited, so make sure you plan ahead!
A captivating evening excursion, “Rhythms of the Night” is an attraction located on Las Caletas, the private beach residence developed by director John Huston. Created in the same spirit as the internationally popular Cirque du Soleil shows, “Rhythms of the Night” incorporates acrobatics, music, and dance to weave a narrative that reflects the spiritual heritage of the region. The experience begins with a scenic voyage through Banderas Bay and a torch-lit arrival at Las Caletas proper. Following a gourmet candlelit buffet dinner, guests enter a jungle amphitheater perfect for telling stories steeped in ancient Mexican legends of love, conquest, and connection with the natural world,
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Excellent efficient service and driver
Very good experience, both the Grayline representative and the Taxi Driver were very helpful, efficient and friendly.
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