Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851 as a small port town and became a major tourist destination only after the 1963 filming of 'The Night of the Iguana' starring Richard Burton put it on the map.

The city's distinctive red-tiled roofs and colonial architecture are concentrated in the Zona Romántica (Old Town), a pedestrian-friendly area built on a hillside overlooking Banderas Bay.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's top beach destinations but averages fewer tourists than Cancún, making it less crowded while still offering world-class resorts and restaurants.

The city sits on the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire coast, making it prone to occasional earthquakes, though modern buildings are earthquake-resistant.

Fresh Pacific seafood dominates local cuisine, with ceviche, huachinango (red snapper), and camarones being signature dishes available at beachfront restaurants.

The Malecón (seaside promenade) stretches for miles and is free to walk, lined with sculptures, street vendors, and sunset views over Banderas Bay.