The Vallarta area is the second-most visited resort destination in all of Mexico, attracting 2.2 million tourists per year! The area has long-served as a relaxing refuge for travelers seeking more than just a beautiful beach. The sun-drenched colonial seaside town of Puerto Vallarta is both dramatic in setting and diverse in its appeal.

Vallarta overlooks the Pacific Ocean on Mexico’s western coast, and is located in both the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. From the moment you step off the plane at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), you will be awestruck by the natural beauty of this popular Mexican destination. From the lush green hills to the bright blue water and its colorful sea-life, you will love the quaint feel of Vallarta. The area is easily accessible from many key US gateways including LA, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Phoenix and Newark (Sunseekers Vacations can include a quote with flights or without, go to Request a Quote for more information).

NUEVO VALLARTA

Both Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta have a beautiful setting between the hills and the ocean and a welcoming ambiance with friendly and inviting locals as well as a lively community of travelers from the US, Canada and Europe, who make vacationers feel right at home.

Nuevo Vallarta is newer than Puerto Vallarta so it has many modern facilities. The name Nuevo Vallarta means 'New Vallarta.' Many of the hotels in the area are all inclusive and the community also features a beautiful shopping mall, a new marina with private slips, two new world-class golf clubs (El Tigre Paradise Village Golf Club and Mayan Resorts Golf Club), a beautiful dolphin facility and research center by Dolphin Discovery, a seasonal turtle protection reserve, and a very efficient transportation system (between Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta). Transportation to Puerto Vallarta takes about 45 minutes by bus (for about 10 pesos or $1 USD) or 30 minutes in a taxi (about 150 Pesos or $13 USD). The bus runs every half hour and you can find a taxi virtually anywhere. When you are catching the bus back to Nuevo Vallarta from Puerto Vallarta, you will have to go in onto Hidalgo Avenue away from the coast as buses do not run along the Malecon.

PUERTO VALLARTA

While staying in Nuevo Vallarta, you should definitely make a trip to Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta is a quaint, picturesque colonial town that has evolved to meet the needs of tourists (with new hotels, golf courses, meeting facilities, upscale shops and restaurants, etc). Whitewashed buildings, winding cobblestone streets, homes with red Spanish tile roofs, and flowers in every color help Puerto Vallarta maintain its old town charm. Visit the landmark Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the town square and the Malecon. Puerto Vallarta is a very artsy community so you should definitely take some time to enjoy the art galleries and sculptures along the Malecon or ‘waterfront boulevard’.

Vallarta Art

VallARTa is a major center for the arts in Mexico with many art galleries and artists calling the Vallarta area home. You'll enjoy both local Mexican art and more contemporary art. Art will also come in all forms including traditional Mexican Indian folk art, pottery, wood carvings, leather, paintings, jewelry, silver, sculpture, clothing, glass, and more.

If you are traveling between October 26 and April 26 don’t miss the Old Town Art Walk through a number of Puerto Vallarta art galleries. Seventeen galleries have gotten together to invite you for a free cocktail and entrance to their galleries. The tour runs every Wednesday night from 6 to 10 pm. All of the participating galleries are located in the historic center of Puerto Vallarta within easy walking distance of the Main Plaza.

Malecon

The Malecon is a must see if you are visiting the Vallarta area. The beautiful seawall walkway or boardwalk stretches the length of downtown Vallarta along the Playa de los Muertos beach and provides a way to take in the beauty of the ocean, the bay, the beaches, the downtown area as well as the mountains. Features of the boardwalk include permanent art exhibits, street performers and some of the best places to dine and drink in town. Enjoy people watching, boutique shopping, or street performances from the Malecon or one of the many great restaurants and bars that line this memorable strip. The Malecon is very popular in the evening as it gives you the best unobstructed view of the spectacular sunsets.

For evening or afternoon entertainment walk down to the south end of the waterfront. The large outdoor amphitheater features folk dancing, live music, cultural festivities and clown shows. Los Arcos, also located at the south end of the Malecon has great snorkeling as well as glass bottom boat tours.

Some of the landmark statues along the Malecon are the ‘Friendship Fountain’ with 3 dolphins, the 9-foot tall statue of a boy riding ‘The Sea Horse’ which has become Puerto Vallarta’s symbol and signature sculpture, ‘The Rotunda del Mar’ by Alejandro Colunga are a set of whimsical high-backed chairs that you can sit in and explore, ‘La Nostalgia’ (pictured to the right) is romantic and very popular among locals and tourists. There are many more amazing statues along the Malecon for you to enjoy!

Vallarta Attractions

If you are interested in some area history, the Museo Arqueológico has pre-Columbian figures and Mexican-Indian artifacts. It is located on the Western tip of Isla Rio Cuale in Puerto Vallarta. You can reach the island by the stairs that lead down from either bridge over the river. Admission is free, but a donation is requested.