Car Hire Puerto Vallarta - Mini guide to Puerto Vallarta

One of the most charming destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers the delights of a colonial city along with vast beaches, great eco-tourism and modern amenities. The wealth of activities and the stunning natural beauty of this town draw visitors in hordes.

One of the most picturesque promenades in all of Mexico is in Puerto Vallarta. The walkway is decorated with spectacular sculptures, many of which are so unique they constantly draw crowds. Also worth seeing are the fountains in the main square, which are adorned with leaping dolphins, and the Fantasy by the Sea series by Mexican artist Alejandro Colunga. This area, the Malecón, also boasts vibrant restaurants and bars, and is a fantastic spot for people-watching.

The Church of Guadalupe, famous for its red-brick bell tower, is worth visiting. Also of interest is the white-balconied former home of actors Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who lived here while shooting a film in 1963. Most visitors head to Puerto Vallarta for the beautiful beaches. There are more than a dozen beaches stretching along the Bahia de las Banderas, and the closest beach to the town is Playa Los Muertos.

Ecotourism is gaining popularity in Puerto Vallarta, and visitors can choose from an array of outdoor activities, including: mountain biking in the Sierra foothills, whale-watching, ocean kayaking and scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing is a big draw here as well, and the Puerto Vallarta Sailfish Tournament, a major international fishing event, is held each November.

Puerto Vallarta's bars and nightclubs feature a wide range of music, from live Mariachi bands to salsa dance and rock and roll. Puerto Vallarta also has more restaurants than any resort town in Mexico, and features some of the best and freshest seafood around. A fun place to sample Mexican food and purchase local handicrafts, including pottery, fabrics and silver, is the Municipal Market on the north side of town.

Puerto Vallarta can be reached via coastal Highway 200 from Mazatlán in about six hours, or from Manzanillo in about four hours. You can also drive from Guadalajara along Highway 15. Most major Mexican bus lines have services to Puerto Vallarta from other major points, including Mazatlán, Tepic, Manzanillo, Guadalajara and Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta has a small international airport that receives flights from major cities in the USA and destinations throughout Mexico.