Puerto Vallarta is nestled on the Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags), the second largest bay on the American continent, and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. Puerto Vallarta offers 25 miles of golden beaches on the Mexican Pacific and is characterized by its impressive colonial and modern buildings, deluxe hotels, shopping malls and golf courses. These attractions have made Puerto Vallarta a favorite among vacationers and retirees, who now call the city home. The closest major airport is Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl. aka Puerto Vallarta Intl (PVR). Visitors who take the time to Learn Spanish are able to better enjoy the culture, the people and feel more comfortable traveling.

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The beaches at and near Puerto Vallarta are breathtaking, each with its unique charm. The best beach for such water sports as sailing, fishing and jet skiing, for example, is Bahia de Banderas, while Quimixto, Punta Mita and los Arcos are ideal for diving. Boat rides around the bay offer the chance to observe dolphins, turtles and humpback whales.

Ecotourism is another popular attraction in Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos Marine Ecological Reserve is a group of three rock islands located across Mismaloya Beach and featuring a variety of marine birds, marine mammals and a sample of ocean organisms. Ridley turtles lay their eggs on Vallarta's shores.

The historic downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is quaint and walk-friendly, with cobblestone streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs, complemented by impressive colonial structures like the Templo de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe and original murals by the artist Manuel Lepe. The local Museum of Archaeology is also worth noting for its display of pre-Colombian artifacts from the nearby archaeological site.

Puerto Vallarta is an important indigenous handicrafts center for the Huichol Indians, an ethnic group that has managed to preserve its traditions in an ever-changing city. Travelers can learn to make their own artifacts at Terra Noble, where the locals teach visitors their artistic techniques. Silver, blown glass, pottery, serapes, clothes, masks and many other handicrafts are also available in the stores on Juarez and Morelos streets, Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno and Plaza Caracol.

Puerto Vallarta's more than 250 restaurants offer a wide array of delightful local seafood dishes as well as a broad range of international cuisine. Quaint sidewalk cafes and coffee houses also abound in Puerto Vallarta, often featuring live music. Try Carlos O'Brian's, the Cafe de Artistes or De Santos in the downtown area. For night owls, check out the many bars and nightclubs in Puerto Vallarta, offering everything from live jazz and salsa, to popular DJ mixes. For more information, visit www.puertovallarta.net.

Puerto Vallarta boasts numerous festivals throughout the year. And in November, Puerto Vallarta hosts one of Mexico's premier culinary arts events, the Festival Gourmet (www.festivalgourmet.com), attended by more than 20,000 people annually. Local chefs at participating restaurants and more than 20 guest chefs from around the world serve up some 500 gourmet foods, cheeses, tequilas and liquors. The event also involves cooking classes, wine tasting, beer samplings and other activities.