Puerto Vallarta is a unique resort destination offering a wide variety of 
attractions and endless options. Puerto Vallarta has something special for 
each visitor, regardless of personal preferences. There are exciting activities 
and relaxing days by the beach, romantic hideaways and popular night spots. The best of Puerto Vallarta is yours to enjoy in one of the friendliest 
destinations in Mexico.

In 1963, with the filming of "The Night of the Iguana" in nearby Mismaloya 
(south of town), Puerto Vallarta was mentioned on the world news and quickly became one of the most popular destinations in the Mexican Riviera.  Anchored by an old colonial section with winding, narrow cobblestone streets, the town also has wonderful beaches.  The house where Elizabeth Taylor stayed while filming is still to be seen, along with the famous bridge across the street to Richard Burton's house. What remains of the set is 6 miles south, at Mismaloya.

Excursions & Attractions
Puerto Vallarta's other attractions include a scenic mountain backdrop, a good selection of restaurants, deep-sea fishing, adequate shopping and close-in jungles and islands for exploration.  The city by the bay has a population of 250,000 residents and covers 1,3000 square kilometers. It is a city with modern conveniences yet has maintained its Old World Charm. Puerto Vallarta has 300 sunny days a year with temperatures averaging 28C or 82F.  Puerto Vallarta is situated on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, thus the similarity in tropical and humid climates.  

A city tour is an excellent way to see the town. Air-conditioned buses leave every morning to tour Vallarta, Mismaloya and surrounding areas. A "see-all" tropical/city tour by VW van or mini-bus starts at 10 a.m. and lasts five hours (including time for lunch). Arrangements can be made at your hotel travel desk.

Horseback riding along the shore is popular and can be arranged at most beaches. Local companies offers a number of horseback tours. Their standard three-hour tour begins and ends at their ranches.  The tour takes you into the back roads of farm country. You'll pass through mango orchards, cattle ranches and farmland, visit a small, rural village. Daily tours leave at 9:30 a.m. and 
3 p.m. Also some companies offer 5-day trips on horseback, for small groups, into the Sierra Madre and up to the old mining town of San Sebastian del 
Oeste, located 48 kms. South East Puerto Vallarta inside the Sierra Madre Mountains.  

A jungle tour leaving twice daily takes visitors exploring. Air tours provide a one-day jaunt to Guadalajara and the nearby handicrafts center of Talaquepaque. Packages include air fare, sightseeing, guide service and lunch.  

Fishing
The waters off Puerto Vallarta rank with the best in the world for both deep
sea and small game fishing. November through May is the best season for sailfish. Throughout the year there are plenty of smaller fish: red snapper, rooster fish, bass, sea bass, dorado, swordfish, tuna, bonito and others.  

There are many fishing boats available. Most offer catch-and-release sport fishing trips. A deep-sea fishing tournament is held each year in November. Nearby lakes offer the attraction of freshwater catches like black bass. In February, a sailing regatta beginning in California ends here.  If you're into fishing, be sure to take part in the annual Sailfish Tournament usually held 
in November.

Nightlife 
Puerto Vallarta offers plenty of nightlife for everyone!  From Jazz Clubs to 
Rock Clubs, from Salsa to Rhythm and Blues, from Piano Bars to Beach Bars 
to Sport Bars, you will find them all!

Puerto Vallarta offers dining to suits everyone's taste.  There are restaurants, cafes and eateries of every kind. With over 500 restaurants in town, tourists can find Italian, Greek, French, Oriental, Vegetarian, Bavarian, American, and 
of course, Mexican fair.

Shopping
The shopping in Puerto Vallarta is as rich and diverse as the history and 
culture.  The city has literally hundreds of shops where visitors can purchase anything from designer fashions, trinkets, sombreros, collector crafts and art from all over Mexico and beyond. There is something here for everyone. Since Mexico is the worlds largest  producer of silver, excellent values abound
on jewelry of every description.

OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION:from the Mexico Tourist Department

HEALTH:Health problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico. Information on health precautions can be obtained from local health departments or private doctors. It is wise to review your health insurance policy before you travel. There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.

Most hotels offer purified water, but it is always advised to drink bottled water. Be aware of ice cubes (sorry, this includes Margaritas) that may not have been made with purified water Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in a purifying solution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, do not eat it. Diarrhea may benefit from antimicrobial treatment which may be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Travelers should consult a physician, rather than attempt self-medication, if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.

A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations

Getting Into Mexico:
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and remaining within 25 kilometers of the border do not need a permit to enter. Those wishing to travel past the 25 kilometer border
area of Mexico must be properly documented. Those transiting Mexico to another country need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days.

Tourist Cards:
All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or study for up to 180 days need a document, called a tourist card in English or FMT in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico, The airlines will provide you with one prior to landing. Upon entering Mexico, retain and safeguard the pink copy of your tourist card so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist card expires or you are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration service (Direccion General de Servicios Migratorios).
 
Traveling With Minors
A child under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent. Children traveling alone or in someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that the parent is the only custodial parent.

Returning to the United States

You must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your point of departure from Mexico.

The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning from international travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including 1 liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items brought back is subject to a duty of 10%. In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor, wine, and beer imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring back alcoholic beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the liquor control office of the state through which you plan to return.

TIPPING: In Mexico, it is customary to tip 10 percent in restaurants, and you may also give a couple of dollars to any passing band whose playing is particularly pleasing. However, the American custom of tipping 15 to 20% is practiced at international resorts.  Housemaids in hotels may be covered by
an all-inclusive charge, but welcome US$2-$3 tips per night, and don't forget 
to hand over something small to the little boy who runs to clean your windshield or who fills your car up with gasoline for you. Mexicans always tell you that tipping is not expected; it may, however, be well deserved and they always thank you.