About Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is located in the Bay of Banderas, in the state of Jalisco on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Well known the careful preservation of its authentic Mexican traditions and historic center.
Geography
Puerto Vallarta features 25 miles of coastline and a diverse topography, including tropical jungles, rocky riverbeds, steep mountain sides and arid flatlands. Each region brings a uniqueness that adds to the entire charm of Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Weather
Puerto Vallarta sits on the same latitude as the Hawaiian Islands, and enjoys a consistent sub-tropical climate throughout the year. The rainy season lasts June to September. Temperatures reach 90° F during the summer and the low to mid 80’s F during the winter. Nighttime tends to cool down with temperatures ranging from the 60’s to the mid 70’s.
Marina Vallarta
The Marina area includes the private marine pier that has everything, from fabulous yachts to small fishing boats sailing in and out. The area is also home of the cruise ship dock as well as condominiums and the Marina resort area.
The Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone or zona hotelera stretches from Downtown (El Centro) to Marina Vallarta and is home to many hotels including all inclusive resort chains and like Hilton, Fiesta Americana, Now, Secrets and Sheraton to boutique properties and high-rise condos.
Downtown (El Centro) and Romantic Zone
Considered the heart of Puerto Vallarta, known for its nightlife, restaurants, bars and shopping. The downtown area is walk-friendly with its quaint cobble stoned streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron balconies and red-tiled roofs and home to most of Puerto Vallarta’s finest gastronomy, art galleries and crafts markets. The town’s famous Malecón (boardwalk) lines the beach all along this area and the Arcos (Arches), across the street from the town’s main square.
South Shore
The South Shore is where the Sierra Madre Mountains meet the Bay creating many secluded beaches, coves, and rivers. Many of the beaches in this area are so isolated that they are only accessible by boat. The mountainous jungle extends right up to the white sandy beach creating a picturesque tropical setting. Many outdoor adventure and eco-tourism activities are held in this area.
Photo credits: OCV Puerto Vallarta