Puerto Vallarta Attractions

Although Puerto Vallarta's cobbled alleys and white houses roofed with red tiles make it an attractive town, visitors are mainly drawn here by its expansive beaches, opportunities for water-sports, and tropical scenery. As well as its sea-front promenade (the Malecón) and its numerous hotels, restaurants, night-spots and gift shops, Puerto Vallarta also has a small museum in Escuela 15 de Mayo and Guadalupe Church featuring a curious crown-shaped tower.

Yelapa ("place of reunion") is an especially picturesque beach with a freshwater lagoon and waterfall; it is also a good place for diving.

During the period December to March visitors can observe the hump-backed whales which come thousands of kilometres from the North Pacific to these warmer waters to mate.

The Zoologico de Vallarta is a natural, recreation and cultural reserve that allows visitors to discover the magic of the jungle. There are over 350 birds, mammals and reptiles that call the zoo home. Visitors to Zoologico de Vallarta can feed the hippos, dears, rhea, dromedary, spider monkeys, bears, and flamingos. There is also a children's petting zoo.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta, along the MEX 200, stretches the Costa Alegre, with some magnificent beaches and rich flora and fauna. The little resort of Las Almandas, Quemaro is unusual in that it consists of four villas for a maximum of 22 guests.