Vallarta

Vallarta most commonly refers to Puerto Vallarta, a resort city and municipality on the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. It lies at the southern end of Bahía de Banderas, where the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills meet the sea, creating a landscape of beaches, coves, and steep hillsides.

The urban core centers on the waterfront boardwalk, known as the Malecon, and the historic Centro, with cobblestone streets and colonial-era architecture. The Zona Romántica, an adjacent district, is popular for its restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. The Cuale River runs through the town, and hillside neighborhoods overlook the bay.

Puerto Vallarta began as a fishing village called Las Peñas and was renamed in honor of Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco, in the mid‑20th century. The city's growth as a tourist destination accelerated after the 1960s, aided by the construction of an international airport and its association with film and television productions.

Tourism is the main economic activity, supported by hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and a port that receives cruise ships. The surrounding Bahía de Banderas and nearby Riviera Nayarit area attract visitors for scuba diving, whale watching, sailing, and other water sports, as well as cultural events and local markets.

Puerto Vallarta experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate, with a dry season typically from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. The area supports diverse marine life, including seasonal whale migration. Transportation options include Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) and coastal highways connecting to the region.