puerto vallarta mexico travel adventure...great destinations, travel tips, beaches, resorts, retirement spots, golf and more!

Of all of Mexico's resorts, Puerto Vallarta may have the most romantic setting, nestled against a tropical jungle with the sparkling Pacific Ocean stretched out before it. This beautiful city, with its palm-lined beaches, white-washed buildings and cobblestone streets, typifies the Mexican Riviera resort. Despite its development, it retains much of its "Old Mexico" charm and attracts visitors from all over the world. Puerto Vallarta was a sleepy fishing village for much of its history. It wasn't until 1963 when director John Houston came to town and filmed Tennessee Williams' "Night of the Iquana" with Liz Taylor and Richard Burton that the village started to become a jet-set vacation destination.

Puerto Vallarta sits on Banderas Bay, the third largest bay in the world; it is home to some wonderfully secluded beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat. Charter one of the local operators and visit Las Caletas, the location of John Houston's former home, Yelapa, a little bit of paradise with a Bohemian ambiance, and Quimixto where visitors can take a horseback ride to a local waterfall and swimming pool. Visitors can also take half-day horseback rides into Puerto Vallarta's tropical hillsides where they'll visit Mexican villages and see plentiful wildlife.

Short airplane rides are available for those wanting to visit San Sebastian, one of the oldest mines in all of Mexico, and three tropical parks where travelers can hike and swim are not far from town.

Fishing is a way of life in Mazatlan; all-day charter boats start at around $250. The best months are March through December. For snorkeling and swimming, try Deer Island, Stone Island and Playa Cerritos. As for beaches, Mazatlan has one of the longest stretches of sand in all of Mexico. Check out Playa Los Cerritos for an uncrowded experience, Playa Olas Altas for surfing and Playa Norte where local fishermen moor their boats.