About Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city that is located off the Pacific Ocean coast in the State of Jalisco and makes up part of the Banderas Bay. The 2010 census reported Puerto Vallarta's population at approximately 255,725 residents making it the second largest city in the state of Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is named after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is known for it’s warm climate, activities for the adventurous at heart such as zip line tours, ATV rides through the jungle including activities for those looking for a quieter vacation that include beautiful beaches and many city streets to explore. Puerto Vallarta is so popular among American and Canadian tourist that they just call it "PV" for short since they know it so well. 

Puerto Vallarta history

Since it’s beginnings, Puerto Vallarta has had an interesting and multifaceted history. From the discoveries of the first settlements to the arrival of it’s first settlers the Azatlan who with the passage of time developed their own culture which they named Bandera. The chroniclers from this period called the valley Xiutla; which means “where all the small plants grow.” Around 1525 the Spaniards began to call it Banderas Valley, bringing with them four banners and an image of the Holy Virgin Mary. After the Spanish conquest, Puerto Vallarta began the process of rediscovering itself and became a township on December 2, 1851. Like most seaside cities at the time, a port was necessary in order to transport the silver that came from the mines. Thanks to the activities in the port and it’s quick growth on May 1918 a municipality was formed and named after the Governor of Jalisco, at the time that was Ignacio L. Vallarta and hence the name Puerto Vallarta. In 1968, Puerto Vallarta was elevated from a municipality to a city and from this point forward Puerto Vallarta grew not only economically but culturally and became the most important tourism city in the states of Jalisco.

Tourism in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has a typical tropical climate, with near constant temperature and humidity year round and has a pronounced wet and dry seasonal variation. The average daily high temperature is 86 °F; average daily low temperature is 70 °F; average daily humidity is 75%. The rainy season extends from mid June through Mid October, with most of the rain falling between July and September. August is the city's wettest month with an average of 14 days with significant rain. Occasional tropical storms will bring thunderstorms to the city in November, though the month is typically dry. February, March and April are the months with the least cloud cover.  

Puerto Vallarta is a fusion of the very best of Mexico, from beach resorts that are hip and modern to ones that have a local and historic feel. The city and resort offers visitors the very best from award winning restaurants, to off the beaten track adventure and 24 hour excitement. Whether you come to get away from it all or soak it all in, Puerto Vallarta and the many surrounding coastal beaches along with the colonial villages and rustic ranch towns offer a spectacular array of entertainment to leave even the most seasoned traveler satisfied. If you are seeking a taste of the more traditional Mexico then a visit to the Tianguis market is a must for your trip. A nearby attraction is also an adventurous visit the Marieta Islands. Getting to these island is fast and easy with a 30 minute boat ride from Puerto Vallarta. The Marieta Islands are a protected ecological park and home to a vast array of sea life and sea birds, which also make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. 
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Travel information when visiting Puerto Vallarta

Airport: Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport
Address: Carretera a Tepic Km 7.5, 48311 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 322 221 1298

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Puerto Vallarta.
Read about the next beach destination > or select another beach destination yourself using the quick links below:

Cancun | Cabo San Lucas | Puerto Escondido | Puerto Vallarta | Zihuatanejo | Ensenada | Mazatlan | Playa Del Carmen | Guaymas
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