Unlike other vacation destinations in Mexico (and elsewhere) Puerto Vallarta was not a planned resort town. It just sort of happened!  Puerto Vallarta has always been here. Back in the 1500's the Bay was named the "Bahia de Banderas" (Bay of Flags) by a Spanish sea adventurer whose arrival was greeted by thousands of natives waving feathered flags.

One of the reasons that Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming one of the world's most popular travel destinations is because it offers a unique blend of traditional, "Old Mexico" charm mixed with the modern amenities of a cosmopolitan setting. Cobblestone streets and old Spanish-colonial style white stucco houses with red clay tile roofs climb the mountain sides with red and pink bougainvillea spilling from balconies and roof-tops. The sound of church bells, roosters crowing, and the clatter of donkeys' hooves on the cobblestones continues to be an everyday occurrence, just as it was 150 years ago. Yet, only 10 minutes away, you'll find world-class hotels, a first-rate marina harbor, and luxurious amenities of every kind.

Looking for a beach resort that offers a traditional Mexican flavor with lots of fun things to do? You might be looking for Puerto Vallarta, where you can lay out on the beach all day or do a boat tour, then cruise around town searching the shops for the best bargains and restaurants all night. And the choices of food are endless! You might have homemade Mexican fare one evening and dine at a 5 star epicurean delight the next!

Walking the streets in the old part of Puerto Vallarta is a real joy. El Centro draws a lot of tourists along the Malecon. The Romantic Zone-  this is where you want to be! The streets are generally narrow cobblestone thoroughfares, many of which twist around or climb the hillside at almost impossibly steep grades. Stroll up behind the cathedral and you can snap the picture of the stunningly ornate iron belfry tower that graces postcards you see in the shops. Climb up the narrow stairs or streets and you'll see some of the fabulous balconies of houses and their incredible panoramic view of the city below them and the Bahia Banderas stretched out to the Pacific.

 

The new Vallarta - Neuvo Vallarta is a planned resort area. As more and more cruise ships stop in PV, more and more hotels seem to go up! It's 3-4 miles north of the old downtown.  More on the lines of Cancun. Big chain hotels and restaurants. If you want all the comforts of Sandals or The Marriott, stay in the new area and cab back and fourth. But why stay at a secluded resort, away from the action? If you really want to experience Vallarta, you  want to stay in the old part, specifically the Romantic Zone. All the gay clubs are near by or a $4 cab ride away. 


The Best of Gay Puerto Vallarta!