Planning your Puerto Vallarta vacation
 What
was once a small trading post that provided supplies to Baja California
is now one of the best-known travel destinations in the world. While
many Mexican cities are known as tourist havens, Puerto Vallarta
has managed to maintain much of its charm and tranquility. The city
still has colonial Spanish architecture with cobblestone streets,
stucco houses with red terracotta tiles, and colorful balconies
adorned with flowers. The first settlers were members of the Aztatlán
tribes who used the region as a commercial center. In the 16th century,
Spanish conquistadors made their way to the Pacific coast, bringing
in crops and settlers. Years later, the population also grew after
U.S. companies built large banana plantations nearby. It wasn't
until Puerto Vallarta became the location for a major movie production
that tourists began to stream into the city. Guests will have plenty
of accommodations to choose from when they visit Puerto Vallarta.
There are more than 15,000 rooms available at Puerto Vallarta's
hotels.
It's easy to
see why movie producers and directors chose Puerto Vallarta as the
site to film Tennessee Williams’ “Night of the Iguana.” The weather
is consistent. Temperatures reach into the 90s during the summer,
but are in the low 80s during the winter. The rainy season is from
June to September. Between December and January, it’s hot and sunny.
The area’s beautiful beaches and quaint atmosphere also add to its
appeal. In the 1960s, John Houston decided to shoot “Night of the
Iguana” in Mismaloya Beach, which is south of Puerto Vallarta. At
the time of the film’s shooting, star Richard Burton was dating
actress Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor came to Puerto Vallarta to visit
Burton on the set. The only problem was that Taylor was still married
to singer Eddie Fisher. The scandal caused the paparazzi to descend
on the area…giving it a tourist boost that continues today. The
tourism fervor also continued when Burton and Taylor bought a home
in the Gringo Gulch neighborhood. The home, called “Casa Kimberly,”
is now a bed and breakfast.
Climate
The jungle surrounds
Puerto Vallarta, so it receives a lot of rain. The rainy season is
from June to September. The heaviest rain falls during September.
The dry season is between December and January. It can be warm during
the summer with an average of 90 degrees. The high is in the 80s during
the winter, but it can be cool in the evenings and early mornings.
Entry
Requirements
To enter Mexico,
you must have picture identification and one of the following: an
original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid passport.
Citizens of most western nations don’t need a visa, but they must
have proof of citizenship to receive a Mexican tourist card. That
card (or a copy) should be carried with you at all times.
Transportation
Tourists have
several transportation options in Puerto Vallarta. Taxis are plentiful
and cheap, as are city buses. If you choose to travel to other areas
in the region, you can catch a water taxi. Roundtrip tickets cost
$20 to $30 (U.S.). If you choose to take a private water taxi, expect
to pay twice as much. Rental cars are available, but they can be expensive.
You should only rent a car if you intend to travel long distances. |
