5 Fun Facts About Puerto Vallarta

The Vallarta Lifestyles editorial team has compiled this list of interesting facts about Puerto Vallarta, as well as things to keep in mind before visiting the area. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the area, please contact us.

How did Puerto Vallarta get named?
One of the most interesting facts about Puerto Vallarta is that it was actually named Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe named after Guadalupe Sánchez, the person who founded this place in 1851. It was not until 1918 when it got renamed to Puerto Vallarta in honor of its former state governor, Ignacio L. Vallarta.

How tall is the mountain range in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay are encircled by the imposing Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. They create a backdrop that goes from sea-level to an altitude of +10,000 ft. The mountain range is also covered by a lush rainforest that serves as home to a large variety of animal life.

Where in fact is the biggest bay in Mexico?
Banderas Bay is huge and its coastline is approximately 60 mi long. It is 4,711 ft deep and 26 mi wide. Some people say that it is the largest bay in North America, and even in the world, but it is not. The largest bay in the world is Bay of Bengal in Asia, and the largest bay in North America is Chesapeake Bay in the US.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe?
Puerto Vallarta has become one of the most popular destinations in Mexico. If you are planning to travel here, you may be wondering: Is Puerto Vallarta safe? The short answer is YES!

When is the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta?
The rainy season in Puerto Vallarta is from June to October. During the summer, the average temperature is 83° F, and in the winter is 70° F. Annually there are more than 300 sunny days.