Viewfinder

In Banderas Bay there are several places where taking a break to enjoy the surroundings is inevitable. 

palo-maria_-2

Palo María Waterfall

888x576_-21

puente-de-rio-cuale_

Cuale Island Bridge

Cuale Island Bridge, Puerto Vallarta

rompe-olas_

Nuevo Vallarta Seawall

mirador-de-la-cruz_

La Cruz Observation Point

La Cruz Observation Point, Puerto Vallarta

casitas-maraika_

Casitas Maraika

jardin-botanico_

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Costa Sur

palo-maria_

API is Ready to Receive Cruise Ships Again

Galleria Dante and Di Vino Dante are Now Open

6 Places to Breathe Deep in Vallarta · Nayarit

Conrad Punta de Mita will feature 324 impressive guest rooms boasting views of the Pacific Ocean.

conrad_portada

Conrad Punta de Mita

conrad_1

conrad_4

conrad_2

conrad_3

conrad_888x576

Santa Barbara &#8211; Puerto Vallarta Sister City Committee Raises Funds to Donate Food

New Domestic Flights to Puerto Vallarta Announced

Conrad Punta de Mita to Debut this September 2020

Specials

jaguar_sierra_vallejo_portada

Natural Reserves

jaguar_sierra_vallejo_888x576

anp_isla_coral_blog3_

· Isla del Coral (32.12 acres) 
This island, located 1.86 miles from Rincón de Guayabitos, is like a small paradise: beautiful turquoise beach and a great variety of flora and fauna, where you can admire different species of birds, as well as manta rays, turtles, starfish and many goldfish.

anp_riviera_nayarit_blog1_

· Marismas Nacionales Nayarit (330,760.43 acres) 
Located to the northwest of Nayarit, this great network of brackish coastal lagoons, mangrove forests, swamps, deltas and marshes represent between 15 and 20 percent of the total mangrove ecosystems that exist in the country. Here is the Isla Jaguar, a sanctuary for these felines.

parque_nacional_isla_isabel_

· Parque Nacional Isla Isabel (479.38 acres) 
Located in front of the coast of Santiago, Ixcuintla, this place was the first designated Natural Reserve in the state of Nayarit. It is an almost virgin paradise, with a mountainous surface that includes cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

islas_marietas_riviera_nayarit_blog2_

· Parque Nacional Islas Marietas (3,417.46 acres) 
This archipelago, made up of two islands, two islets and several sandy, rocky shallows, is located just 4.97 miles from Punta de Mita and it is home to a diversity of endemic species, as well as the impressive Playa del Amor or Playa Escondida, an extraordinary oasis of white sand and crystal clear water located inside an artificial crater.

anp_la_tovara_blog5-1_

· Parque Nacional La Tovara (14,166.55 acres) 
Located in the municipality of San Blas, this extraordinary habitat is made up of an estuary and a freshwater spring, with waterways you can travel by boat surrounded by different types of mangrove, lush vegetation and flowers such as orchids and bromeliads. It also houses endemic and migratory species.

anp_islas_marias_blog2_

· Reserva Natural Islas Marías (1,584,647.27 acres) 
This archipelago, made up of the Isla Madre, Isla María Magdalena, Isla María Cleofas and the San Juanito islet; is located 69.59 miles from the San Blas coast. This place presents a wide variety of ecosystems such as coasts, reefs, mangroves, low forests and medium forests. In addition, it contains a large number of flora and fauna species.

· Sierra de Vallejo (157,154 acres) 
Extended across the municipalities of Bahía de Banderas and Compostela, this impressive place is home to enchanting flora and fauna, as well as rivers and streams that flow down from the hills, one of the most representative is Cerro de Vallejo. Here you can also find the Santuario del Jaguar, which covers 4,942.10 acres. Given its environmental importance, it is considered a heritage of Mexicans and of the entire world.
Altogether, the Natural Protected Areas of Riviera Nayarit total 2,090,657.31 acres.
Photos and info courtesy of <a href="https://blog.rivieranayarit.com.mx/2020/06/19/areas-naturales-protegidas-en-riviera-nayarit-un-tesoro-de-biodiversidad/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau</a>.

API in the List of Ports that Operates with Strict Sanitary Regulations

GAP Announces New Security Protocols for its Airports

Impressive Natural Reserves of Riviera Nayarit

Resembling the set of a dystopian film, this series of photographs taken by Miguel Naranjo show Puerto Vallarta landmarks completely alone, without people or cars.

malecn_portada

Puerto Vallarta: Its Beauty with a Different Hue

malecn_888x576

conchas-chinas_

&nbsp;
Conchas Chinas Beach.

playa-los-muertos_

&nbsp;
The Iconic Malecon.

iglesia-guadalupe_

&nbsp;
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

espign-crown-paradise_

&nbsp;
Crown Paradise Hotel Jetty.

cruceros-covid-19_

Riviera Nayarit will be in “Uncharted Waters with Peter Miller”

Blake’s Restaurant &#038; Bar Shows its Gratitude to Health Care Professionals and Security Personnel

portada_-17

portada_

888x576_-17

888X576_

Vino Vallarta Offers Online Certifications

The First Center for Respiratory Diseases Opens its Doors in Puerto Vallarta

The 5 Most Emblematic Sculptures of Puerto Vallarta

The editorial staff of Vallarta Lifestyles collected 5+ historical facts about Puerto Vallarta.

portada_-14

portada_-13

Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta

888x576-119

5_-3

1. Initially, Puerto Vallarta was known as Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe, named after Guadalupe Sánchez, the person who founded this place on December 12th, 1851.

2_-6

2. Discovered in 1525 by Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, the Banderas Bay is the deepest (900 meters) and longest (42 km) in Mexico. Its dimensions make it the second largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world.

3_-5

3. In the 1920s, Puerto Vallarta received its first large-scale foreign trade incursion when the US export company Montgomery Fruit Company established itself in the region by purchasing extensive land for banana plantations in today’s Ixtapa area.

1_-3

4. In the 1930s, attracted by the great natural beauty of this still hidden jewel, the first foreign and national visitors began to arrive.

4_-5

5. During the 1950s, the first visionary builders came to this place of great potential and began constructing the first houses for foreigners to the south of the Cuale River, thanks to the fledgling commercial flights that began arriving at a runway located on the outskirts, near the current Palo Seco neighborhood.
Extra:
6. The first tourist boom occurred in the 1960s, with the film The Night of the Iguana, which brought more publicity for Puerto Vallarta due to its lead actor Richard Burton and megastar Elizabeth Taylor, who for years chose this place as their vacation home, placing it on the map for the world’s jet set.
If you want to know more historical facts about the founding of Puerto Vallarta and discover how it has evolved, we invite you to visit the digital version of the <a href="https://issuu.com/vallarta-lifestyles/docs/vallartalifestyles_abril_2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vallarta Lifestyles April-June 2018 edition</a>, whose special was dedicated to commemorating the first centenary of our destination.
A special thanks to Óscar Rosales Rodríguez for his contribution with the photographs for this article.

1. Initially, Puerto Vallarta was known as Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe, named after Guadalupe Sánchez, the person who founded this place on December 12th, 1851.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-21209" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5_.jpg" alt="Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5_.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5_-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/5_-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
2. Discovered in 1525 by Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, the Banderas Bay is the deepest (900 meters) and longest (42 km) in Mexico. Its dimensions make it the second largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-21210" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2_.jpg" alt="Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2_.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2_-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2_-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
3. In the 1920s, Puerto Vallarta received its first large-scale foreign trade incursion when the US export company Montgomery Fruit Company established itself in the region by purchasing extensive land for banana plantations in today’s Ixtapa area.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-21211" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3_.jpg" alt="Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3_.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3_-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3_-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
4. In the 1930s, attracted by the great natural beauty of this still hidden jewel, the first foreign and national visitors began to arrive.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-21212" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1_.jpg" alt="Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1_.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1_-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/1_-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
5. During the 1950s, the first visionary builders came to this place of great potential and began constructing the first houses for foreigners to the south of the Cuale River, thanks to the fledgling commercial flights that began arriving at a runway located on the outskirts, near the current Palo Seco neighborhood.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-21213" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4_.jpg" alt="Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4_.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4_-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/4_-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
Extra:
6. The first tourist boom occurred in the 1960s, with the film The Night of the Iguana, which brought more publicity for Puerto Vallarta due to its lead actor Richard Burton and megastar Elizabeth Taylor, who for years chose this place as their vacation home, placing it on the map for the world’s jet set.
If you want to know more historical facts about the founding of Puerto Vallarta and discover how it has evolved, we invite you to visit the digital version of the <a href="https://issuu.com/vallarta-lifestyles/docs/vallartalifestyles_abril_2018" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vallarta Lifestyles April-June 2018 edition</a>, whose special was dedicated to commemorating the first centenary of our destination.
A special thanks to Óscar Rosales Rodríguez for his contribution with the photographs for this article.
&nbsp;

Magic on the Malecón: A Tribute to Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta · Nayarit Restaurants that are Currently Offering Delivery Service &#8211; Part II

5+ Historical Facts about Puerto Vallarta

portada_-12

888x576-115

888X576

· Flora and Fauna 
In addition to its incredible contrast between the sea and the mountain, Puerto Vallarta is the home of different animal species, one the most common is the green iguana, that can be observed throughout the bay.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20869" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_3-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_3-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_3-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_3-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
· Gastronomy and Mixology 
Our destination stands out for being one the few places in Mexico that offers a wide variety of gastronomical options, from Mexican to international specialities. Plus, a few establishments now offer author cocktails and mixology.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20868" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_2-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_2-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_2-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_2-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
· Colorful Image 
Despite its development, in Puerto Vallarta there are still certain areas that retain a typical village spirit with its cobblestoned streets, rustic facades and the vitality of its outdoor markets.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20870" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_4-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_4-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_4-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_4-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
· Iconic Places 
Both Los Muertos Beach Pier and Los Arcos de Mismaloya are very representative places in our destination, which captivate visitors and residents, who usually consider them as a must.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20871" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_5-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_5-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_5-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_5-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
· Sunrises and Sunsets 
In Puerto Vallarta the sunsets are spectacular. Every day, nature offers us different shades that go from intense oranges to delicate pinkish ones. Another must-see are the sunrises, which will inspire you to start the day with a positive attitude.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20872" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_6-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_6-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_6-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_6-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />
· Traditions and Culture 
One of the main characteristics of Puerto Vallarta is its traditional Mexican vibe, here some of the most representative traditions of our country are preserved, such as pilgrimages and the commemoration of the Day of the Dead.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-20867" src="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_1-1.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="844" srcset="https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_1-1.jpg 1500w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_1-1-1100x620.jpg 1100w, https://cms.vallartalifestyles.com/jcnsxosc2bflwqa/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/v_1-1-888x500.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" />

Vallarta Lifestyles Launches its April-June 2020 Issue

10 Activities to Make the Most Out of the Time Spent at home

The Best of Puerto Vallarta in Pictures

tequila_2

Tequila

tequila_888x576

Photo courtesy of the Government of Jala.

jala_1

Jala

This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) is located on the slopes of the El Ceboruco volcano in the state of Nayarit, three hours from Puerto Vallarta. The town is well known for its religious architecture and its annual corn festival (taking place in August).
&nbsp;

jala_2

Visitors can take tours to El Ceboruco volcano, which are completely safe and allow you to discover impressive natural landscapes. Its lasts eruption dates from 1870 &#8211; 1875.
&nbsp;
<h3>San Sebastián del Oeste</h3>
&nbsp;

sansebastian_1

san sebastian

San Sebastián del Oeste is a Pueblo Mágico nestled between the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. For a very long time, it was an important mining center and, nowadays, it is possible to visit the remains of the old mines and properties dating from that period.

sansebastian_2

For instance, Hacienda Jalisco, which was built more than 200 years ago. Today, the property serves as a boutique hotel. San Sebastián del Oeste is located an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta.
&nbsp;
<h3>Mascota, Jalisco</h3>
&nbsp;

mascota_1-2

Mascota

Located 30 minutes from San Sebastián del Oeste, this little town features some of the most stunning examples of traditional architecture, such as the Templo Inconcluso de la Preciosa Sangre (Unfinished Temple of the Precious Blood).

Mesón del Refugio / Photo courtesy of Mexico Exquisito.

mascota_2

Mesón del Refugio is a hotel that reflects the cultural heritage and history of Mascota.
&nbsp;
<h3>Talpa de Allende, Jalisco</h3>
&nbsp;

talpa_1

Talpa

This town is one of the most important religious centers in western Mexico and the final destination of thousands of pilgrims and devotees. It is located two hours from Puerto Vallarta.
&nbsp;
<h3>Tequila, Jalisco</h3>

Agave landscapes in Tequila, Jalisco / Photo courtesy of Livier García.

tequila_1

Tequila is the cradle of the most emblematic drink of Mexico, obtained from the blue agave. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and learn more about this alcoholic beverage at one of the many tequila haciendas or embarking on a tequila tour.

tequila_2-2

The José Cuervo pedestrian street is a must-see attraction since it features a stunning view towards the main square and the Santiago Apostol Parish.

Nuevo Vallarta to Host Abstract Art Exhibition

Third Edition of the Damajuana Raicilla Festival

5 Little Towns that Will Take You to the Old Mexico

portada-69

Portada

888x576-80

shanti_3

sunset vallarta

&nbsp;
View towards downtown Puerto Vallarta.

shanti_2

sunset vallarta 2

shanti_7-2

Conchas Chinas

&nbsp;
Conchas Chinas beach.

shanti_5

Shanti_5

shanti_6

sunset vallarta 5

&nbsp;
Sculpture &#8220;El Niño Sobre el Caballito de Mar&#8221; at Los Muertos beach.