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Puerto Vallarta with its lush tropical climate, situated along one of the world's biggest bays, Banderas Bay, became an overnight sensation when a steamy Hollywood romance between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor became highly publicized during the filming of Night of the Iguana' in 1963, prior to that it had no permanent settlements.

The bay was charted and used for hundreds of years as a rest stop for pirates, priests, the military and other sailors. Few travelers had ever seen Puerto Vallarta, an idyllic fishing village with pristine white-sandy beaches. It is now a Mexican beach paradise resort full of tradition and international style creating a spirited and sophisticated culture.

The resort specializes in galleries, shops and boutiques selling inspired fine art and excellent handicrafts, including objects made by the mountain-dwelling and spiritually attuned Huichol. Some galleries focus on the magnificent folk art from the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Michoacan.

The Plaza Principal is surrounded by the city hall and the open-air Los Arcos amphitheater, which often hosts Sunday concerts. Stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the whitewashed houses. The sea walk, or malecon, is a great spot at sunset, when the breeze picks up and the sun glints on a dozen entertaining bronze sculptures along its length.

Whether it is hiking, snorkeling, jet skiing or biking, Puerto Vallarta offers activities for all tastes making it the perfect family getaway. Horse trekking, whale watching, swimming with the dolphins or visiting the crocodiles at the reptilarium ensures guaranteed entertainment for the entire family.

Take a canopy tour and see Mexico's lush exotic flora and fauna from a unique perspective as you traverse zip-lining, amongst wild orchids and a diversity of native birds. There has never been a more exciting way to explore the depths of the tropical rain-forest.

Vallarta has water parks dedicated to wet and wild family fun with pools, rivers and slides of every description to challenge and delight everyone. In addition at Sea Life Park Vallarta you may swim with the dolphins and be amazed with shows of these incredible creatures as well as the talented sea lions and birds.

Attend a colorful, traditional Mexican fiesta. These lively events are held weekly around town and are a great way to experience the most popular food, drink, music, dancing and customs of this country. Be entertained while enjoy a lavish buffet of Mexican specialties and an open bar of national drinks.

Puerto Vallarta offers excellent sightseeing and it is worth taking a trip to some of the neighboring towns. At Las Palmas you can visit a working cattle ranch and stroll through small town plazas and historical churches, visit a cigar factory and witness handicrafts being made by the locals.

Venture north of Puerto Vallarta into the ecological wonderland of Nayarit then enjoy a panoramic drive unto you arrive at La Tovara. Here you can sail down the canal, watching for wildlife such as crocodiles, exotic birds, tropical fish and much more. The next stop will be historic San Blas where you will see the 16th century fort and church.

Enjoy the amazing vista of the Cactlan Valley and it capital city of Compostella, and a stop at the lava beds surrounding the El Ceboruco Volcano. Continue on to the ancient Nahuatl ruins of Ixtlan and an Indian ranch where Blue Agave is grown for Tequila. You can witness the actual harvest and tour the distillery to see how Tequila is made.

Enjoy all that Puerto Vallarta has to offer, the ample opportunities for adventure, culture and fun and also time to bask in glorious, sun-soaked inactivity.

Learn more about this author, Janette Peel.
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