Population:
300,000
Location: State of Jalisco (Pacific Coastal Region of Mexico)
 When
you think of the Mexican Riviera, with its palm-fringed beaches,
luxuriant jungle vegetation and posh resorts, lots of places come
to mind. But no resort better typifies the classic Mexican beach
vacation than does Puerto Vallarta. From its sleepy, seaside village
roots, it has grown into one of Mexico's slickest and most loved
destinations. Puerto Vallarta delivers round-the-clock activity
(or blissful seclusion), sophisticated amenities, and a romantic,
dreamlike natural setting. It is considered the ideal vacation
spot for the first-time Mexico visitor, while also boasting enough
diversity and activity to keep people coming back over and over
again.
Please
note that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found
to the right of this pages. 
As you arrive by plane, the
town's romance and beauty begin to take hold: a blanket of lush
tropical jungle surrounds the quaint, colonial city as it climbs
away from the blue Pacific, into the Sierra Madre Mountains.
 Nestled
on the shores of Bahía de Banderas (Mexico's largest natural
bay),Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500's, when it was
inhabited by Spanish explorers. It later became known as a respite
for pirates plying the Pacific Coast. But it was not until 1851
that the area was first inhabited. By 1918 (the year it was officially
made a municipality) the village was a modest fishing community
of 1,500 residents. It was also a port for silver shipments from
nearby Cuale mines.
For the next 50 years not much
happened in the way of development. Then, in 1963, director John
Huston came to film Tennessee William's "Night of the Iguana,"
and the rest is history. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton left their
mark as well, giving Puerto Vallarta an international "jet
set" reputation.
 It
is now a bustling town of 300,000 residents that attracts nearly
2 million annual visitors. Despite its popularity and the recent
flurry of new resort development, the city itself retains much
of its "Old Mexico" flair. The city is graced with lovely
architecture, cobblestone streets, and white stucco buildings
(by city ordinance, all buildings are white), crowned by flower-covered
balconies and red tile roofs. And you will still see an occasional
burro headed for market, clip-clopping along the city's streets.
Outdoor recreation is limitless.
Every imaginable water sport is available along Vallarta's miles
of sandy shore. Its dining and nightlife are excellent. Shopping
is Mexico's finest, thanks to a bevy of Mexican and international
artists that make Vallarta their home. There are also some great
day trips, either by boat or on land.
We are confident that
you will find Puerto Vallarta to be an excellent destination to
learn Spanish and experience the best that Mexico has to offer.
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