According to statistics, the Canadians are frequent visitors of Mexico, since travelers from the "country of the Maple leaf" particularly value security, tranquility as well as the outdoor settings of the mountains, waterfalls, and the sea offered by the ports.
Escaping the harsh winters, the Mexican resort city Puerto Vallarta, known as Vallarta or PV, is a well-loved destination for Canadians.
It is situated in the Bahia de Banderas, on the Pacific coastal side of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and it has quickly expanded from a fishermen’s port to a larger city with a wide range of amenities and infrastructure that attracts tourists every year.
Last year, the number of tourists surged to approximately 6 million, marking a 2.2% increase from 2022 and establishing a new pinnacle in Puerto Vallarta’s history.
But it all started in 1964 when the movie ‘The Night of the Iguana’ starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner was filmed there, setting the pace for other Hollywood elite and visitors to follow.
Also, actress Elizabeth Taylor’s former home in Puerto Vallarta, known as Casa Kimberley, is now a boutique hotel in the city.
Part of P.V’s beauty is the endless coastline with many inlets of beaches and boardwalks, which make this destination ideal if you enjoy life at the beach combined with walking and dramatic views.
The numerous beaches lie from downtown Playa Los Muertos in the old town or Zona Romantica, to Playa Camarones.
Many colorful villages, such as Bucerias and Sayulita, are located on the outskirts of the city and can be accessed by boat, as well as by land. Other destinations worth visiting include Nayarit and Punta Mita.
But did you know that Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta is also a very artistic city?
Old Vallarta, or the Romantic Zone, with its bohemian and friendly feel, known for its restaurants and cafes, is also known for its vibrant art life.
The oceanfront esplanade “Malecon” is a must see for art lovers and is one of the top things to do while visiting Puerto Vallarta. The best way to experience it is to walk the entire boardwalk by starting at the north end where you’ll find the spiraling “Los Milenios” (The Millenia).
Walking around the city’s streets you can admire grandiose murals featuring iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo or Einstein, which have become part of the urban landscape and one of the most recent and favorite tourist attractions.
Also, my personal favorites are the outstanding sculptures and artwork, like Triton and Siren by Carlos Espino, The Roundabout of the Sea by Alejandro Colunga, In Search of Reason by Sergio Bustamante, or the iconic Boy on the Seahorse by Rafael Zamarripa.
I have had the pleasure to discover that since the beginning, Puerto Vallarta hasn’t been only a sunny travel destination, but rich in history, traditions, art, and culture. As the town kept expanding, so did the cultural offer, with galleries dedicated to exhibiting local artists, and places to enjoy art performances, shows, and music. Nowadays, Puerto Vallarta is host to different national and international music, film, and drama festivals every year.
More information about the art and culture of Puerto Vallarta you can find on visitpuertovallarta.com.
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