By Mary Elisabeth Pitz

Puerto Vallarta, without question, is the most Mexican destination. Located in the state of Jalisco (home of Mariachis and tequila) along the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta offers beach, eco-tourism, and water sports galore.

Best of all, it is a cultural center known worldwide for its art galleries featuring Mexican artists like Manuel Lopez and Lorena Ruiz, Huichole arts, and gastronomy.

A Silver Mecca
The center of Puerto Vallarta overflows with numerous silver shops displaying silver jewelry at all price levels. Puerto Vallarta prices are more competitive and reasonable than Taxco, the traditional silver town. Its five-star hotels all have individual silver shops in their mini malls. While the jewelry is generally more crafted, the prices are a bit higher, but still a bargain by U.S. standards.

Mexican Ambiance
Puerto Vallarta retains its pueblo feeling especially in the center of town where the zocalo (town square) faces the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific. The statue of a young boy waving mounted on a seahorse, the symbol of the town, captures Puerto Vallarta's mood.

Behind the square is the beautiful church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every December during the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of Mexico, daily processions occur. The rich pageantry and deep reverence of the local population is a sharp contrast to out laser-oriented society.

Golf at the First Four Seasons
Four Seasons opened their first Mexican resort with a world-class, 18-hole golf course at Punta Mita. Sam Logan, director of golf, says, "With five sets of tees, we can easily support any level of golf. There's plenty of variety in our course. Our course is 186 acres, 26 acres larger than the normal course."

Blue Footed Booby

Bountiful Bird Watching 
Dr. Cifuentes completed a three-year study which certifies Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas as the second most important place in the world for bird watching.

Expediciones Cielo Abierto offers several, first-rate tours that feature optimum time and trails for bird watching. 

Puerto Vallartan Hospitality
Whether a sun-worshipper, an art lover, a gourmet, or an on-the-go boomer, will discover Puerto Vallarta's seductive appeal comes from the amiable Puerto Vallartans and their love of life. Dulce Maria Carillo, director of tourism, says, "It's our people, the Vallartans, whose warm hospitality and disarming manner create the specialness of Puerto Vallarta."

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