Puerto Vallarta Sights

  1. Bahía de Banderas

    Below the warm, tranquil waters of the Bahía de Banderas is a world of stingrays, tropical fish and garishly colored corals. Great spots for diving and snorkeling are Los Arcos, the rocky islands south of the city center, and the Islas Marietas, which are surrounded by reefs, tunnels, walls and underwater caves. Dolphins, whales and giant manta rays are often sighted between December and April.

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  2. Casa Kimberley

    Richard Burton bought this house for Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s, and it has been left virtually untouched since an American family bought it in 1990. You can take a guided tour, and, if you ask the host family nicely, you might even be able to stay overnight.

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  3. Isla Río Cuale

    A trip to Vallarta wouldn't be complete without lingering on Isla Río Cuale, where the city's earliest residents built their humble homes. Upstream you'll notice two rickety cable suspension bridges, connecting the island to the Zona Romántica.

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  4. Jardines Botánicos de Vallarta

    Orchids, bromeliads, agaves and wild palms line the paths of the gorgeous recently-opened Jardines Botánicos de Vallarta , located half an hour south of Puerto Vallarta. Butterflies flit by as you dine at the open-air restaurant. Follow hummingbirds down paths and through fern grottoes. Slap on some bug juice and make a day of it. .

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  5. Los Arcos

    On the sea side of Plaza Morelos is an outdoor amphitheater backed by Los Arcos, a row of arches that has become a symbol of the city.

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  6. Los Arcos Amphitheater

    This outdoor amphitheater, a Vallarta landmark, is backed by Los Arcos, a row of arches that has become a symbol of the city. It's also regularly used as an open-air theater for cultural performances and festivals on weekends and during holidays.

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  7. Mercado de Artesanías

    Touristy it may be, but there's no better place in PV to find affordable T-shirts, silver jewellery, painted pottery, blown glass, kitschy knick-knacks and leather huaraches (sandals), among heaps of other things. Bargain like your life depended on it; walk away and prices plummet.

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  8. Mismaloya

    Mismaloya, the location for The Night of the Iguana, is about 12km south of town. The tiny scenic cove is dominated by a gargantuan resort.

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  9. Museo del Cuale

    Puerto Vallarta has a growing number of cultural attractions, of which the art galleries are definitely a highlight. The tiny Museo del Cuale has a small collection of beautiful pottery, grinding stones, clay figurines and other ancient objects, as well as changing art exhibitions.

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  10. Playa de los Muertos

    Despite its name, Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is a lively beach which is handy to the city center. At the southern end of the beach, a stretch of sand called Blue Chairs is a popular spot with gay men.

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  12. Plaza de Toros

    Mexico's Pacific Coast is considered a region without much local enthusiasm for bullfighting, and bullfights performed here are largely motivated by the tourist dollar. Having said that, Puerta Vallarta has the largest and newest plaza along the coast - it's a smaller version of the famous Plaza del Toro in Mexico City. Anyway, you know the deal: red cape, angry bull, cheering crowds, blood. Buy your tickets at the plaza.

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  13. Splash Parque Acuático

    Done with beautiful white-sand beaches? Kids will go nuts at Splash Parque Acuático, which has 12 waterslides, a lazy river swimming pool and a daily dolphin show.

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  14. Templo de Guadalupe

    The crown-topped steeple of the Templo de Guadalupe is a Vallarta icon.

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