From the steep Sierra Madre slopes, Puerto Vallarta slopes towards the Pacific Ocean, creating a stunning landscape that includes mountains, thick jungle foliage, and pure white sandy expanses. And in spite of the many visitors who come calling year after year, the city isn't quite the tourist trap you might expect it to be. Instead, this is a friendly place which is a favourite with the LGBT community, and where you can always find a quiet spot somewhere along the shore, dive into waterfalls that cascade through the trees, go whale or turtle watching and keep an eye out for porpoises and dolphins too, and at the end of a full day — drop into a local bar to partake of the cheap tequila which flows like water.
Outdoor sports are big here and depending on what you're in the mood for, choose from snorkeling, diving, kiteboarding, golfing, horseback riding, and hiking. For the ultimate view, nothing beats an aerial passage over the treetop canopies on a zip-line tour. At the weekly Art Walk, help yourself to wine and cocktails as you browse through the unique creations of local artists, and if you booked a vacation package here looking for some peace and quiet, grab a seat on a deserted part of the Malecon (pier) and just look out over the waves.
