Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Located in Jalisco on the gorgeous coast of the Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has been one of Royal Holiday’s most popular destinations for decades. Whether one seeks exciting nightlife or relaxation on a sunny beach, staying in Puerto Vallarta should be at the top of any traveler’s list. Home to a sizeable community of English-speaking expatriates, the city still maintains a quaint and charming feel, despite its booming tourism industry. Framed by the Sierra Madre and the bay, it has a reputation as one of the best places to see Mexico’s unique and stunning landscape.
Royal Holiday members looking for value in their lodgings may wish to stay at the Holiday Inn Puerto Vallarta, which offers junior suites with kitchnettes that are perfect for small families or couples. Larger parties or those looking for the luxury resort experience often choose Park Royal Los Tules, which offers a full range of rooms, from handsome studios to luxurious royal suites in lovely Mexican-style villas. Both locations provide a host of activities and dining options; the Park Royal Los Tules offers motorbike rentals and eight separate pools, while the Holiday Inn features a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and courts for basketball and tennis. With two options for staying in Puerto Vallarta, it’s easy for Royal Holiday members to find the perfect home base for exploring this fabulous resort town.
Initially known as the Banderas Valley, a name given to the region by Spanish settlers in the 1500s, Puerto Vallarta received its current name in 1918, in honor of Mexican statesman Ignacio Vallarta. Today, it has become a truly world-class destination, earning accolades from a variety of travel publications. While ecotourism activities like whale watching and observing sea turtles have become more popular in the region, the city’s main attractions are its incredible beaches and astounding beauty.
Beaches like Los Muertos Beach offer all the surf and sun a vacationer can ask for, while the new Malecon walkway has become a center of artistic and musical expression, as well as fun shopping and dining opportunities. Walking tours of Puerto Vallarta give tourists the opportunity to explore the city on foot and visit gems such as the Los Mangos Library and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Others looking to escape the city will want to check out the hiking near the charming beach town of Yelapa, which features an unforgettable waterfall.
With ideal year-round weather conditions, a safe community, and proximity to other popular destinations, Puerto Vallarta makes for an ideal jumping-off point for exploring Mexico. Communities like San Sebastián, El Tuito, Mascota, and Talpa de Allende provide visitors with a real-life walk through history, as Mexico’s storied past is visible in the area’s architecture and artwork. Whether you’d like to rent a comfy bungalow in the adobe village of Mascota or enjoy the vistas of the Sierra Madre from a lodge in San Sebastián, taking an excursion outside Puerto Vallarta is a great way to truly appreciate the region and get in touch with authentic Mexican culture.