Please note that limited direct flights are available; all flight times are subject to change.

New York City 6.75 hours

Miami 5.5 hours

Philadelphia 6.5 hours

Boston 7.25 hours

Los Angeles 3 hours

Chicago 4.75 hours

Dallas/Fort Worth 3.5 hours

San Francisco 3.5 hours

Downtown/The Malecón (Boardwalk): The center of activity is in the downtown area. Elegant shops and fine restaurants line the boardwalk, making this the perfect place to take a pleasant stroll and mingle with locals and other tourists. Framed by the picturesque bay, numerous monuments and landmark statues dot the walkway, including Los Arcos (The Arches) and the famous El Caballito (The Seahorse). The main square, Plaza de Armas, is just a short walk from what may be Puerto Vallarta's most famous landmark, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The cathedral's sculptured stone tower features an illuminated cross held by angelic figures. When lit up at night, the structure can be seen from miles around.

Isla Rio Cuale: Located in the heart of town and flanked by the Rio Cuale, this isle is both a shopper's delight and a quiet haven from the city bustle. Enjoy a day of bargaining with street merchants offering colorful and handmadelocal arts and crafts in a lush, tropical environment.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Although Puerto Vallarta is not the quaint fishing village it once was, there are still areas where you can cast your line in modest seclusion. "The Cross" is a great getaway for anglers and also hosts a few local restaurants specializing, of course, in seafood.

Playa Los Muertos: This village district of beachfront cafés and ocean vistas became much more accessible with the construction of a bridge across the Rio Cuale, allowing the "old town" of Puerto Vallarta to spill southward. A hot spot under the Mexican sun, this is a simple place to enjoy the beach and sip a margarita while listening to music, catch a courtside seat for a beach volleyball game, or watch the local fishermen haul in the day's catch.

Puerto Vallarta resides on the northwest Pacific Coast of Mexico, within one of the largest bays in the world, the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags). Shaped like a horseshoe and with over 40 miles of coast, the open end of Banderas Bay faces west, providing a natural barrier against hurricanes. The inland to the east is mountainous with lush vegetation.

If sun is what you want, then you've come to the right place - Puerto Vallarta has about 300 days of sunshine each year. The summer rainy season usually sees brief afternoon showers that cool temperatures from the high 80s to the low 80s. The winter months bring temperatures ranging from an average of 65° to 80°. The heart of hurricane season lasts from early September to late October, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.

The official high season is December 20 to Easter, when crowds are at their peak (with a brief lull in January), but in the low season of May through November, crowds thin out a bit. Mexicans, Europeans, and school-vacationers travel a great deal between July and September. Visit during the winter and early spring months, and you'll witness the bay's mating season, abundant with dolphins, sea turtles, giant manta rays, and gray and humpback whales!

One of Puerto Vallarta's many strong suits is its diverse selection of beaches, each catering to specific activities. The northern beaches are ideal for surfing, diving and fishing, and are also the breeding site for the Yubartas whales during winter.

Puerto Vallarta is also renowned for its Old World charm, retained in the city's winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs.

And of course, there is the area's wealth of natural beauty.

Marieta Islands Cruise: For excellent diving and snorkeling, take a boat ride out to these islands, where you'll encounter many beautiful fish and giant mantas. Surfers also love the islands for the constant waves.

Los Arcos Cruise: Hop aboard for a breakfast cruise to this popular national marine park, the perfect place for a fun day at the beach with exciting extras like horseback riding along the surf, snorkeling, open bar upon return, and more!

Spanish Galleon Dinner Cruise: Have a fun night with historic ambiance on a Spanish Galleon replica. There's folkloric entertainment, lots of great food, an open bar, and a fantastic sunset view.

City Tour: Get to know the city with a guided visit to all the main sights, including Guadalupe Church, City Hall, The Malecón, Rio Cuale, and many others. Tours starts with a convenient pick-up at your hotel.

Jungle Tour: Take an excursion through the jungle surrounding Perto Vallarta, which tems with wildlife and exotic plants and flowers. You'll have stops at fishing villages and a beautiful beach for 2 hours of playing in the surf.

Tequila Plantation Tour: Climb aboard an air-conditioned coach for a tour through the lava fields, pyramids of Nahuatl, a tequila plantation, and much more. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.

Sierra Madre Expedition: An extraordinary discovery tour through the wildlife habitats and natural wonders of Banderas Bay. The expedition includes continental breakfast, snacks on the mountain, and soft drinks.

San Blas Tour: This popular tour heads north past Nayarit's Gold Coast, for a visit to San Blas, a crocodile farm, and a 16th-century fort. The trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.

Huichol Indian Encounter: Interact with a community of Huichol Indians, the "healers" of the ancient Aztecs. Their lifestyle has remained unchanged for over 1,000 years! Trip includes breakfast, lunch, and soft drinks.

Horseback Riding: Follow a guide through the jungle and over the mountains for a natural encounter with the landscape and its wildlife. Stop along the way for hiking, swimming, and lunch.

Mexican Fiesta: Celebrate with traditional style in a colorful, jubilant atmosphere with more than 40 performers, an open bar featuring Mexican drinks, and a Mexican buffet. Olé!

Fishing: Banderas Bay is one of the largest in the world, and great catches come in year-round. Charter a deep-sea vessel or fish like a native in a small panga boat and still reel in the big ones.

Water Sports: Water-skiing, banana-boating, jet-skiing, wave-running, windsurfing, and sailboarding are available everywhere, with expert instructors to teach you the basics and get you equipped.

Golf & Tennis: There are various championship golf courses and lighted tennis courts sprinkled around the city and within the resorts.

Visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: The venerated structure of Guadelupe Cathedral features exquisite examples of Puerto Vallarta's old-world artisan heritage. Examine the cathedral's handcrafted columns and moldings.

Shopping: Puerto Vallarta is a great spot to pick up jewelry, art, and clothing. Prices are reasonable as is, but you should definitely try your hand at bargaining! Remember that from 2- 4pm, many shop owners are taking their siestas.

With over 200 restaurants serving international cuisine as well as native Mexican fare, you'll definitely want to make time for at least three meals a day. And your budget is a non-issue, because there are restaurants that cater to everyone without sacrificing quality!

Gourmet

Archie's Wok: Archie was film director John Huston's personal chef during the filming of The Night of the Iguana, and now his wife Cindy runs the kitchen at this fine restaurant. Enjoy dishes inspired by the foods of Thailand, China and the Philippines, accompanied by live music. Francisco Rodriguez 130

Trio: This modest but stylish restaurant's cuisine is essentially Mediterranean with hints of Mexican spice, and chef-owner Bernhard Güth puts it together in dishes like Spanish shrimp sautéed with garlic, tomato, brandy, basil polenta and chili oil; Rabbit braised in aromatic tomato stew, with Italian vegetables andgarlic-parsley sauce; and Papardelle with garlic shrimp, sun-ripened tomatoes, and basil. The luscious pasta is homemade. This is a real comfortable room, and before dinner you can have a drink at the rooftop bar. Guerrero #264, Centro

Highly Recommended

Adobe Café: This trendy and tasty eatery specializes in creative international cuisine mixed with classical Mexican recipes, all at reasonable prices. Badillo 252

Le Fort: More than just a meal, Le Fort is a dining experience. Chef Gilles Le Fort prepares your gourmet meal and also teaches you how to make it yourself. The set-up: The first group of 6 to book for the evening chooses the menu; the maximum class size is 16, so you'll dine with strangers -- but you'll soon become a group of friends who've shared an extraordinary evening. Sample meal: Salad with mango dressing, civet duck, and the classic French dessert tart tatin. In addition, Le Fort's wine cellar numbers some 4,000 bottles. Calle Lázaro Cárdenas 71

Local Flair

Las Palomas: A culinary legend in Purto Vallarta, it is one of the town's first restaurants, serving richly flavored, genuine Mexican cuisine. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even after-dinner drinks on the outdoor terrace. Paseo Diaz 594

Red Cabbage Café (El Rebpollo Rojo): This out-of-the-way restaurant spotlights a menu of seafood and specialties from all over Mexico. The room is funky -- the walls are covered with movie posters as well as pages from Frida Kahlo's cookbook -- and the margaritas are potent. For dinner, try out Chiles en Nogada, Mole Poblano, or Tequila Shrimp. Owner-chef Lola also offers an extensive vegetarian menu, organizes food tours, and presents cooking classes. Calle Rivera del Río 204A

Romantic

La Palapa: This restaurant is on the beach, literally! Your table is set right on the sand just beyond the water line. The chef specializes, not surprisingly, in seafood, and live music accompanies your meal, often performed by the owner, Alberto Perez. Pulpito 103

El Palomar de los Gonzalez: Set on a hill amid tropical plants, a waterfall, and a pool terrace, this eatery overlooks Puerto Vallarta with a spectacular view of Banderas Bay by day and the city lights by night. El Palomar specializes in grilled seafood and meat dishes like jumbo shrimp, surf and turf, and Steak Palomar with mushroom sauce. For dessert, try the "flaming coffee." Aguacuate 425

After dinner, your night is nowhere near over! Evenings in Puerto Vallarta begin with a spectacular array of colors in the sky, as the setting sun bids farewell amidst mariachi music. There's plenty to choose from, like dancing to pop hits, learning traditional Mexican dances, hopping from bar to bar, taking a party cruise, and much more.

Señor Frog's: This popular chain bar has a fun-loving reputation that made it famous in Cancún. Now, those same good times are happening in Puerto Vallarta!

The Malecón: If you're looking for loud music and a good-time crowd, this famous strip has transformed from a dining spot into the place to go clubbing. Walk on the water's edge and try as many clubs as you'd like, because there's never a cover charge.

El Faro Bar: Set high above the ground, this famous spot is great for a romantic evening with exotic specialty drinks.

La Cantina: A creative mix of traditional and modern Mexico, with a Happy Hour that's popular and always hopping. There's complimentary finger food served with your drinks, nonstop great music, and board games.

Cinco de Mayo: Many parades help Mexico celebrate one of its proudest national holidays, commemorating the historical date for the country's triumph over the French. May

Fiestas de Mayo: This sprawling fair is held across from the cruise ship terminal, and features plenty of games, food, and cultural attractions. May

Independence Eve & Day 16: This affair is traditionally hosted by the mayor, leading the town in celebration of Mexico's independence. There is a ceremonial flame lighting and a parade through town, followed by fireworks with food and dancing galore! September 15

All Souls Day: This day of remembrance is a quintessential Mexican celebration of life and death, when families set up altars where they leave gifts and special treats for their deceased loved ones. November 1

Fiesta del Mar: Also known as SeaFest, this event features maritime competitions. November

Gourmet Festival: It's "Iron Chef," Mexican-style! World-renowned chefs cook alongside well-known native chefs to create culinary masterpieces in this friendly and fun-filled event. November

Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe: The town's central plaza fills with devotees paying homage to the Virgin Guadalupe, said to have once appeared to a peasant. The day is marked with joyous celebration and features traditional food and fireworks. December

Casual, loose-fitting natural fiber clothing is the norm for virtually everything you will do. Many people choose to spruce up for a night on the town, but casual dress is commonly accepted in the great majority of clubs and restaurants. There are finer establishments that have a dress code, but they are few, so don't pack your fancy duds unless you plan to seek them out.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Gambling: Prohibited.

Drinking: You must be at least 18 years old.

Sunburn & Heatstroke: The Mexican sun can be very strong, so wear plenty of sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat as much as possible.

Tipping: Tip porters US$2 per bag, and hotel maids the same per day. If you tip the maid every day instead of once upon departure, you may find that you get more extra attention and prompt service.

Taxes: A Value Added Tax of 15% applies to the purchase of most items. However, the States of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya), Baja California, and Baja California Sur remain at the 10% rate.

Car Rental: Be prepared for steep rates and limited availability of vehicles. You must be 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and a major credit card. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, as your US policy is invalid in Mexico. The Green Angels is a highway patrol organization run by English-speaking, well-trained mechanics. They have a nationwide, 24-hour hotline that can be reached by calling (01) 800-903-9200, and their service is free except for parts and gas. They come to the rescue of over a half-million travelers per year! For further information regarding permits, road tax, etc., contact the Mexico Government Tourist Organization at 1-800-44-MEXICO. Most car rental agencies have outlets at the airport for safe and convenient pick-up and drop-off. Rentals are cheaper if arranged in the US prior to departure.

Health: The great majority of visitors do not get sick, but if you have a problem, you can get low-cost medicine in Mexico's excellent pharmacies (farmacias). They also have either a good national hospital or medical clinic in almost every town and city, and chances are your US health insurance will cover you. No vaccinations are needed. In the event of a major medical emergency, jet evacuation services are available, including Air Ambulance America of Mexico at phone number (01) 800-222-3564. Use common sense, and follow these guidelines: Always wash your hands before eating. Be wary of open-air food stands. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration. Drink bottled water and look for the official government "H" sign in hotels and restaurants that indicates they have passed the new strict US-based hygiene regulations. Ask if ice is made from bottled or boiled water. Take Pepto Bismol, yogurt, or papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay.

Safety: Crime rates in Mexico are significantly lower than what you may be used to back home, though they have risen recently in Mexico City. Nevertheless, tourists may be likely targets for petty crime, and common-sense precautions go a long way to keeping you safe. Use your hotel's safety deposit box for your valuables. Always lock your hotel room and car. Wear a money belt under your shirt. Women, in particular, should not walk alone in remote areas at any time, or alone anywhere at night. Neither should women wear very revealing clothes beyond beach and pool areas with lots of other people around.

Swimming: Warning flags on the beach should be taken seriously. If red or black flags are up, do not go in the water, as there is a very strong undertow and minimal lifeguard supervision in most areas. Further swimming condition flags are coded as follows: white = excellent; green = normal, safe; yellow = changeable, uncertain, use caution. Weather conditions can change very quickly, so be alert. If you see dark clouds heading your way, don't wait for the flags to be changed. Go ashore until the weather improves.

Spanish is the national language, but English is spoken in most resort areas.

The electrical system is 120 volts/60 cycles AC, so your appliances will work, but it is highly recommended that you bring an adapter anyway to accommodate 3-prong and polarized plugs.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry: US citizens must present proof of citizenship either with a valid passport or with a certified birth certificate with a raised seal s well as a government-issued photo ID. US citizens born abroad may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth, or Certification of Birth. If you claim citizenship through naturalization, you may use your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or laminated Naturalization card.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Children: Every child under the age of 18 traveling with both legal parents or guardians must have a Tourist Card and proof of citizenship. Minors traveling with only one parent must have notarized written permission from the other parent. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. In the case of a deceased or divorced parent, legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. Alternatively, the proof can be shown to the notary for completion of the Affidavit of Sole Custody. Contact the Mexican Consular for more details.

Visitor's Permit: You must carry a Tourist Card, which is issued free of charge by your travel agent or the airline. You will need this both to enter and depart the country, so keep it in a safe place and copy the number down to keep in a separate place. If you lose the card, having the number will help greatly to obtain a copy.

Mexican Citizens: Mexican Nationals must travel with all 3 of the following for entry into Mexico and return to the US: 1) valid passport or valid Matricula Consular, 2) alien registration card or US visa, and 3) a military service card if traveler is 18 years of age or older.

Mexico Customs: Your proof of citizenship will be confirmed and your Tourist Card validated. After completing a Customs Declaration form, you will either have your baggage inspected if you declared items beyond the allowance, or you will be asked to pass through a "traffic light" if you declared nothing beyond the allowance. A green light means you can continue, but if you get a red light, your baggage will be inspected - be aware - heavy fines will be imposed if anything is found beyond the allowance. You are allowed to enter with: personal items like clothing, footwear, and toiletries in reasonable quantities for the duration of your trip; books and magazines; medicine for personal use with medical prescription for psychotropic substances; used sporting equipment including fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets; one portable TV; one portable typewriter or personal computer; one VCR; up to 20 records/cassettes/CDs; a musical instrument; 5 used toys per minor passenger; 3 liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old; 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old; 1 movie camera; 1 regular camera, and 12 rolls of film.

Departure Tax: Approximately US$18, sometimes included in packages.

US Customs: US residents may bring back $800 worth of foreign goods duty-free if they've been out of the country for at least 48 hours and if they haven't used any part of the allowance in the past 30 days. Residents 21 years and older may bring back 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Residents 18 years and older can bring back 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars, and original works of art.

US Consular Agency: Vallarta Building, Zaragoza 160 - 2nd Floor, Office 18, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, phone (32) 22-0069, fax (32) 23-0074, email consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx

US Toll-Free: 1-800-44-MEXICO (1-800-446-3942)

Chicago: 300 North Michigan Avenue, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601, phone 312-606-9306, fax 312-606-9012, email mgtochi@compuserve.com

Houston: 4507 San Jacinto, Suite 308, Houston, TX 77004, phone 713-772-2581, fax 713-772-6058, email dgutierrez1@mindspring.com

Miami: 1200 NW 78th Avenue, Suite #203, Miami, FL 33126, phone 305-718-4091, fax 305-718-4098, email mexico01@bellsouth.net

Los Angeles: 2401 W 6th Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057, phone 213-351-2069, fax 213-351-2074, email 104045.3647@compuserve.com

New York: 21 East 63rd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10021, phone 212-821-0322, fax 212-821-0367, email info@mexicantourismboard-ny.org