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The setting for John Huston's famous film, 'The night of the Iguana' in 1963, is Puerto Vallarta's main claim to fame. Huston, attracted by a peaceful fishing village, set within a tropical paradise, would find today a much more highly populated resort, which, never the less, still retains a charm of its own. Clear skies, breathtaking scenery, warm seas and golden sands are the backdrop to quaint cobblestone streets, bordered by pretty whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs. Shopping is excellent, as is the opportunity for sport; with everything from water sports and golf to horse riding. Most importantly, the area remains unspoilt by its popularity where quiet beaches and tranquil countryside sports can still be found.

Puerto Vallarta Attractions

El Malecón
Parallel to Diaz Ordaz, approximately 16 blocks stretching from Rio Cuale northeast to 31 de Octubre

Malecón is the central area of Puerto Vallarta, and is packed with restaurants, cafes and shops. Puerto Vallarta's trademark, a bronze seahorse, together with a collection of other sculptures, line the pleasant beachfront walkway and a cobblestone street runs alongside the bay.


Playa Mismaloya
Eight miles (12 kilometres) south of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200

Mismaloya Beach lies at the base of beautiful mountains, covered with tropical forests. John Huston's film verson of 'Night of the Iguana', was filmed here in the early sixties.


Rio Cuale Island
From the northern end of Puerto Vallarta, cross the bridge at Encino and Juarez. To reach the island from the southern end of Puerto Vallarta, cross over at Ignacio Vallarta and Aquiles Serdan

Relatively quieter than downtown Puerto Vallarta, Rio Cuale Island has an outdoor market place with shops, restaurants and cafes. The Museo Arquedogico has a collection of Indian artifacts on display.


Playa de los Muertos
Southern side of the Rio Cuale

The Beach of the Dead acquired this name as a result of an ancient battle between pirates and Indians that took place on this spot. A crowded, popular beach you can find restaurants, shops, water sports and vendors selling a variety of crafts.


Gringo Gulch / Casa Kimberly
Calle Zaragoza 445, Puerto Vallarta
Tel: +52 3 222 1336

Many expatriates from the United States settled in this neighborhood during the fifties, inspiring the name 'Gringo Gulch'. The former home of Elizabeth Taylor, Casa Kimberly is now a bed and breakfast but tours of this lovely house, bought for Liz by Richard Burton, are available.


La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
Calle Hidalgo, one block east of zocalo

An intricately decorated crown tops the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is the primary church of Puerto Vallarta. Many locals are unhappy with the crown, as the original crown of the honored structure was destroyed in 1995 by an earthquake and since then despite much controversy it has been rebuilt.


Los Arcos
Southern end of downtown Puerto Vallarta, at the beginning of El Malecón

At this open-air theater, visitors face the bay while viewing free performances on every Sunday and on special holidays. Also, local artists display and sell their artwork near the theater.