Puerto Vallarta is a resort city which is situated near Baha de Banderas by the Pacific Ocean. This city is part of the Jalisco State and it is the government seat of the Municipality of Puerto Vallarta. You can find the south western part of the state of Navarit borders the northern parts of the city. On the east Puerto Vallarta borders the Mascota Municipality and San Sabastin del Oeste. The city is bordered on the south by the municipalities of Cabo Corriente and Talpa de Allende.
The city was named after the former governor of Jalisco Ignacio Vallarta. The city is sometimes shortened in Spanish to Vallarta and English speakers may refer to Puerto Vallarta and P.V. for short. There are times when you will hear or see the city being refereed to as Porto Vallarta. While the pre-historical past of this city is largely unknown you will see reminders of its recent past.
These can be seen in the various landmarks which dot the city. Amongst these you will find sights like the Plpito and Pilitas which are two rock formations known in English as the Pulpit and the Baptismal Font. You can find these formations at the southern end of the Los Muertos Beach. Las Pilitas was the original location of El Caballito – the Boy on a Seahorse sculpture which can now be found on the Malecn. The rock formation El Plpito is the tall headland and the Las Pilitas are the formation of rocks beneath this headland. You can find two streets in the Olas Altas area which have been named after these rock formations.
If you are interested in seeing some natural beauty among the man made wonders then you will need to leave the city of Puerto Vallarta. 12 kilometres south of the city you will find an amazing animal sanctuary. This is the Los Arcos Marine Natural Area which is located offshore of Mismaloya. The sanctuary has been in existence since 1984. Within this protected area you will find an environment which is perfect for breeding boobies, pelicans and other sea birds. Many visitors to this area also enjoy snorkelling in the waters near the sanctuary as they like seeing the fossilized coral beds and other rock formations in the area.
To the west of Puerto Vallarta you will find the Bay of Banderas. This bay is home to many different forms of marine life. Here you will be able to see Humpback whales when they come to mate during the months of December to March every year. From May to September you can see sea turtles come to the beaches of the bay to lay their eggs. Other marine life forms that you will see here are giant manta rays and schools of dolphins.
Staying this corner of paradise is sure to give you many hours of enjoyment. You will find the great weather, friendly people, amazing sights and enjoyable activities a feast for your sense. Mark Puerto Vallarta down as your next holiday destination and have many wonderful memories to bring back home with you.
