From the downtown Church of Guadalupe to quaint villages along the coastline, there’s something to please all clients interests.

MARINA VALLARTA in contrast to the quaint, cobblestone downtown, development of the ultra modern Marina Vallarta began in the 1970s and is still expanding. It’s a glistening labyrinth of some of the town’s best resort hotels and restaurants. Marina Vallarta, the largest in México, has 455 boat slips that can hold yachts up to 120 ft. long, an excellent 18-hole golf course, private homes, and villas.

There are also many condominiums and timeshare units - most overlooking the water - an American school, a tennis and beach club and a few art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and even a "lighthouse" with a fabulous panoramic view. The cruise ships dock just south of Marina Vallarta at the commercial port. This is also where the bay cruises and day-cruise boats depart.

ISLA DEL RIO CUALE is the five-acre island that snakes from the mouth of the Cuale River and divides the city. The western end of the islet faces the blue Pacific. The eastern end offers views of the canyons bordering the river corridor and the mountains in the background. A picturesque red brick bridge crosses the river, with sweeping staircases give visitors access to the island. The island contains quaint clothing and arts boutiques, several fine restaurants. There’s a spacious children’s playground on the eastern end.
The western end boasts a tiny botanical garden and a delightful small museum with an excellent collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Hispanic tombs in the states of Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit. Open Tuesday trough Sunday, admission is free.

LOS ARCOS Located just off Playa Mismaloya is an underwater marine nature preserve comprised of several small islands which offer amazing snorkeling, impressive reefs, deep tunnels, caves and arches with abundant marine life.

YELAPA About a two hour sail from Puerto Vallarta, this picturesque cove of beautiful white sand is surrounded by mountains. One of Puerto Vallarta’s most popular day trips. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, parachute gliding, and relaxing with a drink in a hammock. This Polynesian style village features casual beach-style restaurants under thatched roofs where visitors can enjoy delicious freshly caught red snapper. (Be sure to wear jeans or a bathing suit with a cover-up and tennis shoes.) A 20-minute hike or 30-minute horseback ride brings adventurers to a sparkling 150-footwaterfall, where visitors usually enjoy a dip in the cool pool at the waterfall’s base. The quaint village is a great place to purchase handicrafts and unique designer clothing. The small hotel and the local yacht club doubles as a lively disco at night.

THE AFRICAN QUEEN, a replica of the steamboat that took Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart down the Congo, takes up to 12 passengers on a two-hour tour highlighting the region’s wildlife, homes and the dolphin park. The boats leave mornings from the Marina at the Paradise Village Hotel. Telephone +52 (322)-224-4880.

SAYULITA This rustic palm-shaded fishing village about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta offers secluded beaches. Surfing is good, and locals say it resembles Puerto Vallarta 40 years ago.

TERRA NOBLE is a unique hill top retreat, where visitors can spend the day in creative clay and painting workshops, relax in an Aztec-style steambath or experience a variety of facial and body treatments.

HOME TOURS From October through April, the International Friendship Club offers weekly tours of notable homes. The tours leave from the Main Plaza Thursdays and Fridays and include Liz Taylor’s former home. +52 (322)-222-5466.

ARTISTS’ STUDIOS TOURS are offered during the high season. Check with Galer'a Pacifico for details. Telephone: +52 (322)-222-1982.

BULLFIGHTS are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Puerto Vallarta "Bullring. November through April.

CITY TOURS Puerto Vallarta city tours in air-conditioned minibuses are offered daily and last five hours including a stop for lunch. A jungle tour leaves twice daily and can be arranged by your villa staff upon arrival.