Puerto Vallarta is Mexico's second beach resort, attracting visitors from around the globe every year- and quite rightly so. It is set in midwest Mexico within the Bahía de Banderas; spanning a massive 22km, it's the second biggest bay on the American continent. This beautiful area is flanked by shimmering Pacific waters and lush green mountains and also benefits from tropical weather averaging 27°C each year. Whilst Puerto Vallarta is extremely popular as a beach resort and also as Mexico's gay capital, it has managed to retain much of its traditional charm and is much more relaxed than other coastal resorts like Acapulco.

The town center is a fun filled maze of pretty cobbled streets lined with trendy boutiques, top quality restaurants and nightclubs that keep clubbers entertained till the sun comes up. The "zócalo" (main square) is the central gathering spot of the town and is constantly buzzing with atmosphere and life. The Church of Guadalupe backs the square, displaying its impressive tower which can be seen throughout the town.

The beaches of Puerto Vallarta offer a wide range of watersports and entertainment. Those to the south are the most popular and busiest but if you're in search of a quieter beach experience you can hop on a water taxi to some beautiful beaches only accesible by boat. Serious surfers should check out the beaches north of Nuevo Vallarta and daredevils should not miss the bungee jumping towards Mismaloya.

Sound too good to be true? Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a coastal paradise just waiting for you to discover it! Keep reading our travel guide to see what more the region holds in store for you...