Highlights:

• Beaches
• El Faro Bar
• Outdoor activities
• Yachting marina

The stretch of Bahía de Banderas coast that spans between Puerto Vallarta and Marina Vallarta is the quite appropriately named "Zona Hotelera," or Hotel Zone. Like a city built exclusively for vacationers, the Hotel Zone boasts a concentration of huge hotels and seaside resorts with all the modern amenities and luxuries. Throw in great beaches, fine dining, shops, malls, art galleries and tons of nightlife venues and it's no surprise that visitors often don't even leave the area!

Naturally one of the top features north of Puerto Vallarta are the endless stretches of sun-soaked beaches that hug the coastling. Starting at Puerto Vallarta, passing through the Hotel Zone and ending in Marina Vallarta are: Playa Camarones, Playa Las Glorias, Playa Los Tules, Playa las Palmas, Playa de Oro and Playa el Salado. Conclusion? You certainly won't be hard-pressed to find your own patch of sand!

Marina Vallarta is another ultra-modern development of hotels, condominiums and vacation homes surrounding Mexico's largest and most sophisticated marina complex. The marina has enough boat slips to accommodate an impresive 500 yachts! Another Marina Vallarta favorite is the malecón, a seaside walk bordered by shops, art galleries, tasty eateries and much more. While you're there, don't pass up the opportunity to pay a visit to the famous El Faro (The Lighthouse), a unique bar actually housed in a lighthouse!

Beyond the beach, there are plenty of things to do in Marina Vallarta. Water parks provide fun for all ages, while renowned golf courses located just a stone's throw away from Marina Vallarta will delight amateurs and professionals alike. Charter boat excursions can be arranged right down at the docks, and tons of tours leave from this neighborhood en route to canopy tours, fishing trips, whale-watching adventures and much more.

For fun in the sun in the lap of luxury, the Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta don't disappoint!