Puerto Vallarta was at one time a quiet little fishing village. The publicity started the migration of tourists and changed Puerto Vallarta's economy from fishing to tourism. Many visitors still make the pilgrimage to Casa Kimberley, the home once owned by Elizabeth Taylor. Fortunately, it has retained some of the flavor and charm of its past. Puerto Vallarta is rests in a tropical area on Mexico's Pacific Coast.
Hotels line the bay's curving beach.
The bay is usually calm but the water often has a brownish-green color which is not particularly attractive. This color will be most evident during the rainy season when rains and rivers carry soil from the surrounding hills into the bay. One can find clearer water south of town at Los Arcos and elsewhere. The arched rock formations of Los Arcosis a nice place for dive and snorkeling excursions. The tropical setting, coconut palms, cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and red-tile roofs of Puerto Vallarta create an atmosphere that is both relaxed and festive.