So what can you expect in Mexico?

Plenty!
Mexico ranks first in the Americas and eighth worldwide in terms of World Heritage Sites, with 26 in all. These sites, considered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to be “of outstanding universal value,” include Zacatecas, Puebla, Campeche, Tlacotalpan (Veracruz), Oaxaca, Mexico City and others.

Mexico is a unique country, providing visitors with endless choices. It offers big-city sophistication or small-town intimacy, a chance to frolic on shimmering beaches or trek through lush tropical jungles, an opportunity to kick backand relax or pursue a growing number of business ventures. If you are looking for sun, sand and surf, you can jet to
some of the world’s most famous beach resorts, such as Cancun, Los Cabos, Ixtapa or Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort, which lies along the Pacific Ocean’s Banderas Bay and nestles in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. With everything from modern to traditional, this is a wonderful place to be a resident or visitor. Puerto Vallarta offers sandy beaches, great dining, and a variety of activities such as shopping and world
class golf. Away from the hustle and bustle is Vallarta Nayarit (20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta) with beaches that stretch for miles and miles. Puerto Vallarta is considered to be the second city in Mexico with the most gastronomic
venues (after Mexico City). All this and more awaits in Puerto Vallarta.
Landmarks to visit in Puerto Vallarta include:
• Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Colonia Centro
• Púlpito and Pilitas (Pulpit and Baptismal Font) - Colonia Emilio Zapata - two rock formations at the South end of
Los Muertos Beach. El Púlpito is the tall headland and Las Pilitas are the formation of rocks beneath it. Las Pilitas
was the original location of the Boy on a Seahorse sculpture (El Caballito) now located on the Malecón. There are
two streets in the Olas Altas area named after the rock formations.
• Playa Conchas Chinas (Beach of Chinese Shells) - Fraccionamiento Amapas - the City’s most secluded beach, located
to the South of the headland which forms the boundary of Los Muertos beach.
• The Malecon - paved walkway along the seashore in Colonia Centro - especially popular during the Sunday evening
paseo. It features a collection of contemporary sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga, Ramiz Barquet
and others. The Malecon was extensively rebuilt in 2002-2003 following damage from hurricane Kenna.
• Mercado Isle Cuale and Mercado Municipal Cuale - There are two large public markets in the Centro along the banks

General Information
of the Cuale selling a variety of handicraft and souvenirs, and the Isla Cuale has a number of souvenir shops as well.
The Isla Cuale was also famous for its cat population. The Island was a lower-class suburb until flooding during
Hurricane Lily (1971) forced residents to be relocated. They were moved to Palo Seco (which means dry ground) and
the Island was converted into a site for restaurants, shops and a cultural center.
• Cuale Archaeological Museum - on the West side of the Isla Cuale - The museum presents a significant collection of
local and regional pre-hispanic art in a number of informative displays. The museum also houses a small gallery for
the display of contemporary art.
• John Huston statue on Isla Cuale - dedicated on the 25th anniversary of the film’s release and honoring Huston’s
contributions to the city. John’s son Danny was married in a ceremony that took place at the statue in 2002.
• Plaza de Armas (Ignacio Vallarta) / Aquiles Serdan Amphitheater (Los Arcos) - the City’s main plaza – the location
of public concerts both at the bandstand in the Plaza de Armas and on the stage in front of the arches across the
street.