Why Puerto Vallarta Remains One of the World's Leading Destinations Richard Houghton - Investment Properties Mexico
go to original August 10, 2013

Since Hollywood’s elite first began to visit Puerto Vallarta back in the 1950’s, the city’s status as one of the world’s most popular destinations – for tourists, retirees and ex-pats alike – has grown by leaps and bounds.

Today, Puerto Vallarta is well known among savvy international travelers and so far in 2013 this Pacific coast gem has attracted a wide variety of positive publicity for its affordable real estate, long list of amenities, natural beauty and safety.

In July the Huffington Post named Puerto Vallarta real estate the best option for retirees who are looking for all the comforts of home after doing an in-depth comparison with other nearby options in the region, including Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Ecuador.

“My top recommendation, specifically, is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,” writes the Huffington Post. “This stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coastline has already been developed to a high level.”

Specifically, Puerto Vallarta is very affordable compared to the cost of living elsewhere along the Pacific coast in the U.S., providing a well-appointed lifestyle that is both comfortable and reasonably priced. With infrastructure that easily meets modern day international standards, top-notch services and all the amenities ex-pats are used to enjoying at home in the U.S., Canada or Europe, it’s easy to see why Puerto Vallarta continues to make headlines.

“This is a lifestyle that is available only on a limited basis worldwide, a lifestyle that is truly comparable to the best you could enjoy in southern California... If you could afford it.”

Hotwire also recognized Puerto Vallarta this July, naming it number two out of the top five destinations on its 2013 Where to Go Now & How Guide. This coveted list leverages the website’s considerable research, data and inside knowledge of the travel industry to determine which destinations offer the best overall experience and value, including entertainment options, cultural experiences, weather and tourist traffic.

In other news this summer, the BBC named Puerto Vallarta’s Botanical Gardens on its most recent list of Ten North American Gardens Worth Visiting, which is the first time one of Mexico’s gardens has received this honor. Situated just 25 kilometers south of the city, the garden includes an orchid conservatory, as well as desert and rainforest gardens that are home to a wide variety of local birds.

In addition, Forbes Mexico named Puerto Vallarta one of the top ten destinations for business travelers this summer, thanks to its ready accessibility through the local international airport to all of the world’s major cities, flourishing real estate market and world-class infrastructure. Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cabo San Lucas also made the list in 2013.

“Business tourism is on the rise in Mexico, currently contributing around six billion dollars, while generating an average of 150,000 jobs,” writes the Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The city of Puerto Vallarta has also been working hard to continue improving its many offerings, most recently launching a variety of new initiatives to assist the more than 13,000 disabled travelers who visit each year, including four first aid kiosks located throughout the city’s main tourist area, as well as wheelchair rentals, canes and crutches. In addition, the local government will provide free handicap parking permits and has increased the number of handicap parking spaces throughout town.

  Learn about Vallarta Botanical Gardens