The resort is busy and bustling, while keeping an air of sophistication and retaining many of the Mexican traditions that ensure your holidays here will never be dull. The feeling here is very different compared with big and lively Cancun, on the Caribbean coastline.

The standard of hotels in Puerto Vallarta is high and the choice of restaurants and bars is excellent.

Located on Mexico's west coast, the Pacific Ocean laps on to the Bay of Banderas and provides for excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities in Puerto Vallarta. Don your snorkel and mask and make for the calm waters of Los Arcos to spot marine life among the soaring rocky outcrops. The waters around the resort are also prime spotting ground for those hoping to see whales and dolphins.

Playa de los Muertos is the resort's main beach and offers plenty of soft white sand on which to lay your towel and let your tensions float away on the breeze. The nearby pier is your passport to countless other beaches, where you can find a more private spot on the sand to enjoy only the sound of the waves.

The Malecon, or seaside promenade, is crammed with shops, restaurants and outdoor art and is ideal for a stroll at any time of the day or night. You should also visit the pretty Old Town and the Zona Romantica – “The Romantic Zone” – which features cobbled streets and bags of charm.

Day trips from Puerto Vallarta are available. One of the best adventures is a trip into the jungle surrounding the city. Lovers of wildlife will go ape for the variety of animals that can be seen. It's one for the whole family to enjoy. The younger members of your clan will also appreciate cooling off for the day at Splash Water Park, which is just outside Puerto Vallarta.

There is something in this resort for every kind of traveller, and families, groups and couples will all find a warm welcome on Mexico's sunshine coast.

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Tropical Puerto Vallarta benefits from almost no rainfall and daily average temperatures of around 30C in the dry season, which runs from November until May. In the wet season – June to October – temperatures can be higher, humidity is high, and storms arrive almost every afternoon.

Carnaval; March: Held just before Lent, this Mardi Gras event sees street parties and magnificent parades with wild costumes and many happy faces.

Puerto Vallarta's Birthday; May 31: Say happy birthday to Puerto Vallarta at its annual birthday celebrations on May 31. There's music, dancing, fireworks and a great big birthday cake.

Cultural Festival; May: A variety of performances take place during this annual celebration of great music and culture. Soak up the atmosphere of one of Mexico's most traditional holiday resorts with traditional concerts and street shows. 

Romance: South of the river, Puerto Vallarta actually has a district called “The Romantic Zone”. It would seem wrong not to head this way for a quiet dinner.

Relaxing: Los Muertos Beach is the place to be if you want to spread out on the sand and take in some sun while you listen to the gentle waves.

Shopping: If you want a truly unique shopping experience, head down to the river where you’ll find Isla Rio Cuale. Hidden amid the dense undergrowth you’ll find winding cobbled streets that host a huge market and many shops.