When you think of the Mexican Riviera, with its palm-fringed beaches, luxuriant jungle vegetation and posh resorts, lots of places come to mind. But no resort better typifies the classic Mexican beach vacation than does Puerto Vallarta. From its sleepy, seaside village roots, it has grown into one of Mexico's most loved destinations.

Of all of Mexico's resorts, Puerto Vallarta comes closest to being all things to all visitors. It delivers 'round-the-clock activity (or blissful seclusion), sophisticated amenities, and a romantic dream- like natural setting. It's considered the ideal vacation spot for the first-time Mexico visitor, while also boasting enough diversity of activities to keep people coming back over and over again.

As you arrive by plane, the town's romance and beauty begin to take hold: a blanket of lush tropical jungle surrounds the quaint colonial city as it climbs away from the blue Pacific, into the Sierra Cuale mountains. Nestled on the shores of Bahia de Banderas (Mexico's largest natural bay), Vallarta traces its history back to the 1500's, when it was visited by Spanish explorers. It later became known as a respite for pirates plying the Pacific Coast.

In 1963, director John Huston came to film Tennessee William's "Night of the Iguana," and the rest is history. Liz Taylor and Richard Burton left their mark as well, giving Puerto Vallarta an international jet set reputation. It is now a bustling town of 250,000 residents that attracts 1.5 million annual visitors. Despite its popularity and the recent flurry of new resort development, the city itself retains much of its "Old Mexico" flair. The city is graced with lovely architecture, cobblestone streets, and white stucco buildings (by city ordinance, all buildings are white), crowned by flower-covered balconies and red tile roofs. You may even see an occasional burro headed for market, clip-clopping along the city's streets.

The area boasts over 8,000 units of lodging (plus several thousand timeshare units). It offers exclusive private villa hideaways, grand class resorts and bargain, beachfront inns. Lodging is concentrated in one of five "zones." Each has its own advantages and personality. Visitors can be either in the heart of the action or tucked away in a remote tropical villa, depending on which of the zones is selected. It is important to make this choice carefully based upon vacation desires.

First is Nuevo Vallarta, an enclave of resorts and condos north of the airport. Although somewhat remote, in 1994 the area experienced a wave of new development, broadening Nuevo Vallarta's attractions. Just south of the airport is the 440-acre Marina Vallarta complex, with its deluxe hotels, a championship golf course, and a world-class marina. Next comes the Hotel Zone, a parade of hotels, condos, shopping malls, and apartments between the Marina and downtown. The resort's fourth zone is the Downtown Area, with its diverse dining, shopping, and typically Mexican atmosphere. And finally is the Southern Zone, a somewhat secluded area sprinkled with hillside villas, deluxe hotels, tropical coves, and fine beaches.

Outdoor recreation is limitless. Every imaginable water sport is available along Puerto Vallarta's miles of sandy shore. Its dining and nightlife are excellent. Shopping is some of Mexico's finest, thanks to a bevy of Mexican and international artists that make Vallarta their home. There are also some great day trips, either by boat or on land. Visits to offshore islands, remote jungle coves, snorkeling cruises, and inland eco-adventures are offered by a diverse assortment of professional tour operators.

Throughout the resort, a distinct cultural flair from the State of Jalisco punctuates Puerto Vallarta's ambiance. Mariachi music blares and tequila flows from downtown bars, Huichol Indians sell their distinctive art in the city's colorful markets, and charros (Mexico's ornately dressed rodeo riders) perform, along with brightly costumed senoritas at Puerto Vallarta's excellent "Fiesta Night" celebrations.