Puerto Vallarta is on the west coast of Mexico in the center of the horseshoe-shaped Bay of Banderas. The city has a shiny hotel zone in the north end, and traditional stucco-and-tile homes hugging the jungle hillside to the south.

The downtown area is fronted by the Malecon, a wide boardwalk with sculptures and artist kiosks.

We didn't spend a whole lot of time exploring the city -- the poolside bar and beach were too inviting to wander far from them. We did eat at a fun, touristy restaurant -- Pipi's -- and strolled along the Malecon at sunset.