Place of wonders
Puerto Vallarta became famous when it was used for filming Night of the Iguana in 1963, starring Richard Burton. He moved to what was then a small beach town with Elizabeth Taylor, and the world watched their burgeoning romance with fascination. Casa Kimberly, Taylor’s house back then, is now a boutique hotel with restaurants offering views across the town, the bay and the mountains beyond.
If you were to imagine a typical Mexican town, bustling Puerto Vallarta would match it. The old centre has cobbled streets, bright buildings, a colonial plaza, a long oceanfront promenade and colourful blooms of bougainvillea everywhere. It was once voted the friendliest place on earth and it is easy to see why: everyone I meet is friendly and clearly here for a good time.