Puerto Vallarta

Originally known as Las Peñas, the settlement was founded in 1851 by Guadalupe Sánchez Torres. The area initially functioned as a modest port for the local mining industry in the surrounding mountains, remaining relatively isolated from the rest of Mexico until the mid-20th century. Its transformation into a global tourist destination began in the 1960s, largely spurred by the filming of 'The Night of the Iguana,' which brought international celebrities and media attention to the quiet fishing village. Since then, the city has evolved rapidly while successfully preserving its colonial architectural roots in the Old Town. Today, Puerto Vallarta stands as a cultural bridge between tradition and modern tourism, maintaining its status as one of Mexico’s most beloved coastal cities while embracing a diverse, international community of expatriates and digital nomads.