Puerto Vallarta rated top Mexican Riviera & South America destination

It’s a popular port of call for cruises that leave from Southern California. And now, Cruise Critic®, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has rated Puerto Vallarta as the top Mexican Riviera & South America Destination at the first-ever Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.

The 98-year-old Mexican city offers a variety of places to explore, from art galleries, to tequila shops to high-end boutiques. The area also features more than 360 restaurants.

For adventure-seekers, Puerto Vallarta has it all, from paddle boarding to rappelling down a waterfall. Tour operators such as Canopy River offer unique opportunities to zipline across rivers and ride mules down the Sierra Madre Mountain range, while others can speed down the country side with Wild Treks Adventure’s ATVs. Vallarta Adventures incorporates cultural, adventure and ecological activities in its tours that range from visiting a ghost mining town in the middle of the jungle, sailing across the bay and relaxing on a secluded cove or trying the fastest zipline in Mexico.

Those looking for a more relaxing time can opt for Puerto Vallarta’s many high-end beach clubs, including Mantamar Beach Club and Casa Velas’ Ocean Club, or obtain a day pass to enjoy the beach or pool at many of Puerto Vallarta’s hotels, including Secrets, Westin or Fiesta Americana.  Spa treatments are also a big favorite at CasaMagna Marriott Ohtli and Villa Premire’s Spa.

If that’s not enough reason to visit Puerto Vallarta, the Cruise Port Terminal is currently undergoing an extensive, $17 million, three-year renovation, which will add a Tequila Factory, an aquarium and a Welcome Center.

To learn more, go to VisitPuertoVallarta.com.