Are you curious about the history of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Today, Puerto Vallarta is a thriving vacation destination in Mexico. However, many different factors contributed in making Puerto Vallarta what it is today. Did you know that before Puerto Vallarta was a popular tourist destination, it was a mining region due to the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Ameca River agriculture? Although travel is not possible right now due to the coronavirus and COVID-19 crisis, why not daydream about a vacation to Mexico? When you are able to safely travel again, book a dream vacation to Puerto Vallarta. Wondering where to stay? Garza Blanca Resorts are well-known for their luxurious amenities, incredible accommodations, and exclusive services. Garza Blanca Resorts are situated on a private beach where guests will enjoy breathtaking views of Banderas Bay. Read more below to learn how Puerto Vallarta changed from a fishing village into a luxury destination.
The Puerto Vallarta History
Archaeological research and studies have proven that Aztaltan humans lived in the area in 580 BC. During 1524, an invasion by the Spanish occurred and a fierce battle took place between the native people and the Spanish conquistadors. Hernan Cortez started fighting with the native people in the area, and he fought up to 20,000 locals. In the end, the Spanish won and took over control of the Ameca Valley. Sometime later, the Spanish changed the name of the area to Banderas Bay (in Spanish means Flags). Banderas Bay which was the perfect name, because the local natives were known to carry colorful flags when they were battling. During the 17-18th centuries, the Banderas Bay became a stopping point for many large cargo ships.
From Fishing Village to Luxury Destination
In the 1950’s and the 1960’s, a major makeover started in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta went from a quaint fishing village into a luxury destination. First, the Mexican government resolved land disputes over some properties in the area that had prevented additional developments from being built. The communal lands were made private lands, and all the money from the sales went into growing Puerto Vallarta. In 1968, Puerto Vallarta was officially named a city by the Mexican government.
Puerto Vallarta Interest Grew with “The Night of the Iguana”
In 1864, the classic movie “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed in Mismaloya, which is just located south of Puerto Vallarta along the coastline. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton starred in the movie, and the two began a passionate love affair as the movie was filmed. The scandal sparked interest with Puerto Vallarta as the US media and news from everywhere came to cover the love affair. As a result, Puerto Vallarta became a popular tourist destination for Americans who wanted to vacation in Mexico.
Changes Occurred with Transportation
Next, the Mexican government decided to improve air and ground transportation in the 1960’s. The Puerto Vallarta International Airport was built, and today millions of visitors pass through there each year. Also, new highways were built to improve traffic flow in Puerto Vallarta, and older roads were renovated. Next, the El Salado wharf was opened which made Puerto Vallarta the first harbor city in Mexico on June 1, 1970.
Present Day in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta became the perfect vacation destination for people wanting an affordable vacation during the early 1980’s when the peso was devalued. Also, foreigners had the opportunity to buy ejido lands in the 1990’s with changes to federal Agrarian Law. Foreigners could buy property by using a bank trust or a Fideicomiso for their real estate purchase. Next, real estate development began to boom in Puerto Vallarta. Present day Puerto Vallarta is a thriving vacation destination due to its beautiful beaches, wonderful climate, and interesting culture and history.
Are you wanting to know where to stay when you are able to vacation to Puerto Vallarta again? The first thing you need to do is check out Garza Blanca Resorts. They have affordable vacation packages on their website. Also, if you want to become a vacation club member with the top timeshare club in Mexico, then you should talk to them to see if you qualify. Before you know it, you could be enjoying regular vacations in paradise at the top vacation club in Mexico.