"PV" is situated in the middle of Banderas Bay on the Pacific coast of the state of Jalisco and is surrounded by mountainous jungle to the south and east and the flood-plains of a handful of rivers that flow into the bay from the Sierra Madre Oriental. The Rio Cuale winds through the downtown area which is dotted with an array of restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries. Its church spire, cobblestone streets and red tiled roofs are famous landmarks along with the flower bedecked wrought ironed balconies.

For recreation, one can enjoy rounds of golf at the course in Marina Vallarta, the Flamingo Country Club in nearby Nuevo Vallarta and the Four Seasons course in Punta de Mita. Other options include strolls down the Malecon which is lined with bronze statues and theater arches - an ideal location to watch the sunset - or challenging mountain-bike rides arranged through EcoRide and other local bike shops.