Hugged by the lush hills of the Sierra Madre and sparkling Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and enchanting natural beauty. And at the heart of it all is The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta (the conference location), a spectacular oceanfront resort designed by famed architect Javier Sordo Madaleno. Set on 21 lush acres of palm trees, the resort combines the ambience of colonial Mexico with the most sophisticated services and amenities.

Tropical-forested mountains and mineral-rich volcanic slopes appear to literally rise from the sea and 100 miles of mountain-ringed golden coastline hugs the stunningly beautiful Bay of Banderas, which both the France-based organization, the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club and UNESCO consider to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Quiet cobblestone streets with an old-Mexico flair contrast vividly with the pulsating nightlife of Puerto Vallarta. A walk down the Malecon, the oceanfront promenade, best represents the land of contrasts that is Puerto Vallarta. On one side, a long strip of white sandy beach, gives way to the blue waters of the Pacific, home to seasonal visits from dolphins and whales. Bordering the beach are nine sculptures, inspired by the myths and legends surrounding the ocean. On the other side of Malecon are a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, which range from casual to upscale.

Fortunately, the town has retained its quaint charm. Picturesque colonial and whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets that wind in and out, red spanish tile roofs, and a brilliant profusion of flowers and jungle-like fauna differentiate Puerto Vallarta from any destination. The architecture mirrors the colonial facades with brickwork and flowering plants. The beauty and charm of Puerto Vallarta is symbolized by the landmark Church of Guadalupe. Built in 1951, located in the picturesque main plaza. The red brick bell tower is topped by a crown modeled after the one worn by Mexico’s 18th century Empress Carlota.

Puerto Vallarta offers amenities and attractions not readily available in any other part of Mexico and perhaps not in the world. Weather hovers in the mid 80's (30ºC) for much of "high season," giving way to rainy summer season from late June to early October. Some folks even prefer those months, delighting in the electrical storms that produce an orchestra of lightning that dances throughout the sky. Then, it's back to those glorious sunsets that attract "visitantes" to every rooftop across the town. As the sun sinks, everyone waits to see if the proverbial "green flash" will be visible. For more information visit All About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallerta Malecon (boardwalk)

GETTING HERE
PUERTO VALLARTA BY AIR
There are more than 450 flights arriving weekly to Puerto Vallarta. Mexicana has flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver and Chicago. American Airlines flies non-stop from Dallas/Fort Worth. Aeromexico flies from Los Angeles. Delta Airlines flies non-stop from Los Angeles. Continental Airlines flies non-stop from Houston. Alaska Airlines flies from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE WESTIN
The Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (code PVR) is located four miles north of downtown (centro). There are frequent taxi or van transfers from the airport at reasonable rates. Pay at the taxi booth and they'll assign you to a taxi/van that will take you to your destination.

ENTERING MEXICO
Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico. Either a current passport, birth certificate or voter's registration will suffice (for citizens not arriving from USA and Canada please check with your local consulate or embassy). Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card which must be turned in upon departure at the airport. At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos.

The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta
Paseo de la Marina Sur #205
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48354 - Mexico
Phone: (52) (322) 226 1100
Fax: (52) (322) 226 1144