Puerto Vallarta history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Puerto Vallarta begins in the mid-19th century. The city was founded in 1851 under the name Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe. Initially, it was a small settlement, with its primary activity being salt extraction. The salt was supplied to silver mines located in the nearby Sierra Madre mountains, such as Cuale and San Sebastián del Oeste.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors defined the city's development:

• Geography: Its location on the shores of Banderas Bay, the largest on the Pacific coast of Mexico, secured its status as a convenient port point.
• Trade: The initial economy was closely tied to the mining industry — salt, essential for processing silver, was exported through the port. Later, agriculture began to develop in the region, including the cultivation of tobacco, maize, and beans.
• Political Status: In 1918, the settlement received municipality status and was renamed Puerto Vallarta in honour of Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of the state of Jalisco.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Until the mid-20th century, Puerto Vallarta remained a modest fishing and agricultural town. Everything changed in 1964 when director John Huston chose its surroundings to film "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. The romance between Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, who frequently visited the city, received widespread publicity, attracting the attention of the global elite and the press. This moment became a turning point, transforming the quiet port into one of Mexico's most famous and fashionable resorts, which gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism infrastructure.

Key Dates in the History of Puerto Vallarta

From a modest salt-mining settlement to a world-renowned resort — the history of Puerto Vallarta is full of significant events that defined its unique character.

• 12 December 1851 — Considered the founding date of the settlement Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe by entrepreneur Guadalupe Sánchez Torres, who arrived here with a group of families to mine and transport salt.
• 14 July 1885 — The settlement officially receives maritime port status, legitimising its growing commercial activity.
• 1918 — The settlement of Las Peñas receives municipality status and is renamed Puerto Vallarta in honour of Ignacio L. Vallarta, a prominent lawyer and former governor of the state of Jalisco.
• 1930s — The first national and foreign tourists begin to arrive in the city, attracted by its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
• 1942 — The first airport appears in Puerto Vallarta, significantly improving transport accessibility and contributing to the growth in visitor numbers.
• 1950s — The city acquires international renown, attracting writers and artists from various countries.
• 1964 — Director John Huston films "The Night of the Iguana" in the city's surroundings, mainly at Mismaloya Beach, sparking global interest in Puerto Vallarta.
• 31 May 1968 — In connection with its centenary and significant development, Puerto Vallarta officially receives city status.
• 1970 — The Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport is built, giving a powerful boost to the development of mass tourism.
• 2002 — The city suffered serious damage from Hurricane Kenna, one of the most powerful hurricanes on the Pacific coast, which led to large-scale work on the restoration and modernisation of infrastructure.

Stages of Puerto Vallarta's Transformation

Puerto Vallarta's journey from a secluded village to a world-famous resort is not just a chronology of events, but a history of several key transformations. Each of them left a deep mark on its character, turning the city into that unique place so beloved by travellers.

• Industrial Foundation. The city's history began in the mid-19th century with the village of Las Peñas, created for the extraction and transport of salt. It was this industrial birth and subsequent recognition as a maritime port in 1885 that laid the economic foundation, allowing the city to grow and develop as an important logistics centre on the coast.
• The "Hollywood Catalyst". The turning point that forever changed the city's destiny was the filming of "The Night of the Iguana" in 1964. The romance of the star couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton attracted the attention of the whole world. This "Hollywood effect" turned the modest port town into a synonym for glamour and bohemian leisure, launching the rapid growth of the tourism industry.
• Emergence of a Cultural Hub. Long before the tourism boom, from the 1950s, the city began to attract artists, writers, and intellectuals. This creative energy did not disappear but only intensified with the resort's growing popularity. Today, it is felt in the numerous galleries, sculptures on the Malecon boardwalk, and the unique atmosphere of the Old Town streets.
• Era of Infrastructural Growth. Following worldwide fame in the 1970s, large-scale infrastructure development ensued. The construction of an international airport and modern roads was a direct consequence of tourism demand, making Puerto Vallarta accessible to millions of travellers from around the world.
• Modernisation and Resilience. The destructive Hurricane Kenna in 2002 became not only a trial for the city but also a stimulus for renewal. Extensive restoration works led to the modernisation of the embankment, hotels, and utility systems. As a result, Puerto Vallarta became not only more modern and comfortable but also more resilient to natural challenges.

The architectural appearance of Puerto Vallarta is a harmonious blend of traditional Mexican flavour and modern resort trends. The city cannot boast of strict adherence to a single style, like Gothic or Renaissance; its charm lies in an eclecticism shaped by history and geography.

Traditional Architecture of the Old Town

The historic heart of the city, the districts of El Centro and Zona Romántica, has preserved the charm of old Mexico. This style, often called "coastal colonial", is not a formal architectural school but rather a folk tradition. Its key features:

• Whitewashed Walls: Most buildings have simple plastered and whitewashed walls, which helps reflect sunlight.
• Red Tiled Roofs: Sloping roofs covered with curved red tiles (teja) are the city's calling card.
• Cobblestones: Narrow streets paved with stone (cobblestone) create a unique atmosphere and slow down the pace of life.
• Wooden Elements: Carved wooden doors, window frames, and balconies often add warmth and cosiness to the buildings.

Iconic Buildings and Their Styles

The central architectural landmark of Puerto Vallarta is the Parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe). Its construction began in the early 20th century and continued for several decades, leading to a mixture of styles. The main building has Neoclassical features, while the interior is decorated with elements reminiscent of Baroque. However, the most recognisable detail is the concrete crown topping the bell tower, created in 1965 and, according to rumours, inspired by the tiara of Empress Carlota. This crown gives the church a unique and eclectic look, making it a symbol of the city.

Urban Development of the 20th–21st Centuries

With the tourism boom that began in the 1960s, urban planning expanded beyond the historic centre. This led to the emergence of new districts with completely different architecture:

• Resort Modernism: Along the coast to the north of the centre, the "Hotel Zone" (Zona Hotelera) emerged. Here, large hotels and condominiums dominate, built in the style of functionalism and modernism of the 70s and 80s, adapted for the tropical climate.
• Postmodernism and Neo-Mexican Style: The Marina Vallarta district, created in the 1980s–1990s, is an example of comprehensive planning. Here, architecture combines modern forms with traditional elements — arches, bright colours, and tiled roofs, creating a luxurious yet cosy environment around the yacht berths.

Thus, the architectural evolution of Puerto Vallarta reflects its journey from a modest fishing village to a world-famous tourist centre, where historical heritage sits comfortably alongside modern resort development.

Iconic Personalities in the History of Puerto Vallarta

The history of Puerto Vallarta would be incomplete without mentioning the people who founded the city, gave it its name, made it famous throughout the world, and captured its beauty in art. Here are some of the key figures whose destinies are inextricably linked with this Mexican resort.

• Guadalupe Sánchez Torres — The founder of the city. In 1851, together with his family and a group of like-minded people, he arrived in these parts, founding the settlement of Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe. His main goal was the extraction and processing of salt for the needs of silver mines in the mountains, which laid the economic foundation of the future city.
• Ignacio L. Vallarta — Lawyer and Governor of the state of Jalisco. Although he never lived in the city, the settlement was renamed in his honour in 1918 to memorialise the outstanding statesman. This event marked the official recognition of the port's growing importance.
• John Huston — Famous American film director. In 1963, he chose the surroundings of Puerto Vallarta to film his movie "The Night of the Iguana". This choice became a turning point that attracted the attention of the whole world to the quiet town and launched its transformation into a popular tourist centre.
• Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton — Hollywood stars. Burton played the lead role in "The Night of the Iguana", and Taylor came to visit him during filming. Their whirlwind romance, unfolding before the eyes of the global press, created a reputation for the city as a bohemian and romantic place. Later, they purchased houses here, connecting them with a bridge, which became a local landmark and a symbol of their affection.
• Ava Gardner — American actress and one of the main stars of the film "The Night of the Iguana". Her participation in the filming alongside Richard Burton and Deborah Kerr added star power to the project and contributed to the growth of Puerto Vallarta's international fame.
• Manuel Lepe Macedo — A renowned Mexican artist. Recognised as the "Favourite Son" of Puerto Vallarta, he became famous for his paintings in the naive art style, in which he depicted idyllic scenes from the life of the city with its angels and children. His works formed a recognisable artistic image of the resort and today adorn many galleries and public spaces.