History of Puerto Vallarta, Pre-Hispanic until 1800 (part 2)

The of Puerto Vallarta area appears on mapas and in sailing logs as a bay of refuge for the Philippine trade as well as for other coastal seafarers. Smuggling and pirate operations and pirate contravention efforts by the government involved the area. Banderas Valley and beaches along the Bay of Banderas served as supply points for ships seeking refuge in the bay during the 1600 and 1700s.. The area also served as a point where smuggled goods could be sent on to the Sierra towns near Mascota, evading the customs operations at San Blas, Nayarit. It is known that a shipyard was built on the bay in 1644 (probably where Mismaloya is located today) and two ships were built for Bernardo Bernal de Pinadero that would be used in the colonization of Lower California.

In ship's logs and documents from the 1700s constant references are made to whaling ships and fishing boast that harbored in the bay. At the time, Banderas Bay was also known as Humpback Bay (Bahia de los Jorobados) because of the number of humpback whales that were seen in the bay.
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History of Puerto Vallarta, Pre-Hispanic until 1800

Not much is known about the history of the area prior to the 1800s. Archaeological evidence exists of continuous human habitation from 580 BCE probably by the Aztatlan culture which dominated Jalisco, Nayarit and Michoacan from approx. 900-1200 CE.

The bay (Banderas) has been known since the early 1500s by Spanish soldiers, during the expeditions to Baja California (or island of pearls, as they called it), landed on the bay's beaches in order to supply their ships with water, firewood and fresh food. There are many chronicles from that time that mention the beauty of the coastline, the fertility of the land and the safe harbors that the bay offered ships.

Missionary and conquistador accounts chronicle battles between colonizers and the local peoples. In 1524 a battle between Cortes and an army of 10-20,000 Indians resulted in the Spanish taking control of much of the Ameca valley. The valley was then called Banderas, or Flags, after the colorful standards carried by the natives. During the 1500s safe harbors all along the Pacific Coast were a vital necessity so that ships returning from the Philippines would have a place to find refuge in case of attack by pirates. These harbors were also necessary during the long journeys, to and from the Orient so that ships could be repaired if necessary and crews could take on provisions. One of the first to propose a settlement on Banderas Bay was Captain Pedro de Unamuno after the trip he made in 1587 from the Philippines. Famous navigators like Sebastian Vizcaino, Lopez de Vicuna and Gonzalo de Francia more than once landed on these beaches and also proposed the establishment of a colony, but their petitions never received any attention.

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Puerto Vallarta, Introduction

Puerto Vallarta was a vibrant Mexican community long before it became an international tourist zone. Because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich cultural history tourism has become a major economic activity. Puerto Vallarta's proximity to the agricultural valley of the Ameca River, the Bay of Banderas and the important mining centers in the Sierra have given the town a more interesting past than most Mexican tourist destinations.

During the first part of the 19th century, at the mouth of the Cuale River - at that moment in time, inhabited mostly by crocodiles - there were practically no human dwellers. Between the rugged sierra, the ocean and the powerful Ameca River, this beautiful piece of Mexican geography remained isolated from the rest of the world. The hubs of economic activity were up in the mountains, in the towns of Cuale, San Sebastian and Mascota, where silver mines abounded but where salt, an essential element for the metal processing, wasn't found, we'll return to that further on.

Today, visitors to Puerto Vallarta Mexico can enjoy a breathtaking view from any of the hills that surround the city of Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Coast on one of the largest bays in the world (member of "The Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club".) Banderas Bay measures 42 kilometers from north to south. The northernmost limit of the bay is at Punta Mita which is the end of the Sierra de Vallejo mountains and, to the south, the bay ends in Cabo Corrientes, part of the foothills of the Sierra del Cuale range.

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Hotel Riu Palace Pacifico

Our hotel (All inclusive 24 hours) is an elegant resort designed to offer its guests the very best service accompanied by top quality at all times. Constructed on the seafront of the Flamingos beach, in this hotel the Palace category surprises yet again for the high level of its facilities.


* Room service 24 hours a day

*

* "La Peninsula" restaurant with terrace

* "Krystal" Fusion Restaurant

* "Kyoto" Japanese restaurant

* "Guacamole" Mexican restaurant

* "La Toscana" poolside restaurant

* "Bolero" lounge bar with terrace

* "Petit Pigalle" lobby bar

* Sports bar

* "Colibri" bar with terrace

* "Marlin" poolside bar with swim-up bar

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* Swimming pool (1450 sq metres) with adjoining jacuzzi

* Children's swimming pool (6 sq metres)

* Complimentary sun loungers, towels and parasols by the pool area

* Sun terrace

* "RiuLand" kids' club and children's playground

*

* "Renova Spa" with assorted treatments, beauty salon, hairdresser and massages (additional charge)

* Complimentary gym, sauna, steam bath and jacuzzi

* Use of the gym, jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna is restricted to guests over 18 years old. Sports shoes are compulsory when using the gym

*

* 2 conference rooms

* Shop/gift shop

* Use of computers with internet access (additional charge)

* Wireless LAN zone (free of charge)

*

* Under Mexican legislation smoking is not permitted in the public areas of the hotel except in specifically designated areas

* At the ClubHotel Riu Jalisco and the hotel Riu Vallarta:

* Night club

* 445 guestrooms

* Junior suites with:

* Bathroom with hydromassage bathtub
* Hairdryer
* 110 V
* Telephone
* Central air conditioning
* Ceiling fan
* Mini-bar
* Liquor dispenser
* Coffee maker

* Satellite TV (flat screen)
* Radio alarm clock
* Electronic in-room safe (Laptop size 15"; interior dimensions : H 20cm/7.8in x W 37,5cm/14.7in x D 34cm/13.3in)
* Peep hole in doors
* Iron and ironing table
* 2 beds 125 x 200 cm or 1 bed 200 x 200 cm
* Turndown service
* Integrated lounge area with 2 steps between levels, with sofa or sofa bed
* Balcony or terrace (except 16 junior suites)
* Junior suites with second bedroom, bathroom with hydromassage bathtub, shower cabin and bidet available
* Inter-connecting junior suites available
* Junior suites with ocean view can be reserved

* Jacuzzi Junior Suites with:

* Bathroom with hydromassage bathtub, shower cabin and bidet
* Integrated lounge area with 2 steps between levels, with sofa
* 1 bed 200 x 200 cm
* Jacuzzi (on balcony/terrace)
* Ocean view


Dining & Entertainment

* All Inclusive 24 hours

*

* All meals and snacks:

* Breakfast:

* Full American breakfast buffet, on the spot cooking stations, fruits, juices and Cava
* Continental breakfast/snack

* Lunch:

* Hot and cold buffet and on the spot cooking stations
* Pizzas, pasta, salads and assorted desserts

* Dinner:

* Buffets and on the spot cooking stations
* Special evenings: theme buffet (three times a week)

* Optional dining (reservations required in advance):

* "Guacamole" Mexican restaurant (à la carte; buffet starters)

* À la carte:

* "Krystal" Fusion Restaurant
* "Kyoto" Japanese restaurant
* "La Toscana" grill and steakhouse

*

* Formal dress is required for dinner (main restaurant: T Shirts with sleeves for gentlemen; theme restaurants: long trousers and T Shirts with sleeves for gentlemen)

* Snacks 24 hours a day

* For additional lunch and snacks, a free choice from a selection of restaurants at Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco

* Beverages:

* Unlimited local and imported beverages 24 hours a day
* Drinks service at the pool
* Access to all bars at Riu Vallarta and Riu Jalisco
* Regularly restocked mini-bar and liquor dispenser

* Room service 24 hours a day

Visit another blog on Puerto Vallarta Mexico

There is a lifetime of things to experience in Mexico, many lifetimes. For more great information on traveling to Mexico and more hotels and accommodations in Puerto Vallarta please visit Puerto Vallarta

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Hotel Riu Jalisco

As the centerpiece along an extraordinary stretch of golden sand beach in with crystalline waters, the Hotel Riu Jalisco (All inclusive 24 hours) in Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican paradise. Located a short distance from Puerto Vallarta along Playa de Flamingos in Nuevo Vallarta, every aspect of this lush tropical resort is designed to meet your every desire.

Holidays in Riviera Nayarit-Puerto Vallarta...

Bathed by the waters of the beautiful bay of Banderas and sheltered by the imposing Sierra Madre, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most highly-prized tourist destinations in Mexico. As well as excellent beaches and water sports, this destination offers you the chance to enter into contact with unique nature: dolphins, whales and turtles.
* All inclusive 24h
* Located on Playa de Flamingos beach, 2 km / 1.5 miles from Nuevo Vallarta
* Complimentary sun loungers on the beach
* 13 km / 8 miles from the airport
* 300 m / 990 ft. from Flamingos Golf Club
* Restaurant
* Swimming pools
* Complimentary sun loungers, towels and parasols by the pool area
* Sun terrace
* "Renova Spa": beauty treatments, hairdresser and massages (additional charge)
* Complimentary sauna, jacuzzi and gym

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Services

* "Don Emiliano" restaurant

* "Doña Adelita" Mexican restaurant

* "Gran dragón" Asian restaurant

* "Nayarit" poolside restaurant ("Brazilian Rodizio")

* "La Botana" beach bar/restaurant / grill and steakhouse

* "La Cantina" lobby bar

* Sports bar

* "Pancho" pavilion bar
* "Villa" pavilion bar

* "Bahia Banderas" poolside bar
* Swim-up bar

*

* Two swimming pools (800 and 625 sq metres)

* Children's swimming pool (20 sq metres)

* Two complimentary jacuzzis

* Complimentary sun loungers, towels and parasols by the pool area

* Sun terrace

* "RiuLand" kids' club
* Children's playground

*

* "Renova Spa": beauty treatments, hairdresser and massages (additional charge)

* Complimentary sauna, jacuzzi and gym

* Use of the gym, jacuzzi and sauna is restricted to guests over 18 years old. Sports shoes are compulsory when using the gym.

*

* "Pacha" night club

* Gift shop, kiosk and jewelry

* Use of computers with internet access (additional charge)
* Wireless LAN zone (free of charge)



Av. Cocoteros s/n Nvo. Vallarta,
Nayarit, 322 226 6600,
clubhotel.jalisco@riu.com,
www.riu.com

Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta Hotel

Immerse yourself in the charm and warmth that have made the Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta a unique destination, and live the experience at one of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta. The Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta is situated on the Bahía de Banderas, the second largest bay in the Pacific Ocean. With contemporary Mexican architecture and beautiful, recently-modified construction harmonizing perfectly with a landscape flanked by the mountains of the Western Sierra Madre and Vallarta's most beautiful beach, the Fiesta Americana invites our guests to enjoy relaxing surroundings like the open-air lobby palapa, a large waterfall, beautiful rooms, and comfortable suite all in the most restful and serene atmosphere.

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List of Services

* Public areas for guests with special needs
* Travel agency
* Boutique
* Cafeteria
* Jewelry
* Ice machine
* Tobacconist's
* Gift shop
* Bellboys
* Concierge
* Newspaper
* Medical service
* ATM
* Currency exchange
* Left luggage
* Multilingual staff
* Mail services
* Shipping service
* Outdoor parking
* Special needs parking
* Indoor parking
* Valet parking
* Childcare service
* Highchairs available
* Laundry service
* Shoe cleaning service
* Room cleaning service
* Room service
* Ironing service
* Dry cleaning service
* Same-day dry cleaning service



Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio km 2.5
48333
Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco
Mexico


52 01 (322) 2 26 21 00 Tel
52 01 (322) 2 24 21 08 Fax
www.fiestamericana.com/en/puerto-vallarta/hotel-puerto-vallarta