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The beautiful crown "steeple"
that stands atop Puerto Vallarta' main plaza church commemorates the one
worn by the wife of Maximillian of Hapsburg - a brief Emperor of Mexico.
In 1867, Maximillian was executed and Mexico declared itself once again
free from foreign influence. Almost 100 years later, an event related to
another love-crossed couple played itself out beneath the steeple's shadow:
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, in town for the filming of "The Night
of the Iguana", stood on the church steps in full Mexican wedding regalia
as they, too, had their day in the sun. Whatever the event, Puerto Vallarta
has today emerged as a sophisticated, often glamorous resort town that has
exhibited an uncanny ability to retain the charms of its engaging past. |
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Marina Vallarta, situated between
the airport and the northern part of sweeping Banderas Bay, is the first
of several resort communities to offer the very best golf, marinas, shops,
anything else the rich and not so famous might think of. Other high profile
resorts, with all the trimmings, have also found their perfect nooks along
the southern bay. |
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But what sets Puerto Vallarta
apart from a typical coastal resort area is an absolutely irresistible downtown
scene. Whether approaching from north or south, once the cobblestones appear,
slow down for a feast of visual enchantment. A haven for artists and crafts
connoisseurs, the narrow streets are lined with interesting galleries, shops
and restaurants. |
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Flowing from the mountains
behind the bay and meandering through the heart of town is the gentle River
Cuale. At the river's mouth, easily accessible by man made stairs, is an
island world of its own with restaurants, shops and a museum. Along the
bay is the languid Malecon - a palm shaded promenade whose focal point is
the popular and charming Playa de los Muertos. |
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