Photos by Barry Gilbert

Puerto Vallarta, formerly Las Penas, is a city in western Jalisco state in west-central Mexico. It lies on Banderas Bay, on the Pacific coastal lowland, six miles south of the mouth of the Ameca River. It is the major port of Jalisco state and exports bananas, coconut oil, hides and fine woods. Beans and bananas are grown in the hinterland, which is also used for raising pigs, horses and bees.

Puerto Vallarta's population has increased sharply, for it has become an international tourist resort, known for its aquatic sports, fishing -- especially for sharks -- and hunting. It can be reached by road from Guadalajara, to the east, and by air, as well as by sea.