Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are on the west coast of Mexico in the Bay of Banderas and north. In the center of the Bay is the colorful city of Puerto Vallarta known for its colonial charm and beautiful resorts. The city is surrounded by many quaint coastal towns with palapas, restaurants, shops and resorts on lush beaches such as Yelapa to the south, Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita to the north. The great climate, fresh seafood, tropical beaches and friendly Mexican culture make this a popular tourist destination.