PUERTO VALLARTA

formerly Las Peas, city, western Jalisco estado (state), west-central Mexico. It lies on Banderas Bay, on the Pacific coastal lowland, 6 miles (10 km) 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, the state capital, to the east, and by air, as well as by sea. Pop. (1980) 36,645.