2 vacations in one trip to Mexico

Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau are paid advertisers of Sonoran Living

Easily accessible from the Phoenix, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect summer destination providing a host of activities that all can enjoy. From strolling along Puerto Vallarta's lively Malecón while enjoying free outdoor entertainment, to riding zip lines across tree tops or swimming with dolphins and sea lions, children and adults of all ages can share memorable moments in a fun-filled summer vacation.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular destinations and Thomas Dale & Associates (TDA), a leading global investigative and security firm, found that the international destination is one of the safest for American and Canadian travelers.

This is a sentiment agreed by travelers as this year the destination has received numerous consumer-awarded titles, among them "Most Romantic Mexican Destination" and "Favorite Mexican Beach" from the readers of About.com and "Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice awards have chosen Puerto Vallarta as the #9 Beach Destination and the number one overall destination in Mexico.

Nearby, Riviera Nayarit stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just 10 minutes north of accessible Gustavo Diaz International Airport. Launched in 2007 as a Mexico luxury destination, Nayarit has some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, championship golf by top designers, world class spas, the largest yacht marina in Mexico and year-round deep sea fishing. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit and includes the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, popular surf town Sayulita, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay.  Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe.

The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns.

Riviera Nayarit holds the second place in Mexico with 52  AAA top classification properties, including three Five Diamond hotels and seven Four Diamond hotels.

This vibrant destination features breathtaking scenery in the spectacular Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains. Sanctuaries such as the La Tovara National Park and the mangrove eco-region in San Blas is "one of the most important winter habitats for birds in the Pacific, home to 80% of the Pacific migratory shore bird populations." Nayarit is also host to animals such as tigers, jaguars, crocs and sea turtles.

You can't leave Riviera Nayarit without trying some of its delicious authentic dishes prepared by world class chefs. The most famous local dish and a must-try is Huachinango Saradeado, marinated red snapper grilled over coals usually near the beach. The region showcases the variety of food choices and top chefs during the annual gastronomy festival that takes place each November.

Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau and Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau are paid advertisers of Sonoran Living