New York, NY, USA - Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico's most popular destinations because of its world-class infrastructure and authentic Mexican feeling, is preparing for the arrival of this year's Spring Breakers.

Named the top 4th Spring Break destination in the world by US & World News Report, Puerto Vallarta's spring break travel season starts on March 1 and specialists estimate that about 8,000 students from the US and Canada will be visiting the Pacific Coast paradise in 2014, a thousand more than in 2013.

One of Mexico's safest destinations, Puerto Vallarta is NOT included in Canadian or US Travel Alerts, instead stating that the city is safe. This is a sentiment that travelers agree with, 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 #1 "Overall Destination" in Mexico.

Air Access: Puerto Vallarta's Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) handled over 1.2 million passengers in 2012, with over 2,000 direct flights coming from the US and Canada (SECTUR). The airfield is capable of handling 40 takeoffs and landings per hour. The airport terminal has 16 active gates, with an additional six in a recently completed terminal extension project.

Hotel Infrastructure: The city's hotel network offers 20,784 rooms, with well over half being 4-star-plus properties as well as historical boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, private homes and condominiums. Puerto Vallarta is also home to an array of gay friendly properties. Gay travelers have the option of choosing from gay friendly resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and guest houses.

Outdoor Activities: Puerto Vallarta is a sports lover's paradise offering an endless array of outdoor adventures under the warm Mexican sun. Water sports enthusiasts can choose from every imaginable activity from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking, sailing, surfing, and stand-up paddling.

The abundant marine life in the warm Pacific waters of Banderas Bay are known to be a fisherman's paradise offering some of the best deep sea sports fishing around.

Those in search of harder adventure can go mountain bike riding, opt for a jeep safari or go horseback riding in challenging terrains. There are also soft adventure tours of the jungle surrounding Puerto Vallarta from canopy tours to eco hikes. And, of course, all of the traditional sports, including tennis and world-class golf, are also on offer.

Following is a list of some of the more popular activities to be enjoyed in Vallarta.

• A Day at a Traditional Mexican Ranch: Ranches offer tours on horseback, by motorbike or hikes through surrounding ecosystems.

• Las Caletas Beach: Las Caletas is a secluded paradise, with a spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains, beautiful beaches, and even a tropical reef.

• Los Arcos National Marine Park: Famous for its 1600 foot underwater cliff "Devil's Drop," this protected park consists of towering rock arches, caves, tunnels, and reefs full of marine animals.

• Yelapa & Majahuitas: The small fishing villages of Yelapa and Majahuitas are two relaxing and unspoiled paradises that allow visitors to come in close contact with wildlife inhabiting the hills of the jungle.

• El Salado Mangrove Estuary: The Estero del Salado lagoon is a paradise for bird watchers; a beautiful expanse of white mangle, palm trees, mosses, ferns, and fauna.

• San Sebastian: This remote village has retained the charm of colonial Mexico while offering an impressive array of modern amenities and expansive views.

• Swimming with Dolphins: Enjoy a day full of fun and plenty of adventure, entertainment and nature. After a dolphin swim, take advantage of the day to enjoy 10 water slides, a fresh ride along the river, and dolphin and sea lion shows.

• Canopy Tours: Canopy tours are an exciting way to see and learn about the varied tropical flora and fauna of the rain forest surrounding Puerto Vallarta. The adrenaline mounts as one rides from treetop to treetop, hovering over the canopy of the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre Mountains.

• Performing Arts & Cultural Events: Art lovers gather in Puerto Vallarta's downtown area on Wednesdays to visit galleries, where new exhibits are presented, featured artists are in attendance, and complimentary cocktails are served during the weekly Vallarta Art Walk.

• Fiesta Nights: The major hotels in Puerto Vallarta feature fiestas for tourists on a regular basis. They consist of open bar parties, Mexican buffet dinners, and live entertainment (Mariachi bands, etc.)

• Nightlife: Although Puerto Vallarta is best known for its breathtaking views, incredible restaurants and culture, it also has a vibrant night scene. In the heart of Vallarta, along the stretch of the Malecón, there are restaurants, live music venues, bars and nightclubs offering something for everyone!

Night Clubs & Dancing: Puerto Vallarta has many late-night venues and nightclubs, each offering their own unique music, drinks, ambience and décor. Most nightspots are located along Calle Ignacio L. Vallarta and the Malecón. Along this 3-block stretch, visitors may find a sports bar, live music and gay dance clubs. The Malecón is the most frequented bar and clubbing area. This area includes such hangouts as Mandala, the Zoo and La Vaquita - all located near each other on Diaz Ordaz Street.

Live Music: Many restaurants in the Downtown/El Centro area also feature live music. La Bodeguita del Medio has live Cuban and salsa music performances and La Dulce Vita Italian restaurant features a jazz band. La Chata, River Cafe and No Way José! restaurants have live musicians most every night, and BeboTero and Paradise Burger each host live rock band performances regularly.

Gay Bars: Vallarta has a vibrant gay community with a wide variety of clubs and nightlife options, including special bay cruises and evening excursions. Puerto Vallarta's gay nightlife scene congregates on the South Side Zona Romantica area. There are many gay friendly night clubs, bars, discos, cantinas, lounges and party venues located relatively close to each other.