The beachside town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has been a top vacation spot since the mid-1960s, when movie director John Huston put the city on the international tourist map by filming The Night of the Iguana in the Banderas Bay area.

Since then, the once sleepy town has had no problem attracting a steady stream of tourists. Yet with its white sandy beaches, forest-clad mountains and pretty cobblestone streets, the location has undoubtedly held on to its original charm. We've sketched out a four-day itinerary that enables you to see the area's main attractions, while also allowing enough time for lounging by the beach.

Day 1
Morning | Explore the Cathedral and Plaza De Armas

To make the most of your time in Puerto Vallarta, opt to stay within walking distance of the Old Town sights, bars and restaurants. From there, you can easily explore further afield.

Once you've dropped off your luggage at the hotel, it's time to head out. Your first destination should be the Plaza de Armas, the city's main plaza and the beating heart of the city. Here you'll find souvenir hawkers, shaded park benches and free Wi-Fi. A few steps from the plaza is Puerto Vallarta's most famous church, La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Squint your eyes and look up at the wrought-iron crown that tops the building. Towards the sea are Los Arcos, four grand stone arches that form the background to the city's open-air theater. As well as being one of Puerto Vallarta's most iconic monuments, free concerts and cultural events are held here throughout the year.

Afternoon | Hit the Beach

Los Muertos and Olas Altas are the two closest beaches to the city center. The former is the most popular, and has a magnificent 200-foot pier from which you can stare out to sea. It is thought that the beach was named Los Muertos (Deadman's Beach) because it was once the site of a sacred burial ground. There are more beautiful and secluded beaches in the area, but this is a lively and iconic spot that every visitor should experience.

Evening | Take a stroll by the sea

The Malecón (boardwalk) stretches a mile along the coast and is the perfect place to stroll in the evening. Here you can breathe in the fresh sea air, admire an impressive collection of sculptures and catch your first Puerto Vallarta sunset.

For gourmet Mexican cuisine, dine at Los Xitomates de Xalisco, an innovative and elegant restaurant owned and run by the award-winning chef Luis Fitch. With its focus on "high Mexican cuisine," the restaurant takes traditional dishes and fuses them with Mediterranean, Caribbean or Asian influences.

Los Xitomates de Xalisco, Morelos 610, downtown Puerto Vallarta Tel: (322) 222-9434

Day 2
Morning | Visit the Botanical Gardens

A must for nature lovers, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are 30 minutes drive from the historic center. Tucked into the Sierra Madre hills, this stunning ecological park has winding mountain walk ways that showcase splendid orchids, butterflies and hummingbirds. To reach the gardens, you can arrange for a mini van to pick you up from your hotel. Another option is the orange "El Tuito" bus, which leaves from the corner of Carranza and Aguacate in the city's Romantic Zone. Bring mosquito repellent and water.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Barra De Navidad Km. 24, Cabo Corrientes, (322) 223-6182

Afternoon | Soak up the sun at a secluded beach

Spend the afternoon in the nearby Playa las Gemelas, a gorgeous beach approximately 25 minutes north of the Botanical Gardens. Stretch out on the sand and enjoy a fresh coconut or tropical fruit salad. Take a dip in the warm, crystal clear waters and look out at the Arcos de Mismaloya, a series of rocky islands that have been designated a national park.

Your mini van will take you back to your hotel or you can head back to the city center by waving down El Tuito bus from outside the Gemelas condominiums.

Evening | Enjoy dinner on the beach

Back in Puerto Vallarta, tuck into a delicious seafood dinner at La Palapa Restaurant. This beachfront spot has great food and cocktails with tables that offer spectacular views of the sea. Try the mouth-watering lobster and shrimp tacos as appetizers, and the seared tuna as your main dish. Walking back to your hotel you will see numerous bustling bars and nightclubs. Stop by at Bar La Playa, a fun little bar offering great cocktails and cheap beer.

La Palapa Restaurant, Pulpito 105-3, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Tel: (322) 222-5225

Bar La Playa, Lázaro Cárdenas 179, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, Tel: (323) 854-0581

Day 3
Morning | Take a relaxing island stroll

The Isla Cuale in the center of Puerto Vallarta's Cuale River is a great place to wander and is home to a cultural center and several relaxing restaurants. Shaded by a dense thicket of trees, the island is also a cool and refreshing break from the beach. Be sure to visit the Museo del Cuale, a small island museum which showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian ceramics.

Afternoon | Shop until you drop

Spend the afternoon browsing Cuale Island Flea Market for gifts and souvenirs. The bustling market does a roaring trade in jewelry, pottery, leather goods and clothing. Much of what's on offer is typical tourist fare, but there are some artists offering unique items. If you speak enough Spanish, this is a great place to have a shot at haggling.

If you need souvenirs to bring home from PV, Isla Cuale is the place to go! It's an island in the middle of downtown, formed when the Cuale River that flows through the city, forked and separated this patch of land from the rest. In order to get the island, you have to cross a hanging wooden bridge, which can be easy or hard depending on who else is crossing with you...(Walk in the middle! People clutching the ropes from the side make it worse for everyone crossing!) When you get across, the island is full of little souvenir stands. Even though the goods tended to be the same from booth to booth, it was still a fun spot to shop!

Evening | Knock back a drink or two

Steer clear of the tourist trap clubs on the Malecón and head to Bar Morelos, which has a much more local feel. This stylish joint has great service, a solid menu and a sizeable drinks collection. Sample tequila's smoky cousin, raicilla, or order a delicious chocolate martini. After a hard day's sightseeing, you deserve it.

Bar Morelos, Morelos 589, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Tel: (322) 222-2550

Day 4
Morning | Check out one of Mexico's most authentic beach villages

Take a water taxi from Los Muertos beach to the tiny village of Yelapa. Located thirty minutes away, in the southernmost cove of Banderas Bay, this tiny fishing village has a gorgeous, secluded bay and is still relatively untouched by tourism. The businesses in town are all locally run, and you'll still see locals fishing from the pier. Grab your towel, and take to the sand to top off your tan.

Afternoon | Tuck into a pie

Surprisingly, Yelapa's local delicacy is not its seafood, but pie. There are several so-called pie ladies in town, who walk the beach with Tupperware containers filled with their baked produce. The original and best pies are made by Chelly Rodriguez, who has been baking them in Yelapa for more than two decades. Rodriguez makes 10 different varieties of pie: lemon, apple, pumpkin, cheesecake, chocolate, coconut, chocolate and coconut, banana cream, pineapple and nut.

Evening | Enjoy a stylish dinner

Back in Puerto Vallarta, cap off your trip with a dinner at Café Des Artistes, the celebrated Mexican and French fusion restaurant. You'll find some truly unique offers on the menu, including a delicious starter combining chilaquiles (a traditional Mexican dish of fried corn tortillas and tomato sauce) with lobster. Choose between a table in the stylish modern interior or the beautiful, candle-lit garden and toast to an excellent vacation.

Cafe Des Artistes, Guadalupe Sánchez 740, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, (322) 226-7200