Welcome to ITIC Americas 2026, held at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in the vibrant seaside city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. One of Mexico’s most popular resort destinations, Puerto Vallarta has a rich mix of beach-town leisure and living cultural heritage.  

Get to know the area 

Las Glorias

The conference facility is situated in the Las Glorias neighbourhood, just steps from the sandy shores of Playa Las Glorias. The area offers a relaxed atmosphere, a variety of dining options, and golden sands ideal for unwinding or a picturesque beach walk. Its central location provides easy access to both downtown Puerto Vallarta and the marina.

Puerto Vallarta’s marina is home to luxury yachts, fishing charters, and sailing tours. The area features waterfront restaurants, bars, and boutiques, along with stunning sunset views and easy access to water-based activities.

Downtown

Downtown Puerto Vallarta encompasses both the Historic Centre (Centro Histórico) and the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica).

The Historic Centre is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and cultural atmosphere. Key landmarks include the Malecón and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located on the main square known as Plaza Principal or Plaza de Armas. The church’s distinctive crown-topped bell tower is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most recognisable landmarks.

The Malecón is the city’s oceanfront promenade, stretching over a kilometre along downtown Puerto Vallarta. As well as offering picturesque coastal views and frequent open-air performances, the walkway is lined with public art and sculptures, cafés, and shops.

The Historic Centre is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and cultural atmosphere

Just south of the Historic Centre, the Romantic Zone is one of the city’s most popular and energetic districts, offering a dynamic mix of dining, nightlife, boutique shopping, art galleries, and direct access to the famous Playa los Muertos. 

Cinco de Diciembre

Nestled between Las Glorias and downtown, and within easy walking distance of the Malecón, the authentic neighbourhood of Cinco de Diciembre (5 de Diciembre) is known for its local markets, casual dining, and pop-up food stalls. Here, you can experience everyday Puerto Vallarta life while exploring ocean-view streets brimming with local culture.

Day trips

If you have time to explore beyond the city, several beautiful and secluded spots along the coastline are easily reached by boat. Just a short trip south is Los Arcos National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Marino Los Arcos de Mismaloya), where striking rock formations and abundant marine life make it ideal for snorkelling or diving. A longer excursion takes you to the Marietas Islands, a protected national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its wildlife, crystal-clear waters, and the iconic Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor).

For a more relaxed day trip, Yelapa is a remote beach village accessible only by boat, offering waterfalls, sandy coves, and a laid-back, bohemian vibe.

If you prefer greenery over golden sands, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a short drive from the city. This nature reserve showcases native tropical dry forest flora, with forested trails to hike, native plants to observe, and even a river for swimming.

Dining

Puerto Vallarta has an extensive food scene, from high-end dining to local taco spots – there’s something for all taste buds and budgets. Some of the most popular restaurants can be hard to get into, so booking ahead is a good idea. Below are a few highlights.

Café des Artistes is known for its French-inspired tasting menu, served in a beautiful garden setting. La Cappella, set above downtown, offers Italian dishes with wonderful views of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the city skyline, made even more special with live violin music in the evenings. Veggitalia is an excellent Italian option, well known for its tasty vegan dishes.

Puerto Vallarta has an extensive food scene, from high-end dining to local taco spots – there’s something for all taste buds and budgets

For a true local experience, Pancho’s Takos is famous for its flavour-packed tacos – often said to be some of the best in town – though there’s usually a queue. For fresh seafood, Tuna Azul is a must-visit. If you’re after something a little different, Mar y Vino offers a truly unique dining experience, with tables set in a pool where you can enjoy your meal overlooking the ocean while your feet dip in the water. Finally, The Iguana, located in what was once the home of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, offers a varied menu alongside live mariachi music.

Weather

March is one of the best times to visit Puerto Vallarta, with warm, pleasant weather. Daytime temperatures usually range from 28–30°C (82–86°F), cooling to 18–20°C (64–68°F) in the evenings. Humidity is low compared with the summer months, and rain is rare during this dry season – so expect plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies.

Getting around

Like in many destinations, Uber is a convenient and reliable way to get around the city. Visitors are advised to exercise caution with other taxis, as some may overcharge.