At one time Puerto Vallarta was known as Las Peñas, it was founded in the Independence era, in December 12, 1851 and received its present name in 1918 in Honor of Ignacio L. Vallarta a distinguished Jalisco Lawyer and Judge.  Surrounded by lush exotic vegetation the most important port in Jalisco represents the essence of Mexican provincial charm. Puerto Vallarta Bay is also one of the worlds largest and most beautiful bays, like San Francisco in California, Quèbec City in Canada and Santander bay in Spain.