Jessica & Eric
Puerto Vallarta Guide
The Malecón (boardwalk)
Located in the historic center of Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon is an 870 meter (2,854 ft) long boardwalk, which starts at the traditional Rosita Hotel, and goes all the way to the Romantic Zone, passing by the Los Arcos Amphitheater. It is a well-known landmark not only because it is along the seashore, but also because, along it, you will find a great variety of restaurants, bars, art galleries, jewelry shops, boutiques, sculptures and other attractions that turn it into a favorite place for locals and visitors.
Main Plaza
Known also as, “Plaza de Armas,” this beautiful plaza has a kiosk and lush trees and planters, as well as the sculpture of Ignacio L. Vallarta, an outstanding Jalisco judge and State Governor, after whom the town is named. This is a tranquil setting where one can enjoy delicious ice cream or simply look at the beautiful landscape towards the mountains or the sea. Concerts, cultural presentations, and art exhibits are held here. The celebrations for Independence Day take place at this plaza. On Sundays, it becomes a marvelous dance floor for those who love to dance the traditional, “Danzon,” after church.
Our lady of Guadalupe Church
One of the most visited places in Puerto Vallarta is Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, a symbol of the city that is recognized worldwide. You will find fine wood and marble works of art here. With its wonderful architecture and famous crown, it is a meeting point for thousands of pilgrims visiting all year round, particularly in December when the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated.
Rio Cuale Island
Rio Cuale Island is right between downtown and the Romantic Zone. The island is divided into two main areas. There is a more serene area, where the Cuale Cultural Center is located, which is a place where one can enjoy peaceful surroundings, a walk, some exercise or enjoy the beautiful staircase joining the island and the famous Gringo Gulch, which has spectacular views of the mountains. The other side of the island is connected to the extension of the new Malecon (towards the Los Muertos Pier). There you will find a great variety of stores selling artisan work, which are ideal places to find a memento from your vacation in Puerto Vallarta. A fun way to get to the island is crossing the river on one of the traditional swinging bridges.
Old Vallarta Romantic Zone
Old Town Vallarta, also known as the Romantic Zone is located south of the Cuale River. This area, with its cobblestone streets and quiet atmosphere, is a reflection of a typical Mexican style town. Here you can enjoy cafes, restaurants, shops, boutiques, art galleries and a great variety of nightclubs near Los Muertos beach.
Los Muertos Pier
The pier, located in the Romantic Zone is built over a hundred meters into the sea and it is the perfect place to stroll alone, with a significant other, or the family, whilst enjoying spectacular bay sunsets. Due to its inspiring nature, it is also an ideal spot for those looking for tranquility and a place to sit and read or even write. This pier is also an embarkation point for the water taxis that head to the beaches on the southern shore.
Los Arcos Marine Park
The well known Puerto Vallarta “Arcos”, are located to the south of the city. They are small granite islands projecting out of the water. They are called Los Arcos (Arches) due to their arched shape, rock formations. The largest is 25 meters (82 ft) high, at times allowing boats to navigate under. The smaller arch is the ideal place to snorkel and dive, as people can swim through them and dive in the numerous caves and tunnels shaped through time, by nature.
Mismaloya Beach
Located south of Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya offers a beautiful beach surrounded by the jungle. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood dishes offered at small restaurants, or take a boat to visit the southern beaches, or the Los Arcos Marine Park to snorkel. Mismaloya is known for having been the location where the movie, “Night of the Iguana,” was filmed. Up river is an area known as, “Eden,” a perfect place to swim in the small pools formed by the large rocks. The Eden was also the location for another famous movie, “Predator,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens AC
An oasis in the outskirts of Puerto Vallarta; these gardens have a large collection of native plants and flowers, including orchid and vanilla conservatories. Some of the main attractions are: rose gardens, aquatic plants, cactus, ferns, a tropical fruit orchard and a picnic area, a restaurant and shops. The Botanical Garden is located south of Puerto Vallarta.
Marina Vallarta
Marina Vallarta, a modern and sophisticated area located a few minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, offers a great variety of attractions. It has a world class golf course, an exclusive hotel zone, a marina with luxury yachts and boats from all over the world, a boardwalk with a variety of restaurants and a lighthouse, from where one can enjoy a spectacular view of Puerto Vallarta. Either by day or by night, the Marina offers light filled, glamorous and elegant sites you should not miss.