Summary
Once a mining town in the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags), Puerto Vallarta has transformed into a vibrant resort city attracting a diverse cosmopolitan crowd.
International visitors began arriving with the inception of commercial air travel in the 1940s, leading artists and writers to settle in the “Gringo Gulch” district.
The tourism industry expanded significantly in the 1980s, featuring a modern marina and high-rise condominiums. Over the past two decades, Puerto Vallarta has become a prominent escape for the LGBT community in Latin America.
A vacation in Puerto Vallarta promises an enticing mix of pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine, and lively nightlife.
Visitors can embark on excursions into the Sierra Madre mountains or venture out onto the bay, which is home to protected islands featuring caves, reefs, and tunnels.
Humpback whales migrate to the bay simultaneously with the influx of tourists, offering remarkable opportunities for whale watching.
Let us examine the top attractions in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Malecón
Commencing at Hotel Rosita in the north, the Malecón spans 12 blocks and covers 870 meters along the oceanfront, concluding at the Zona Romántica.
The majority of this palm-lined promenade is free from vehicular traffic and is continually enhanced with new public art installations, landscaping, and seating areas.
The views of Bahía de Banderas are exceptional, particularly during sunset.
The promenade is lively throughout the day, and exploring from one end to the other may take time, as visitors are often captivated by street performers and traditional dances from Papantla flyers.
Along the route, numerous restaurants and stands offer local beverages, ice cream, and Jaliscan tejuino, a refreshing drink crafted from fermented corn.
Take a moment to capture an image of Los Arcos, a magnificent set of four arches framing the bay view.
2. Zona Romántica
Since the early 2000s, the Zona Romántica, situated south of the Río Cuale, has emerged as a prominent LGBT retreat in Latin America.
Despite being newer than Puerto Vallarta’s downtown, this quaint and verdant area exudes the charm of a traditional Mexican pueblo.
Its intricate network of cobbled streets is lined with charming bakeries, cafés, a multitude of restaurants, art galleries, and a relaxed ambiance during peak season.
From November to May, a weekend farmers’ market is held in Lázaro Cárdenas Park, where visitors can find artisan chocolates, organic fruits and vegetables, freshly made tortillas, cheese, soaps, ceramics, and handcrafted jewelry directly from producers.
3. Isla Cuale
In 1926, the Río Cuale rose and divided into two branches, creating a new island in between.
This island was further isolated in the 1970s when the riverbed was modified.
Throughout the years, Isla Cuale has remained largely undeveloped, acting as a lush sanctuary at the intersection of the Zona Romántica and downtown.
The island features eateries and a continuous line of open-air stalls offering souvenirs.
Visitors can access the island via multiple pedestrian bridges, the latest of which was completed in 2012, connecting the Centro Cultural on the east side to the Gringo Gulch area on the river’s right bank.
The bridge’s slope offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the Zona Romántica.
4. Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Located some distance from Puerto Vallarta, these botanical gardens provide an entire day of exploration.
Established in the early 2000s, the gardens encompass 26 hectares, showcasing a blend of native forests and meticulously maintained gardens featuring plants native to the Puerto Vallarta region and tropical zones globally.
A major focus of the gardens is orchid conservation, with these stunning flowers prominently displayed throughout and housed in a dedicated orchid facility.
Visitors can also marvel at extensive collections of palms, agaves, cacti, oaks, and bromeliads, all accompanied by informative descriptions.
Prepare to swim, as bathing is permitted in the enchanting emerald waters of the Río Horcones.
5. Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Although it may not appear so at first glance, this landmark located in the heart of Zona Romántica is less than a century old.
Construction occurred during a tumultuous era and was interrupted by the Cristero War that affected central-western Mexican states during the late 1920s.
The church has experienced its own challenges, with the iconic crown atop the main tower being replaced following a storm in the 2000s.
Inside, visitors can admire the wooden panels adorned with images of saints, intricately carved confessionals, a marble altar, and an image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The Virgin is commemorated for 12 days at the beginning of December, culminating in Guadalupe Day on the 12th, commemorating her appearance to a native Mexican named Juan Diego in 1531.
6. Los Muertos Pier
This contemporary landmark, known as Los Muertos Pier, is situated at a beach of the same name, as will be discussed further below.
Its tall sail-shaped structure is visible from afar and becomes particularly photogenic at night when illuminated in blue light.
The pier serves as the departure point for water taxis that transport visitors to other areas of the city and to beaches located to the south.
To enjoy a picturesque sunset over Bahía de Banderas, arrive in the evening, but be sure to get there early to secure a good seat.
7. Whale Watching
During the northern hemisphere’s winter months, humpback whales migrate along Mexico’s Pacific coast to give birth to their calves.
This species gathers here from December to February, spending several weeks in these warmer waters before returning to Alaska.
A variety of local businesses organize whale-watching tours, many led by oceanographers and marine biologists who provide intriguing insights while ensuring a respectful approach to wildlife.
Several tours are equipped with microphones to capture whale songs, allowing guests to listen on board, while witnessing a whale breach or a newborn calf with its mother is an unforgettable experience.
8. Los Arcos National Marine Park
Traveling south along the Bahía de Banderas, a cluster of three small islands comes into view, located just 50 meters from the shoreline.
Los Arcos are best explored via boat, kayak, or paddleboard, appealing to snorkelers, divers, and sightseers who prefer to remain dry.
Visitors can swim beneath the main arch, where water depths can exceed 400 meters in certain areas.
The rocky formations are riddled with caves that provide shelter to sea turtles, rays, pufferfish, and a myriad of other marine species.
These granite islands are named for their natural arches, which are easily visible from the center of Puerto Vallarta.
A land viewpoint is also accessible by car.
9. Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale
The municipal market located on Isla Cuale opened in 1979 and serves as an essential shopping destination.
Housing nearly 160 vendor stalls across two levels, many of them cater to tourists.
Visitors can browse through silver jewelry, leather products, wooden toys, and various souvenirs on the ground floor.
However, the market truly shines on the upper level, which is exclusively dedicated to food.
Tasks such as tacos, baked onions, chicken and rice with mole, shrimp broth, and delightful aguas frescas are among the numerous delicacies available at the food stalls.
10. Plaza de Armas
Often referred to as the Zócalo, Plaza de Armas is the central square in El Centro, framed by town hall and the Malecón to the west, while the parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is located just half a block away.
The bandstand situated in the center of the square frequently hosts performances: The municipal band plays on Thursday and Sunday evenings, with additional dance events on other nights.
The square features a monument dedicated to Ignacio Vallarta, the city’s namesake, who served as governor of Jalisco in the 1870s and had once allied with President Benito Juárez, later facing exile in the USA during the mid-1860s French intervention.
11. Playa Los Muertos
At the southern end of the Malecón lies the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta.
Situated in the Zona Romántica, Playa Los Muertos ranks among Mexico’s premier LGBT beaches, while also being a favored spot for both locals and visitors from neighboring regions.
The beach tends to be quite busy during weekends, facilitating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for those seeking a lively local experience.
With gentle waves, the beach is accessible to non-swimmers, and vendors circulate offering cold drinks and snacks, while paddleboarders float in the water just offshore.
If you prefer a sit-down meal, a plethora of dining options can be found along the beach, flanked by high-rise condominiums.
12. Marina Vallarta
Spanning 22 hectares, Marina Vallarta was developed in 1986 in response to increased tourism in Puerto Vallarta.
Located approximately 10 minutes from downtown, the marina features a striking sculpture of a mother whale and her calf upon arrival.
Numerous boat excursion companies operate from the marina, sharing the area with boutiques, upscale restaurants, and yacht dealerships.
The marina accommodates 450 berths, many occupied by luxurious yachts, with condominium developments rising behind the retail space.
Stroll along the promenade to appreciate this upscale environment, and attend the farmers’ market held on Thursday evenings from November to April.
A tee-off time at the 18-hole championship Marina Vallarta golf course can be arranged for those interested in golfing ($139 USD during peak times).
13. Diving
Bahía de Banderas is a diver’s paradise, boasting various technical dive sites throughout the bay.
During the whale season, divers can observe the drop-offs at El Chimno, south of Puerto Vallarta, while remaining at a safe distance from the whales and their calves.
El Morro presents a more challenging experience, requiring a descent into caves where divers can encounter manta rays and moray eels.
With its caves, tunnels, and reefs, Los Arcos and Las Marietas offer additional exploration opportunities.
The bay’s gentle currents make it an excellent choice for novice divers, providing an ideal location for open-water training during an extended visit.
14. Islas Marietas National Park
Situated at the entrance of the bay, a pair of protected islands can only be accessed by boat.
Islas Marietas National Park was established in the late 1960s to protect these ecological treasures.
Before planning a visit to Puerto Vallarta, it is advisable to verify whether trips to the islands are permitted, as access is often restricted for extended periods to ensure the preservation of the islands and their reefs.
Above the water, expect to observe a variety of bird species, including brown boobies, egrets, pelicans, frigate birds, and the Galápagos blue-footed booby.
For snorkelers, a plethora of fish species such as giant damselfish, Panamic sergeant majors, rainbow wrasses, and Moorish idols populate these waters.
Access to the islands themselves is quite limited, but at low tide, visitors may have the chance to swim at the “Hidden Beach,” a stunning collapsed sea cave.
15. Outdoor Adventure
Adventure activities in Puerto Vallarta extend beyond the ocean, with several companies offering journeys into the Sierra Madre for a variety of exhilarating experiences.
These could include zip-lining through the rainforest over gorges in the Orquideas River, rappelling down cascading waterfalls, or navigating the Cuale Riverbed on an ATV. Cultural excursions are also available, taking visitors to remote Sierra Madre villages, touring local farms, and visiting distilleries that produce raicilla, a traditional spirit made from the agave plant.
