Things to Do Vallarta

Undoubtedly, Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of attractions that are simply superb & has something for all tastes & ages. The city offers relaxing activities for those seeking a holiday in total zen relaxation, plus forgetting the daily grind, on the other hand, has adrenaline-filled activities for those seeking an active vacation or that want to practise some extreme sport.

1 – Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon

One of the most typical and enjoyable attractions for all ages, the beach walkway called malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Here you can take a pleasant stroll, admire the bay, beach, sand plus the bronze sculptures. Later in the afternoon, the stunning sunsets in this wonderful location.

Get a feel for the real Mexican atmosphere, watching the families coming out to have fun, local vendors, the balloon man and more. Enjoy the majestic nature, go shopping, cross the malecon and enjoy a delicious meal at the many great restaurants you’ll find there, in the evening enjoy bars, discos & nightclubs. The fun never ends on the Malecon.

2 – Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Another very representative attraction you can not miss: the “cathedral” of Puerto Vallarta, the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This church has a very strange combination of styles including folk art & contemporary Mexican art details, making it a beautiful work of art inside and from the outside too, completely worth a visit, don’t miss it.

3 – Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone (Old Vallarta)

The romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta is another place you must visit when in town. Enjoy the Mexican style, both in architecture or the delicious cuisine offered by various restaurants in the area. If you prefer there are also restaurants offering International cuisine. In the evening you can also find all sorts of bars, dance clubs, or just spend a pleasant & enjoyable evening. This romantic zone is located south of the Cuale River.

4 – Playa de los Muertos

The most famous and extremely popular beach in Puerto Vallarta, can’t be forgotten, its over a mile long (2 kilometers) and within walking distance of malecon. We’re talking about Playa de los Muertos, which has a gloomy name because there was a cemetery in the area, some have since tried to change its name to Playa del Sol, but it didn’t catch on. You can enjoy delicious dishes at many restaurants along the way, while you play with the sand. The Pier (which is currently being rebuilt) you will find water taxis out to the beautiful beaches south of Vallarta, such as Quimixto, Yelapa, Majahuitas and Las Animas. You’ll also find here many kinds of bars.

5 – Isla Rio cuale

Just steps away from beautiful downtown Puerto Vallarta, is Isla Rio Cuale, an space with paved paths & dense trees with large iguanas hidden among the branches, giving it an atmosphere of peace and quiet away from the bustle of the city, right in the centre Puerto Vallarta and Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. Cross the river halfway and go down a few steps and you are transported to this beautiful place full of picturesque stores, authentic handcrafts and we can also enjoy meals in beautiful restaurants overlooking the river Cuale. This place is usually not found in guidebooks, but certainly worth taking the time to visit, the arts and crafts market is one of the largest in town, you’ll find Talavera, hats, beautiful designs in silver & much more.

6 – Mismaloya Beach

This is a beautiful beach surrounded by jungle south of Puerto Vallarta, where a stream meets the sea, we refer to Mismaloya. This beach has a length of around three hundred meters (900 ft). Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation that covers the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental, home to pumas, jaguars, deer, various birds and everything tropical. This famous beach in Puerto Vallarta was the natural setting for a Hollywood movie called “The Night of the Iguana” in the year 1964. Today it offers excellent accommodation, restaurants, palapas plus many kinds of entertaining activities. There are also small shops offering jewellery and local handicrafts.

7 – Naval Museum

By the Malecon, next to the outdoor theatre is the Naval Museum. Here you can find interesting information about Mexico and its relationship to the sea, the conquest of the Mexican Pacific coastal areas. There is also mention of the birth of  the Mexican Naval Aviation and Naval Oceanography history in the country. On display are scale replicas of ancient to modern boats, topographical views of Mexico and its harbors, navigation equipment, uniforms, guns, whale bones,e tc., in addition to a regular updated temporary exhibition. Upstairs you’ll find a cafe with a beautiful view of the bay.

8 – Marina Vallarta

You shouldn’t miss Marina Vallarta either, this luxurious area is located just 15 minutes north from downtown Puerto Vallarta. You’ll find beautiful Grand Tourism hotels with great restaurants and spas. If you just want to visit, don’t forget to  walk along the marina promenade, visit the shops and restaurants. The most famous is El Faro, an outdoor restaurant that offers delicious food and a fabulous view from above of the hundreds of yachts and sailboats moored there.

9 – Los Arcos Marine Park

Take a cruise around Banderas Bay and then head south, here you can’t miss Los Arcos National Marine Park. This beautiful natural place has the deepest waters in the bay. If you venture into the waters, snorkel or dive, you will see the deep tunnels, arches, caves and reefs, home to an amazing variety of tropical fish and other water creatures.

10 – Manuel Lepe art

Finally, before leaving Puerto Vallarta you must have the chance to enjoy the art of  one of  the great artists from this beautiful city, we are talking about Mr. Manuel Lepe. His mosaic mural “Fish Vendors’ displayed on the ground floor of  Naval Museum. This work was painted by Manuel Lepe in acrylic & silkscreen. His paintings of little angels, children, Puerto Vallarta landscape’s are found in the homes of presidents and art collectors. Queen of  England, Elizabeth II, has one of his paintings at the Royal Mews Museum at Windsor Castle, also other celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan, John Travolta understood what John Houston was talking about when he said “Manuel Lepe paint to bring joy to the hearts of the child in us all.”

Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for water sports  lovers, from fishing to scuba diving and snorkeling all year round, besides you will be able to watch whales from December to March. If it’s surf what you like the most, the better season is from May to November.
Banderas Bay is considered a great paradise for water sports. You can hire most of these activities from your hotel or near it. Some of the most popular activities include windsurfing, diving, water skiing, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaks, banana rides, parasailing and boat trips.

Puerto Vallarta and it’s lush vegetation surrounds offers a great variety for adventure and ecological tours. Stunning waterfalls, full speed emotions in a zip line from tree to tree in the jungle. Horseriding is also very popular among visitors, the Sierra Madre views are simply awesome.

Due to Puerto Vallarta is as attractive as Mexico, international cruise lines make a stop on its route through the Pacific Ocean coast. Once there, cruise passengers and visitors in general wander up and down through the colorful streets and alleys searching for the perfect souvenir or gift in its original and varied shops.
The main area of downtown Puerto Vallarta is divided by the Rio Cuale, where you will find an island that houses a museum, restaurants, bars and shops. South of the River, you will find Vallarta Market. This area has restaurants and cheap hotels, making it the ideal place for those traveling on a budget, and in turn looking for a place that has the true flavor of Mexico.

Another recommended sights of Puerto Vallarta is Las Caletas. An isolated spot, located on the southern coast of Banderas Bay, which is now only accessible by sea. This isolation has allowed the place to preserve almost everything intact. Hammocks on the beaches, swaying in the shade of palm trees, and beyond, a whole tropical world to discover.
One of the most beautiful and traditional tours is a the one along the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. Walking along the Malecon during day or night is always fun and interesting. On one side you will find shops, restaurants and bars that invite you to meet the vallartanenses and share their feelings, and on the other hand, you have the magnificent sea, with its breathtaking beauty.

Later, you can enjoy a Tequila’s Margarita in any of the restaurants terraces to watch the sunset. A wide culinary variety will surprise you. For more than a decade, Vallarta has hosted the acclaimed Gourmet Festival, which brings together dozens of the best chefs around the world to create succulent pieces of art each November.

Puerto Vallarta offers a wide variety of attractions and entertainment. Beginning with the geography surrounding Puerto Vallarta noted for its beauty. The Bay at greater length in North America, is gaining ground among islets and islands, cliffs and rocks to reach the wonderful beaches, where the land rises steeply to form the Sierra Madre Occidental, where he draws attention to his old jungle emerald green. You certainly can give each resort of Puerto Vallarta will have special options for all tastes.