If this is your first visit to Puerto Vallarta or have not had a chance to walk around Downtown, here you will find a quick guide that will give you an idea of what awaits you in just one day. A perfect guide for those who are arriving by cruise and only have the afternoon to explore our great city.
After breakfast at your hotel, or arriving by ship, you’re ready to hit the trail at the start of the beautiful and unmissable Malecón. If arriving by cruise ship a taxi or bus ride to the Malecón is about 15 minutes. Bus drivers, taxi drivers, or personnel at the cruise ship terminal can help. We are the friendliest people in the world for a reason.
It is really worth it to walk the Malecón from beginning to end because, in addition to appreciating the excellent views of the city and the bay, you’ll find a collection of modern sculptures that deserve a place in your photos; also you find street performers, snacks and a host of commercial establishments to suit all tastes and budgets.
The Malecón, or boardwalk in English, will take you to the Plaza De Armas, with its quiet and provincial atmosphere that invites you to take a break under the shadows of the trees. You can take the opportunity to know the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe with its crown in the tower which is a great symbol of Puerto Vallarta.
After your stroll along the boardwalk you will surely want to whet your appetite. If you want to try the real taste of local food, there’s nothing better than eating at the Municipal Market with their homemade Mexican specialties.
Once you exit the market, you find yourself in a space that has been named as the cultural heart of the city, I am talking about the Cuale River Island , where there is always some interesting event or artistic workshop, the atmosphere there is very bohemian and the river brings up a singular freshness that will keep this place in your memory.
Take the famous Iguana Bridge to cross the river and come to one of the most famous corners in downtown Puerto Vallarta, the Gringo Gulch. Here you will find the residential complex that witnessed the romance between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the sixties, currently totally reconstructed and serving as a hotel.
From there, you can walk to the lookout located in Matamoros street where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the bay and sunset, that has made Puerto Vallarta famous as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
If you still have time, continue walking the entire length of the boardwalk south to the famous Los Muertos Beach and Los Muertos Pier, another symbol of Puerto Vallarta that makes for a great scrapbook photo.
Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen so your day in Puerto Vallarta will be a pleasant and unforgettable experience.
