Everything you may be wondering about the heart and symbolic tourist place of the great Jalisco city.
1. What is the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta?
The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk is a breakwater and a wide walkway one and a half kilometers long facing the sea, which has become one of the main meeting points of the city.
2. What can I find on the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta?
Virtually anything you are looking for in Puerto Vallarta can be found on or near the boardwalk, from shops and restaurants to entertainment venues and outdoor shows.
3. What is the best way to get to know the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta?
The best way to get to know the boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta is by walking it from one end to the other.
4. What is the best place to start the tour?
It is best to start the tour on its south side, where one of its main attractions is located, called Los Arcos.
5. What are Los Arcos?
They are a structure of 4 stone arches that mark the most emblematic point of the boardwalk. They were brought from a ranch in Guadalajara.
6. What attractions does Los Arcos have?
Apart from its architectural beauty and the great atmosphere that usually surrounds them, the place is a frequent scene of outdoor shows.
7. What shows can I find in Los Arcos?
Musical presentations, theater, mime, dance and other artistic manifestations are staged on the site.
8. What attractions are there on the tour?
The boardwalk is an open-air art gallery displaying works by various renowned artists.
9. Are there works of art by Mexican artists?
Almost all are from Mexicans. For example, Little horse, a bronze sculpture by Rafael Zamarripa from Guatemala, Search for Reason, figures created by Sergio Bustamante and The Rotunda of the Sea, from Alejandro Colunga, also from Guadalajara
10. What other Mexican artists are represented?
On the boardwalk the works are exhibited The Subtle Stone Eater, from Guadalajara, Jonás Gutiérrez; The Unicorn of Good Fortune, by Aníbal Riebeling, also from Guadalajara; Origin and destinationby Pedro Tello; Y Triton and Mermaidby Carlos Espina, among others.
11. Are there any foreign artists represented?
On the boardwalk you can admire the work The Fountain of Friendshipby American James "Bud" Bottoms. This work was a gift from the artist from Santa Barbara, California.
12. Is there a guided tour of the boardwalk?
On Tuesdays, tourists gather in front of the sculpture The millennia, by the Oaxacan artist Mathis Lidice, leaving at mid-morning on a guided tour of the boardwalk, with explanatory stops at its points of interest, particularly its works of art. You don't have to buy a ticket, but the guides are delighted to receive the rewards.
13. Is there a Catholic temple near the boardwalk?
So is. Very close to the boardwalk is the Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The first two weeks of December are celebrated in Puerto Vallarta for the festivities of the Virgin most beloved by Mexicans. This Church is an architectural jewel built more than 90 years ago and inside there are works of art such as the frescoes on the dome and some magnificent pieces made of noble woods, such as the pulpit and the confessionals.
14. Are there other traditional attractions?
In front of the boardwalk, in the place of Los Arcos, is the Plaza de Armas, which is another tourist attraction in Puerto Vallarta, in whose esplanade some Mexican artists and artisans display their works. These can be purchased at reasonable prices, while interested parties exchange views with the authors.
15. Can I buy an artistic object or handicraft on the tour of the boardwalk?
Along the boardwalk there are street artists who sell their works at very convenient prices. There are also craft outlets where you will surely find the souvenir you are looking for.
16. Can I walk along the seashore and use the beaches?
Of course. You can go down to the sand and take a walk along the seashore. Along the boardwalk or in its vicinity there are beaches very frequented by visitors. Los Muertos Beach is the main landmark of the city and Olas Altas is not actually as intense a swell as the name indicates. Neither in Playa Los Muertos there are zombies or ghosts; On the contrary, it is a place full of joy for life.
17. Is there the possibility of practicing beach sports?
On the beaches of the boardwalk you can practice your favorite beach sports and entertainment, such as surfing, boogie boarding, parachute rides, banana boats and other leisure activities.
18. Can I eat or drink on the beach?
Naturally. The beaches are endowed with sun loungers and umbrellas in which to settle in to sunbathe, see the beautiful landscape and enjoy a cocktail or a snack brought by the helpful workers of the establishments. Likewise, there are street vendors that offer food, crafts, hats and other products. In the evenings, a dinner by candlelight with the sound of the ocean as background music, becomes an incomparable evening.
19. Can I find local attractions?
Being the main meeting point of the city, the boardwalk is the scene of typical Mexican shows. Perhaps the most striking is the Voladores de Papantla, one of the most striking traditional attractions in the country. There are 5 Voladores who climb a 15-meter pole, dressed in ancestral costumes. One of the performers remains at the top playing a native flute, while his 4 companions begin a showy and risky descent dance hanging by the ankles.
20. Is the Romantic Zone near the boardwalk?
One of the borders of Old Vallarta, now popularized with the name Romantic Zone, is the boardwalk. It is a place with cozy spaces, narrow streets with cafes, restaurants, shops and other establishments. If you want a truly tender and passionate stay in Puerto Vallarta, the best thing is that you settle in with your partner in one of the small hotels in the Romantic Zone, where they know very well how to serve people crossed by Cupid's arrow.
21. What other things can I do in the Romantic Zone?
When you decide to get out of bed at your hotel in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta, we recommend you take a walk down Calle de los Cafés. Already from the vicinity you can feel the pleasant aroma of Mexican coffee. Order the coffee of your choice and start the day with a traditional touch, sitting at one of the outdoor tables. Another of the attractions of Old Vallarta is its tianguis, in which the locals sell the products harvested in the vicinity in picturesque street stalls.
22. What other sports activities can I practice?
Apart from the usual recreations on the beaches, you can travel the boardwalk by bicycle, renting the machine in the same place. The operators also offer mountain biking tours in the paradisiacal natural spaces near the city, as well as exciting zip line tours.
23. Can I take a tour to nearby places of interest?
Indeed, on the boardwalk you can buy tours to see El Edén, Islas Marietas, Punta de Mita and other places of interest. We recommend, for example, the walk to El Edén, a paradisiacal town full of greenery, close to Puerto Vallarta.
24. Where can I stay on the boardwalk?
In front of the boardwalk and in the nearby streets there are many hotels and you will surely find one that suits your tastes and budget. For example, Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa is excellent for family groups and has a reputation for providing very good service. The Hotel Rosita is one of the best known in the town. Los Cuatro Vientos Hotel offers spectacular views from the terraces. Other magnificent selections include the Hotel Rio Malecón Puerto Vallarta, Catedral Vallarta Boutique Hotel, Porto Allegro, Verana, Encino Hotel, Hotel Suites La Siesta and Suites Plaza del Río.
25. Where to eat Mexican on the Malecón?
The list would be long. In Puerto Vallarta you won't miss your tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos and tortilla chips. Much less your aguachiles, pozoles, empanadas, cheeses and cakes. Of course, on the boardwalk you will find countless places to drink traditional Mexican liquors, such as tequilas, mezcals and pulques. The Café de Olla restaurant, in the romantic zone, is a convenient option. In the Romantic Zone you can also find Cuates y Cuetes, whose name says it all.
26. What if I want seafood?
Enjoying a vacation in front of the ocean, you will most likely want to enjoy some fresh fruit from the sea. At the restaurant Ah Caramba! They prepare delicious zarzuelas and grilled fish and seafood fresh from the Pacific. In the Romantic Zone is Andale, famous for its fish and barbecue ribs.
27. What if I fancy my "junk" food?
On the boardwalk you will not deprive yourself of any of your favorite foods in the fast food line. Major chains of burgers, hot dogs, chicken, pizzas and other specialties are in the immediate vicinity, as well as popular, cheaper stalls.
28. Can I find Asian food?
Archie's Wok, in the Romantic Zone, offers an exquisite menu with dishes from pan Asian cuisine.
29. What if I prefer Italian food?
Boccon di Vino, in the Romantic Zone, has that cozy and traditional touch in which the Italians are masters. Everything you can think of to order is delicious, from pasta with fresh seafood sauce to lasagna and cannelloni, to capresa salad, carpaccio, aubergine parmesan and stop counting. You would have to honor the name of the house and pair with a good broth.
30. I am a vegetarian. Where do I go?
The 100% Natural restaurant, located in the Hotel Zone, offers very fresh vegetarian food. The place is frequented mainly for its salads, but if your companions are not vegetarian, they also have the option of ordering fish, chicken and other dishes.
31. I am a fan of Spanish gastronomy. Where to eat?
Barcelona Tapas, located downtown, is the best place for tapas in Puerto Vallarta. There you can accompany your sandwich with a good red wine or a good sherry.
32. I am a carnivore. What do you recommend?
Mexican and South American meats are juicy and in Puerto Vallarta there are many places to enjoy them. For example, Brasil Steak House offers superb Brazilian-style service, with skewers of up to 12 different cuts of meat.
33. Where to go shopping?
Did you leave for Puerto Vallarta and forgot to put your swimsuit and beach accessories in your suitcase? Do not worry, since near the boardwalk there are several shops and stalls dedicated to the field of beach clothing, casual clothing appropriate for a sea destination, hats, accessories and much more.
34. Where do I find a legitimate jewel?
Unscrupulous people can circulate along the boardwalk, selling fake objects of supposed Mexican silver and you have to be careful. If you want to buy a jewel made with a Mexican precious metal or another piece, it is best to go to a formal establishment. On the north side of the boardwalk is Diamonds International. On or near the boardwalk are also Alberto’s, Arte en Plata Olé, Pacific Jewelry and Jewelry Patricia. In the Romantic Zone you will find several prestigious houses, such as A Touch of Gold, Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, Coral Azul Jewelry and Fine Art and River Café Jewelry.
35. So what if I want a night of clubs and bars?
The atmosphere on the boardwalk begins to form from 10 PM. The area has an intense nightlife. If you want to spend an unforgettable night of clubs, bars and discos, there are Roo, Zoo Bar, Mandala, Punto V, La Vaquita, VIP Bachelorette Party and many others.
We hope that most of your questions about Puerto Vallarta's enchanting boardwalk have been answered. If you have any concerns or questions, please write them down and we will gladly try to answer them in a future installment.
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