Historic downtown Puerto Vallarta (HDPV) has magical places, charming hideaways and alluring attractions that every visitor coming to this vast and beautiful bay, should experience.
MUST VISIT
Playa Los Muertos Pier where everyone can be a great photographer, the views are simply fantastic, and the sunsets surreal.
Isla del Rio Cuale (Cuale River Island) a favorite shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike, with an abundant variety of souvenirs.
Do not miss the interesting Archaeological museum.
Puente de La Iguana (The Iguana Bridge) connects the eastern part of the island with the classic “Gringo Gulch” neighborhood.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. The iconic Church with its unique crown atop the bell tower, in front of the Main Plaza and goverment building.
Mercado de Artesanías and Mercado Del Rio Cuale The 2 oldest and busiest markets, selling handicrafts, textiles and clothes, in an area with many other small interesting shops, by the north bank of the Cuale River.
EL CABALLITO (SEAHORSE) SCULPTURES
The iconic “Seahorse” is a symbol intrinsically related to Puerto Vallarta.
Created by artist Rafael Zamarripa, the seahorse itself, represents the bounty of the ocean, the boy riding it, alludes to the youthful joy of the town, and the “charro hat”, symbolizes traditional Jalisco culture. There are two sculptures, one is on the Malecon near the lighthouse, and the original, smaller one, can be found at the end of Los Muertos beach, on the rocks known as Las Pilitas.
MIRADOR DE GRINGO GULCH (MATAMOROS LIGHTHOUSE)
Climb the stairs of its observation deck to capture some of Puerto Vallarta's most thrilling panoramic views.
Historic Downtown PV is a delightful combination of a traditional Mexican seaside town and an artistic cosmopolitan community.
Nestled between the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this magical place is internationally reconized for its unique “Mexi-terranean” architecture, Bohemian atmosphere, and its winding streets, all of which, drew people here in the first place.
ALONG THE MALECON (SEASIDE BOARDWALK)
Some of the original warehouses and buildings have benn remodeled by a new generation of entrepreneurs, transforming them into stylish art galleries, nightclubs, a wide range of restaurants, live music venues, shops with handicrafts and artisan work, upscale boutiques and jewelry stores.
HDPV, an area where locals and tourist intermingle, has different neighborhoods, each with its own personality and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. The following map describes walking tours of varyng lengths.
Many visitors fall in love with this place and decide to come for an extended period of time, and fortunately, most of the hotels throughout HDPV have reduced extend stay rates/plans. You will never run out new places to discover.
“LA CINCO” (5 DE DICIEMBRE)
The northern area of HDPV, is an eclectic traditional Mexican neighborhood that is a gaining popularity.
The Blue Flag certified Playa Camarones, with its beachside restaurants, bars, cafes, and beach clubs, is a great place for everyone to enjoy a day on the water, sport activities, live music, great food and the not to be missed, spectacular sunset.
Some of the highlights include the Teatro Vallarta, Nuestra Señora del Refugio Church, and in front of it, Parque Hidalgo, where the musical presentation “Estampas de México” is held; it also has an open air fresh fish and food market and the cementery, where you will see many Mexican families honoring their dead on November 2nd. “Día de los Muertos”. There are many hotels of diverse categories all over this area.
“EL CENTRO” (DOWNTOWN)
Provides a wide range of restaurants, from exclusive gourmet culinary experiences to casual but delicious family style eateries, the best of both worlds.
You will find not only trendy roof-top clubs, but hidden quaint bars, art galleries and artists' studios.
There are luxury accomodations, small Boutique Hotels and a variety of places to stay, from rustic Mexican to ultra-modern architectural styles.
“ZONA ROMÁNTICA” (OLD TOWN)
The southern area of HDPV is where a glamorous lifestyle can be experienced. There are open air cafes, elegant bars, high-end real estate and boutique shops lining the “Olas Altas” and “Basilio Badillo” zones. There also is an expanding list of independently owned first-class restaurants, many of them located right on “Los Muertos Beach”. Some of the earliest beach hotels and small traditional B&B's were build here, many of wich have been updated, and new ones are springing up.
East of Insurgentes street, many small independent restaurants and hotels can be found. Staying downtown and eating as the locals do, is a great way to spend your vacation, as you are able to walk everywhere and attend many free cultural activities. There is a wide choice of unique and exclusive places to enjoy, as well as relaxing casual places prices to fit any budget.
Whether you are a first time visitor or have been to Puerto Vallarta many times, be sure to fully explore the hidden corners and side streets of HDPV, as you discover its magical charm. Let your friends know about your experiences in this unforgettable town.
Source: Visit Puerto Vallarta
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