downtown
El Malecón. The newly renovated section of the Malecon begins at Hotel Rosita, the oldest center hotel, and ends at the stone arches in front of Parque Lazaro Cardenas, the main square.
A new breakwater was built along the 12-block pedestrian mall and expanded. Many new palm trees and benches provide comfortable seating with shade.Designs made with stones in the pavement attract the attention of the visitors and provide an artistic touch to the project. The designs were created by the artist Fidencio Benitez, a member of a group whose magnificent fascinating Huichol artwork made with accounts can be seen in galleries throughout the city..
Every Tuesday at 9:30 in the morning, visitors gather in front of the sculpture Millennium beside the Hotel Rosita, to participate in a free tour of bronze sculptures that adorn the Malecón promenade, to along the seashore, with breathtaking Banderas Bay as a backdrop. This collection of sculptures has grown since the laying of the sculpture, the Seahorse, which was placed in 1976. Since then, the Caballito de Mar has become an iconic symbol of the city.Less than a mile long, visitors admire the genius and creativity of the modern sculptures that add extra beauty to this popular walk not to be missed: El Caballito (The Seahorse) by Rafael Zamarripa set in 1976 was the first sculpture in the malecon; Los Arcos, the original arcade was a gift from a hacienda in Guadalajara, demolished by hurricane “Kena” in 2002, the current arcade is a gift from the municipality of Zapopan; La Fuente de la Amistad ( Friendship Fountain), featuring three flipping dolphins was a gift from the City Santa Bárbara, California Sister City of Vallarta, the sculpture was inspired by a native legend refers to some men falling from a rainbow into the sea and the gods turned into dolphins to save them. Neptuno and Nereida by Carlos Espino, set in 1990. La Naturaleza como Madre (Nature as a mother) by Adrián Reynoso y la Rotonda de los Magos (Circle of the wizards) by Alejandro Colunga conceived as “interactive art” entice the visitor to sit down and climb on them. En busca de la razón (In search of reason) by Sergio Bustamante, set in 1999. Los Milenios (Millennium) by Mathis Lidice set in 2001 celebrates the beginning of a new century. Among these expressions of art is found Nostalgia (also known as The Lovers) inspired by Ramiz Barquet, in his own first love.
The Papantla Flyers are one of the many attractions in the Malecon. The five flying, dressed in traditional costumes, climb up a pole of 15 meters. One plays the flute while sitting on the top of the post, while the other four are literally thrown headlong from the top of the pole, hanging from his ankles with a rope down to the ground. This important religious ceremony, which dates from 500 thousand years ago, began in central Mexico in honor of the Sun God, in order to boost the year's harvest and improve fertility. Flying epresent fire, earth, water and air. They work for tips, so we encourage people to be generous.
Guadalupe Church, The main Catholic Church, crowned with a replica of the Empress Carlota’s, it is another of Vallarta’s hallmarks around the world. Every year from the 1st. To the 12th of December numerous pilgrims make their way in a traditional festivity of the Guadaloupe Virgin. On one side of the Main Square, the city hall boasts murals of artist naif Manuel Lepe, depicting the foundation of the city.
La Isla del Río Cuale, splits downtown Puerto Vallarta and Old Vallarta, strolling along this tiny island there is a miriad of arts and crafts shops, first class restaurants like the River Café surrounded by serene views of the river Cuale. Conected to the Municipal Market by a hanging bridge you can find here all kinas of souvenirs. On the opposite side another hanging bridge connects with Old Vallarta. On the east side of the island there is a cultural esplanade with art exhibits on painting, music, dance and cinema, It is as well a school for the arts for the local population. At the seaside tip the island connects with a new bridge the downtown area with the Zona Romantica side of Old Vallarta, strolling and exploring this side is recommended any time of the day especially at sunset.
A new breakwater was built along the 12-block pedestrian mall and expanded. Many new palm trees and benches provide comfortable seating with shade.Designs made with stones in the pavement attract the attention of the visitors and provide an artistic touch to the project. The designs were created by the artist Fidencio Benitez, a member of a group whose magnificent fascinating Huichol artwork made with accounts can be seen in galleries throughout the city..
Every Tuesday at 9:30 in the morning, visitors gather in front of the sculpture Millennium beside the Hotel Rosita, to participate in a free tour of bronze sculptures that adorn the Malecón promenade, to along the seashore, with breathtaking Banderas Bay as a backdrop. This collection of sculptures has grown since the laying of the sculpture, the Seahorse, which was placed in 1976. Since then, the Caballito de Mar has become an iconic symbol of the city.Less than a mile long, visitors admire the genius and creativity of the modern sculptures that add extra beauty to this popular walk not to be missed: El Caballito (The Seahorse) by Rafael Zamarripa set in 1976 was the first sculpture in the malecon; Los Arcos, the original arcade was a gift from a hacienda in Guadalajara, demolished by hurricane “Kena” in 2002, the current arcade is a gift from the municipality of Zapopan; La Fuente de la Amistad ( Friendship Fountain), featuring three flipping dolphins was a gift from the City Santa Bárbara, California Sister City of Vallarta, the sculpture was inspired by a native legend refers to some men falling from a rainbow into the sea and the gods turned into dolphins to save them. Neptuno and Nereida by Carlos Espino, set in 1990. La Naturaleza como Madre (Nature as a mother) by Adrián Reynoso y la Rotonda de los Magos (Circle of the wizards) by Alejandro Colunga conceived as “interactive art” entice the visitor to sit down and climb on them. En busca de la razón (In search of reason) by Sergio Bustamante, set in 1999. Los Milenios (Millennium) by Mathis Lidice set in 2001 celebrates the beginning of a new century. Among these expressions of art is found Nostalgia (also known as The Lovers) inspired by Ramiz Barquet, in his own first love.
The Papantla Flyers are one of the many attractions in the Malecon. The five flying, dressed in traditional costumes, climb up a pole of 15 meters. One plays the flute while sitting on the top of the post, while the other four are literally thrown headlong from the top of the pole, hanging from his ankles with a rope down to the ground. This important religious ceremony, which dates from 500 thousand years ago, began in central Mexico in honor of the Sun God, in order to boost the year's harvest and improve fertility. Flying epresent fire, earth, water and air. They work for tips, so we encourage people to be generous.
Guadalupe Church, The main Catholic Church, crowned with a replica of the Empress Carlota’s, it is another of Vallarta’s hallmarks around the world. Every year from the 1st. To the 12th of December numerous pilgrims make their way in a traditional festivity of the Guadaloupe Virgin. On one side of the Main Square, the city hall boasts murals of artist naif Manuel Lepe, depicting the foundation of the city.
La Isla del Río Cuale, splits downtown Puerto Vallarta and Old Vallarta, strolling along this tiny island there is a miriad of arts and crafts shops, first class restaurants like the River Café surrounded by serene views of the river Cuale. Conected to the Municipal Market by a hanging bridge you can find here all kinas of souvenirs. On the opposite side another hanging bridge connects with Old Vallarta. On the east side of the island there is a cultural esplanade with art exhibits on painting, music, dance and cinema, It is as well a school for the arts for the local population. At the seaside tip the island connects with a new bridge the downtown area with the Zona Romantica side of Old Vallarta, strolling and exploring this side is recommended any time of the day especially at sunset.
el pitillal
EL Pitillal: Fifteen minutes away northeast from downtown Puerto Vallarta, it still preserves that picturesque flavor of small Mexican town, where Sundays families and friends gather in the main square, to leisurely stroll or go to mass. Urban growth has merged El Pitillal with Vallarta, this is a popular site with an eclectic commercial center for clothing, shoes and other businesses mainly oriented to locals. Generations of hand crafters working out of their homes, specialize in custom made genuine leather sandals. San Miguel Archangel Main Church boasts an impressive 15 ft image of one piece hand carved work of art depicting Jesus Risen . Being the only church that has two patron saint festivities: Jesus Risen for the day of its foundation: March 23rd. 1992 and St. Michael Archangel, from September 21st. to 29th.
THE ROMANTIC ZONE.
The seaside of Old Vallarta was named La Zona Romantica, for the new water front walk, and the outdoor cafes living up the side streets where locals and visitors alike enjoy the scenery, and the unique Vallarta lifestyle. Los Muertos Beach is the most popular in Puerto Vallarta, water sports are the order of the day. At los Muertos pier there are water taxis available to visit isolated beaches accessible only by water, such as Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Animas, Majahuitas.
A selection of restaurants lines up the water front: with different cuisines from casual to gourmet there are many options, among them Daiquiri Dicks offers Asiatic fusion dishes and famous lobster tacos. ; a few steps ahead immerse yourself in a shopping oasis, unique jewelry, silver and accessories in Joyería Yoler.
On the Basilio Badillo street you will find many boutiques & restaurants. A really nice wine & liquor store Vinos America (America Wines) where you will find prime selection wines, champagne, fine liquors and many more.
Another wonderful store is Banderas Bay with unique antiques, furniture and decoration ítems.
Two blocks ahead Mundo de Cristal gives you the opportunity to match hand blown glass artisans work on site, creating beauty in all possible shapes; Ceramic of Talavera and clay from Tlaquepaque are also available, merchandise can be securely packed and shipped all over the world.
A selection of restaurants lines up the water front: with different cuisines from casual to gourmet there are many options, among them Daiquiri Dicks offers Asiatic fusion dishes and famous lobster tacos. ; a few steps ahead immerse yourself in a shopping oasis, unique jewelry, silver and accessories in Joyería Yoler.
On the Basilio Badillo street you will find many boutiques & restaurants. A really nice wine & liquor store Vinos America (America Wines) where you will find prime selection wines, champagne, fine liquors and many more.
Another wonderful store is Banderas Bay with unique antiques, furniture and decoration ítems.
Two blocks ahead Mundo de Cristal gives you the opportunity to match hand blown glass artisans work on site, creating beauty in all possible shapes; Ceramic of Talavera and clay from Tlaquepaque are also available, merchandise can be securely packed and shipped all over the world.