Sightseeing

Visit the Guadalupe Parish in the heart of Puerto Vallarta

Lovely church located in the center of Puerto Vallarta. The Guadalupe Parish can be found only a short walk from the Malecon shoreline and 50 meters from the town's main square. The city wouldn't be complete without the Our Lady of Guadalupe Temple. The church, as in other American cities and towns south of the border, is the hub of local activity and a symbol of the region's heritage. The the inside of the Church itself is a sight to behold. The temple in Puerto Vallarta is flanked by stores selling local wares and a lovely plaza with breathtaking views of the Bay of Banderas, which are especially breathtaking at night when the pirate boat tour sails across the bay and sets off fireworks in the sky. If you find yourself in Puerto Vallarta, you really must check out this parish. Read more

Walk all the way up the hill along the downtown city streets

Exploring new cities on foot is one of my favorite things to do. Several of Puerto Vallarta's downtown streets are so steep that they might as well be hiking trails. And the best way to get a feel for the "genuine thing" is by hitting the trails around this location. You'll need to get off the beaten path, but it will allow you to discover the "secret streets" and shoot some truly unique images of the area. From Iturbide in the north to Pipila in the south, every street you walk will lead you up incredibly steep stairs and roads. At first, the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks won't seem too difficult, but then you'll come to a flight of stairs. This is going to take a lot of steps! You'll go by the place where driving is impossible. Everything beyond this point must be brought in by hand, ATV, or mule. You'll continue up and down a dusty and rocky trail, through a few bends, and eventually run into locals who are hauling building materials on a burro or mule. Suddenly you'll notice you are in the "real Puerto Vallarta"! Read more

Get your photo with the Malecon sculptures (ie. Seahorse Statue & Nostalgia)

Puerto Vallarta is not only a tourist destination that can offer beaches, tours, beautiful landscapes and everlasting memories, it’s also a place to enjoy art in its various forms and expressions. The easiest and most hands-on way to enjoy art is to take a walk along the Open-Air Art Gallery that’s the Malecon. This seaside promenade was remodeled in 2011 and is now exclusive for pedestrians. You’ll find a string of beautiful sculptures in bronze, stone, and other durable materials. If we start off from North to South, right beside Hotel Rosita, we’ll first find “Los Milenios” (The Millennia) you then go south along the boardwalk and you'll go by the following sculptures: Origin & Destination, Nostalgia, The Subtle Stone-Eater, Good Fortune Unicorn, Nature as Mother, The Rotunda of the Sea, In Search of Reason, Lluvia, Triton and Siren, The Boy on the Seahorse & The Friendship Fountain. Read more

Do like the locals do, enjoy Conchas Chinas Beach

One of the most interesting and beautiful beaches in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone, Banderas Bay, and all of Mexico is Conchas Chinas Beach. The beautiful coastline and undersea profile, together with the unique combination of habitats that make up this area, create a natural wonder that can only be fully appreciated in person. You have no reason to skip out on Conchas Chinas because it is conveniently located just a few minutes from the romantic zone and the heart of downtown PV. There are plenty of nearby hotels, villas, restaurants, and shops to meet the needs of travelers and locals alike. A unique enclave between the rugged rainforest of the Sierra Madre and the crystalline coastlines of the Pacific Ocean, Conchas Chinas boasts breathtaking beauty that draws in tourists from all over the world. Read more

Walk to the La Cruz del Cerro Lookout in downtown Puerto Vallarta

As its name suggests, the La Cruz del Cerro Lookout is perched atop the La Cruz hill (Cerro de La Cruz), which looms over downtown Puerto Vallarta from the east. It looks out over the tranquil waters of the Bay of Banderas and PV, one of the most picturesque spots on the Mexican Pacific coastline. The locals consider it a retreat for recreation, rest, and contemplation, and for good reason: the view from the top extends all the way from Los Arcos (The Arches) on the south side of the Bay to Punta Mita on the distant north side on clear days, and the Pacific Ocean is visible the whole way. It's a clearly ideal for photographers and everyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and expansive vistas. Read more

Visit Los Arcos de Mismaloya (The Arches)

Los Arcos is located in the South Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Bay of Banderas 7 miles or 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s Main Square along Federal Highway 200, you leave the Romantic Zone traveling south on Insurgentes street, they are found very close to Mismaloya beach (hence the name). It is a protected area that over the years has become a wonderful place for diving, swimming, snorkeling, Stand-Up Paddle (SUP), Yoga SUP, kayaking and tourism in general. Many day and bay cruises make a stop here, people jump off and into the warm waters of the bay, swimming in groups, protected by buoys up close to the small islands. If you rent a boat and you are lucky to have an experienced (or reckless) captain, you can also sail through the various arches that give these islands their name. Some SUP tours will make you paddle through them, I guess, even cooler than riding them in a boat. Read more