Las Orcas, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
Summary
- The sculpture was created by Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez, a prolific artist in Puerto Vallarta.
- You can find the Orcas in the Marina Vallarta area, right in front of the Velas Vallarta Hotel.
- It depicts a group of four killer whales swimming in the ocean, and is a beautiful representation of sea life.
- The artist, Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez, is known for his love of sea life and has created many sculptures depicting marine animals
Introduction
Together with Ramiz Barquet, Octavio Gonzalez is one of the prolific Vallarta sculptors. The best known is the Vallarta Whale, but close by you’ll find the Orcas, beautiful whales that visit the Banderas Bay regularly.
One of the lesser-known sculptures in Vallarta, because it isn’t as well located as his other works on the Malecon or at the entrance of Marina Vallarta.
The sculpture depicts one of Octavio Gonzalez’s favorite subjects, sea life, in this case, a group of 4 orcas or killer whales swimming in the ocean.
Where is the sculpture?
The sculpture is found in front of the Velas Vallarta hotel in the Marina area. It is well placed in a lovely lush garden that very much follows the style of the hotel itself, green jungle-like vegetation. One of the special aspects of the sculpture is the fountain that actually gives it a life of its own.
About the artist
Octavio González Gutiérrez
Octavio González Gutiérrez is a Mexican sculptor best known for his Vallarta whale. He was born in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco. Started off in the arts drawing portraits and his first sculpting jobs were busts. He learned his foundry techniques in Santa Barbara and Berkeley and opened his first workshop in Puerto Vallarta. The famous singer Vicente Fernández is one of his biggest fans and has bought many of his pieces. He has sculptures all over Mexico (La Paz, Cancún, Ciudad de México, and more) and some in the USA (Chicago & Seattle).
Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez participated in the sculpting of the Friendship Fountain on the Malecon, the Vallarta Whale and more than 60 other bronze sculptures in Vallarta and other cities around the country and internationally. He has lived most of his life in Puerto Vallarta and is a very simple man, who started sculpting as a hobby and has no formal studies in art, he’s so humble that he doesn’t even sign his sculptures.
More info
- More on the artist: FB Octavio González
- Vallarta Whale
- The Friendship Fountain
Author: M. Gallardo
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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