Las Pilitas and El Púlpito, Los Muertos Beach – Las Amapas Beach, Puerto Vallarta
Summary
- El Pulpito and Las Pilitas are two distinctive rock formations located at the southern end of Los Muertos Beach.
- The name El Pulpito translates to “The Pulpit” due to its shape resembling a preacher’s pulpit.
- Las Pilitas was originally the site of the famous “Boy on a Seahorse” statue before it was relocated.
- These landmarks are popular for their scenic beauty and are often photographed by tourists.
- The area around El Pulpito and Las Pilitas is known for its snorkeling opportunities due to the abundant marine life.
- The rocks are accessible via a short walk along the beach from the romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta.
Introduction
“El Púlpito” and “Las Pilitas” are natural rock formations in the southern part of Los Muertos beach. Some locals mistakenly pronounce it “pulpito” (small octopus). This landmark is not only a great little trip, but it also has some interesting history.
El Púlpito and Las Pilitas (Pulpit and the Small baptismal fonts) are two separate rock formations found, one of them, Las Pilitas, on the southern end of the Romantic zone’s Los Muertos Beach, and the other, El Pulpito, is a rock outcropping that is actually the southern limit of Playa Los Muertos.
El Púlpito
El Púlpito is a small 60-foot tall headland, mostly rock, now covered with a lot of local vegetation and trees so you can’t see much of the rock itself that gave it its name.
The path up and over Púlpito starts off as some sandy concrete stairs at the end of the Los Muertos beach that turn into a sandy dirt path up to the top, off to the right and up, a few crumbling cement steps “help” you get to the summit.
Read the full El Púlpito article on how to get there, history, maps, video and more.
Las Pilitas
Las Pilitas (some call it Las Pilitas Beach, but it’s actually part of Los Muertos Beach) was the place where the original “The Boy on the Seahorse” (“El Niño Sobre el Caballo de Mar” – mostly known as “El Caballito de Mar”, The Little Seahorse) by Rafael Zamarripa was first located.
Las Pilitas and the Boy on the Seahorse statue (Los Muertos Beach, Romantic Zone)
After a strong storm swept it away into the sea, a larger replica was requested from the artist and this one was placed on the Malecon. The original statue was later recovered and once again placed at Las Pilitas.
Full article on Las Pilitas (video, how to get there, and more)
The original Seahorse statue at Las Pilitas
Two side streets from Olas Altas Street are also named after these natural landmarks. To get to them you can walk South along the Malecon and then follow Los Muertos Beach past the pier, past Blue Chairs Resort, first you’ll get to Las Pilitas and then at the end of the beach you’ll find the path up El Púlpito (and Las Amapas if you continue South, as mentioned above).
Las Amapas Beach
Las Amapas Beach, Puerto Vallarta
If you walk to the southern end of Los Muertos Beach you’ll get to “The Pulpit” (El Púlpito), a rocky outcropping, a small peninsula-like formation. There is a rustic staircase going up that leads you to the pulpit rock and also continues down the other side of the hill and it takes you to a small beach along the rocky outline beyond Los Muertos, it is called Las Amapas Beach (Playa Las Amapas).
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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