Summary
Lighthouse details
- It is not really a lighthouse, it’s a beacon
- Inaugurated August 15, 1932
- Used in conjunction with the Vallarta Malecon Lighthouse/Beacon
- No longer useful when the harbor was built
- Was decommissioned on June 1978
Lookout
- Location coordinates: 20°36′32.5″N 105°14′1″W
- Turned into a lookout between 2004 and 2006 with stair access from the street
- 12 m (39 ft) high
- Shaped as a square pyramid in black and white stripes
Introduction
This lighthouse (actually it’s a beacon) is one of the many lookouts in the city, this one is up on the hill overlooking the downtown Puerto Vallarta area, it offers a great view of center of town and the Banderas Bay.
The lighthouse itself was built and inaugurated on August 15th, 1932 by The Harbor Captain Roberto Alcazar. It served the city and guided ships together with the beacon on Galeana Street on the Malecon, until June 1978 when this one was put out of commission.
In 2006 it was remodeled, restored and public street access was made easier, including stairs, a lookout terrace was also added.
When I visited the lighthouse there was even a couch on the top… a dirty old sofa, but should we be picky? 🙂 Luckily it has since been removed, was a bit too big for the available space.
The place is great for photography or just enjoying the panoramic view of the town. If you have a good zoom lens you can really get some great angles of the different landmarks around the bay and in downtown Vallarta.
Start off from the malecón, on the corner of Galeana and Morelos, on the Malecon, you’ll find a twin lighthouse/beacon there called the Vallarta Malecon Lighthouse, I climbed it and there’s a nice view of the surroundings… I’m not sure you can, but there was no sign saying I couldn’t, don’t try it if you are not athletic enough.
Lighthouse plaque
Walk up Galeana, towards the hills, cross Juárez, then cross Hidalgo, there you’ll start up the stairs, cute houses flank the “street”, and nice gardens fill what would be the street itself. The next street is Matamoros (huff, puff…), turn right, some 80-100 ft on your left are the stairs up to the lighthouse.
The view from Matamoros Lighthouse will look something like this:
360° panoramic view
Where is the lighthouse/beacon located?
It’s located on Matamoros street in downtown Puerto Vallarta between Galeana Street and Mina Street. It is also part of what’s known as the Gringo Gulch.
How to get to the Matamoros Lookout from the Main Square
Needless to say, the trip and the view are totally worth it, I just need to buy some more lenses for my Digital SLR camera to really take advantage of the lighthouse vantage point. Have fun and send your pictures too! Just so you know, if you continue south along Matamoros you’ll be enjoying what is called Gringo Gulch, lots of other photo-ops.
Check out our article on all the Lookouts in Puerto Vallarta
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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