Summary
Beacon/Lighthouse
- The Malecon Lighthouse started working on August 15, 1932
- It’s actually not a lighthouse, but a beacon used as a range marker
- Used to guide boats that arrived to Puerto Vallarta
- The other twin beacon/range marker is located 193 meters to the east
Range Marker
- The other beacon located on the hill on Matamoros Street was in service until June 1978
- They are no longer in service, but stand as historical markers
- Concluded service on August 20, 1970
- Location coordinates: 20°36′37″N 105°14′05″W
Introduction
The Puerto Vallarta Malecon Lighthouse (Faro del Malecón in Spanish), located on the corner of Galeana and Morelos Streets, has been an integral part of the city’s history since it was built in 1932.
This beacon, along with its twin located almost 200 meters away, served to guide and orient boats and ships arriving to PV until the 1970s, when the El Salado harbor began operation.
The beacon on the Malecon is a useful city marker and the one up the hill, the Vallarta Lighthouse on Matamoros Street, has a staircase and access to a nice city lookout.
History & More
The lighthouse beacon in the early 1950s
The Vallarta Malecon Lighthouse is a historical site at the corner of Galeana Street and Morelos Street in the downtown area. It has been an integral part of the city’s history since it was built.
This square pyramid-shaped beacon, which was put up on August 15, 1932, stands about 8 meters tall and has black and white 1-meter bars that stand out during the day. During the night, a diotric beacon with acetylene equipment was used to light it up. This was a vital tool for guiding the boats that arrived at the tourist destination for nearly four decades.
The Puerto Vallarta Malecon lighthouse is a reminder of the city’s maritime history, and the beacon can still be seen from the shore. We must remember that Vallarta has been a harbor right from its foundation; it’s also the reason for the “Puerto” harbor in its name.
Before/After: The Night of the Iguana & 50 years later
The lighthouse has a twin range marker to the east, but you can’t see where it is from the Malecon right now. However, in the past and from the sea, it was easy to see it located on Matamoros Street between Mina and Galeana streets. Both lighthouses served the boats that arrived at Puerto Vallarta until August 20, 1970, when the Estero El Salado Maritime Harbor was put into operation.
As was said, there is another lighthouse on Matamoros Street, which is 193 meters in a straight line from the Malecon lighthouse. This second lighthouse/beacon, the “Vallarta Lighthouse Matamoros Street“, was used together with the one on the boardwalk to guide the boats in the area and was in service until June 1978, when it was decommissioned.
The lighthouse/beacon on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk is a good way for tourists to find their way around and a minor attraction that many people walk by without even noticing. The beacon on Matamoros is more of an attraction; not only can visitors climb up the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, but it also offers a great view of the downtown area and the surrounding coastline and Banderas Bay.
The range marker/beacon and Galeana/Morelos streets
The Puerto Vallarta Malecon lighthouse, along with its twin beacon, has been a vital part of the city’s history for many decades. Not only did it serve as a guide for the boats that arrived in Puerto Vallarta, but it is also a reminder of the city’s past.
The lighthouses of Puerto Vallarta on Galeana and Matamoros are a testament to the city’s seafaring history and the importance of lighthouses in pre-GPS times. The beacon also symbolizes the city’s connection to the sea and its impact on navigation and trade. Although the lighthouses are no longer in service, they still stand as historical markers.
Plaque inscription
“This beacon, inaugurated on August 15, 1932, served during the day with a black and white bar marker. During the day it served with a black and white bar signaling system. At night a an acetylene lit dioptric beacon was used.
At 193 meters from this point there is another beacon on Matamoros Street.
Both of them concluded their service to the boats when the Port in the El Salado estuary started operating on August 20, 1970.
Honorable Constitutional City Council 1995-1997”
Location
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon and lighthouse seen from Hotel Oceano (2nd half 1950s)
You’ll find the lighthouse on the Puerto Vallarta Malecón (Boardwalk) right on the corner of Galeana Street and Morelos Street in downtown PV.
In the past it was right beside what was the first hotel in the town, Hotel Gutiérrez that moved over from it’s location on Juárez Avenue. It later changed name and was known as Hotel Océano.
Walking up or down the Malecon, you’ll invariably walk by it.
Conclusion
The Puerto Vallarta Malecon lighthouse is a reminder of the city’s past. It stands along with the other range maker, the Vallarta Lighthouse on Matamoros Street, as testaments to the importance of the sea, maritime connections, sea trade, and the value the bay and its richness have for Puerto Vallarta.
The lighthouse’s dioptric beacon (no longer in use)
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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