Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is an authentic Mexican town as well as a world-class resort. Visitors here enjoy a wide range of experiences because Puerto Vallarta has water activities, mountains, jungles, the city and nearby villages to offer opportunities and excursions. Located at the mouth of Banderas Bay (one of the largest and deepest in the world) it is surrounded by hills and mountains with lush vegetation. In many areas around the bay, the jungle drops down to the waterfront. Add to that amazing weather and you have got a great place to visit, except the corrupt police officers, beware. I will never go back.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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The Malecon
The Malecon is a walkway along the ocean stretching from the south end of Old Town to central downtown. It passes by shops, restaurants, hotels, and the usual characters like mimes, clowns and artists. You can keep on walking on the beach for further distance.
From the peer on the south end of the Malecon, you can find water taxis offering rides to Yelapa and more. This is what we did during our first visit during a one day stop during a cruise.
If you enjoy challenging and unique hikes, this coastal trail from beach to beach is a memorable day trip while visiting Puerto Vallarta. You can also just take a water taxi to the beaches. We did this during our second visit.
City Center
Find your way to the Plaza de Armas, the citys main square bordered by City Hall, banks and shops. The Lady of Guadalupe Church can be seen from here one block away. After the church, go left and up into the hills onto Zaragoza. Take stairs to Casa Kimberley. This is before my time but it is Elizabeth Taylors home and filming location for The Night of the Iguana. Even if you do not know the movie like me, you will be in the Gringo Gulch, a mountainous area with white stucco houses with bright red-tile roofs.
These guys would climb the tall pole, wrap rope around the pole around 100 times, and then tie the end of the rope to their feet. As they swung around, they slowly worked their way to the ground�about 5 minutes of swinging.
The Malecon
The Malecon
Around town
The Lady of Guadalupe Church
Inside the church
Around town
The city is divided by the Rio Cuale. This is the river as you cross it on the Malecon. In the river is an island with a park, walking trail and craft stalls. The flee market is also nearby.
South end of Puerto Vallarta
The Malecon
Puerto Vallarta performers
Corrupt Puerto Vallarta Police officer
The Sail at Muelle de Playa los Muertos
Most southern section of the long beach
Near Playa Flamingos
Rock stacking
October displays
The Lady of Guadalupe Church