The Malecon of Puerto Vallarta + Why It Is Worth a Visit

The crowned church. Crystal blue waters. Towering statues. Aerobatic performances. Authentic Mexican food. Exciting nightlife. These are just a few of the countless treasures that make the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta one of the necessary places to visit during your vacation in Puerto Vallarta. It’s the place to explore, snap some pictures, try the food, and fall in love with downtown Puerto Vallarta.

As the city grew in the 1900s, the Malecon became the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta, right in front of the central church, which is surrounded by small shops and family-run businesses. While it started as the a short boardwalk on the side of the road along the ocean, it’s become a major pathway and the best place to walk in Puerto Vallarta to see the traditional architecture and mingle with locals who enjoy the festive air of the Malecon. Today, it’s always cited by guidebooks and locals as one of the places to visit during your vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is also known for its traditional and modern art galleries, but the art isn’t confined to galleries. Along the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta are a variety of statues that evoke the spirit of the sea in a playful way, with sea creatures, mermaids, and seahorses. These fantastical statues make the Malecon the best place to walk in Puerto Vallarta. You can enjoy the free art and fresh air while snapping a few photos with the gigantic statues. To read about the individual statues and artists, visit PuertoVallarta.net.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is iconic to the city of Puerto Vallarta, lighting up its skyline with its elaborate crown. While its foundation along the Malecon was laid in 1903, it was continually developed throughout the century with the addition of towers, the organ, and the crown. This landmark is one of the places to visit during your vacation in Puerto Vallarta to marvel at its beautiful art and architecture. The plaza in front of it holds a charming gazebo and musical performances in the evening.

One of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is to sample and try a variety of local dishes that are served along the Malecon. Restaurants ranging from fine dining to fresh seafood to beachfront bars line the boardwalk. At night, vendors set up stands with sizzling tacos, sweet churros, and fresh vegetables and fruit. This is the place to walk in Puerto Vallarta for foodies who want to explore Mexican cuisine.

A vibrant and traditional ritual takes place daily on the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta as the Papantla Flying Men soar through the air. The men climb a towering pole to the sound of a wooden flute and drum. At the top, the four men coil their ropes before dropping and twirling downwards in a grand descent. This feat of incredible acrobatics in a traditional ritual done to honor the pre-Hispanic gods. Stopping to watch this daring feat is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

A visit to the Malecon is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, whether you’re strolling in the afternoon or going out at night. Its festive air, local vendors, and stunning art make it a central hub of activity all day long. With incredible traditions and history, it’s a place to feel like your a local in this charming destination in Mexico.