Puerto Vallarta is one of my favorite Mexican Destinations. If I'm enjoying a few days there, I take interesting trips on the local buses to Mismaloya, walk the Malecon in the evenings and find exquisite dinging in Old Town, or the Zona Romantica.
When visiting on a cruise line, I usually pick a one or two fun things to do instead of trying to pack it all in. Puerto Vallarta has tons to offer, with or without a tour. Here's a couple of ideas on how to go tourless in Vallarta.
Night of the Iguana
Puerto Vallarta became famous during the filming of "Night of the Iguana." Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were followed and filmed while the movie was made. Both were married to other people, which made it quite a scandal. I enjoy the movie, it evokes the intense tropical beauty of the town.
Your cruise ship will dock in Marina Vallarta. If you head North you'll pass the airport and eventually get to Nuevo Vallarta.
If you head South you'll hit the Hotel Zone, El Centro, then the Romantic Zone.
Across the street from the cruise port is a Walmart. This is merely a walk across the street.
This article will focus on heading South from the Cruise port.
Taxis, Local Bus
Immediately outside the ship you will find loads of transportation. Walking just outside the fence to the street, you will find less expensive taxis and the city bus.
Standing just a few steps from the gate, you can find a bus to the malecon. It costs less than $2 , but you must have Pesos! The bus should have the Malecon on the list of stops. This bus will take you directly to the Malecon in front of the Lady of Guadalupe cathedral. You can walk both ways on the malecon. I like to head north using the bridge over Rio Cuale.
The buses run about every 15 minutes. A word of caution, hold on. As soon as passengers are in the dower the bus moves. Also, there may not be seats until others exit. Wear comfortable shoes and plant your feet firmly.
Malecon & Riu Cuale
The Malecon is the boardwalk along the beach and rocks in the old part of town. It crosses over the Riu Cuale, fronts multiple shops and is a sightseeing walk with beautiful scuptures, lots of stores and restaurants.
The Malecon walk is a couple of miles, and is a few miles from the cruise port. I would recommend a cab. If you want to walk along to see the various sculptures ask your driver to drop you off at the beginning of the Malecon. There is a McDonalds at the start, if your having trouble communicating, you might just say Malecon, McDonalds and the driver should know where you are headed. Hotel Rosita is also at the start of the Malecon and is a well known landmark.
Walking the Malecon from the start may take a couple hours. It dead ends near Los Muertos Beach in the Romantic Zone, or Zona Romantica.
If you are taking it easy and want to also get in some beach time, you might ask the cab driver to take you to the "Lady of Guadalupe" Catholic Church. This church is set in the town square, also near tons of shops and restaurants. You can often catch a service, or see the church if a service is not in session. You'll want to be respectful of the church and consider your attire. I've often seen women wearing scarves over their hair and in nicer clothing.
Lady of Guadalupe
Lady of Guadalupe is an iconic part of Vallarta. Be sure to snap a photo. The town square is colorful. There may vendors, shoe shiners, Mariachi Bands around to entertain you. There are shade trees to sit under and people watch.
As you continue north along the Malecon you'll come to a bridge over the Riu Cuale. There is an island in the middle of the bridge, full of interesting vendors and restaurants. At one time there were Alligators on the Riu Cuale.
Visiting Riu Cuale is also a great way to get out of the heat. There are big trees along the way offering shade. Gringo Gulch is in this area. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton owned a home there, Casa Kimberly, it is now a hotel/restaurant, locals can give you directions. There are also swinging/suspended bridges you can cross into Isla Riu Cuale, be careful, but have fun.
Zona Romantica & Los Muertos Beach
Once you pass Riu Cuale you'll be in the Zona Romantica and at the start of Los Muertos Beach. Los Muertos beach is a vibrant place, full of tourists of all nationalities. You'll find quite a few locals and Mexican tourists on the beach.
There is a pier when you near the enf of the Malecon. Small taxi boats charter to Mismaloya and other more remote areas from that pier. I wouldn't recommend this for a cruise tour. You'll want to be mindful of your time, but this can be a great land adventure to return to Vallarta for.
One of my favorite things to do is find a little restaurant (sometimes just a hut) with deck chairs and umbrellas. I like to sit on the beach past the pier. Typically there is no charge for the chairs or umbrellas if you are purchasing food and drinks.
I've found the local service to be excellent, a bucket of beers relatively inexpensive and the food to be incredible. The beach vendors also sell fruit, barbecued fish and shrimp, ice cream, it's amazing what they carry along the beach with them.
Even if not swimming there is so much going on at Los Muertos beach. Vendors will sell you their wares.....everything from a chicklets to a hammock. A polite "No Gracias", or wearing sunglasses to avoid too much eye contact will generally give them the hint if you are not interested. However, what a great way to do your souvenir shopping!
If you walk one or two blocks inland, you'll be in the thick of the Zona Romantica. This area has the most amazing food. Local foods, small places that cater to the expatriate, taco stands, roasted chickens, you name it. There are some lively shops, bars, art galleries in this area as well. It is is a lovely place to explore and a great place to stay on a land trip.
The town is built into the mountain and the sunlight reflecting on the buildings gives it quite a mediterranean feeling.
The Romantic Zone is also LGTBQ+ friendly. There are a number of hotels, bars and shops that cater to the LGTBQ+ crowd. They welcoming all visitors. Near the end of the Los Muertos beach are many LGBTQ+ friendly locations. One well known hotel/restaurant is "Blue Chairs" or Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea, you won't miss the rainbow flags! This is a great place to start if you want to walk towards the ship headed North. Just ask the cab driver to take you to Blue Chairs.
At the end of the beach is a little cliff. You can walk up and over the cliff to another little beach. There aren't many services on this side, but it's fun to climb up and see what's on the other side.
Other Hints
Returning to the ship is easy, any cab will take you back. Ask the driver the cost before getting in the cab. This is always a best practice everywhere. If you don't like what they say, move on, there are lots of cabs in all of the places I've mentioned. Make sure to save some money for the fare. I've often spend so much money on the vendors in town, I've had to scrounge for my cab fare. I usually fold up a $20 and put it somewhere so I'm covered.
Safety......I've spent many trips as a single woman in Puerto Vallarta. I have never felt unsafe. However, you must be smart. Don't wander into strange alleys where no other people are around, stay in the popular areas, know where you are at all times, don't flaunt jewelry or money unnecessarily. Every destination we travel to, we must always keep safety in mind.
Depending on the season it can be HOT in Vallarta. Make sure you've got a hat and adequate sunscreen. Hydrate very often! Vallarta can also be rainy. There's plenty of restaurants and shops to weather out a small rainstorm.
The local currency is the Peso, check the exchange rate before heading to Mexico. The US dollar is WIDELY accepted and often preferred. However, menu's may be in Peso's so it's good to know the cost before ordering.
Puerto Vallarta is full of cobblestone streets, beaches, winding staircases up through the streets and is just lovely. Wear comfortable shoes.
Enjoy Vallarta any way you'd like. If you'd like to know more about what Puerto Vallarta can offer, contact me to talk about your Travel Story.
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