This novel walking tour combines a power work-out with sightseeing. You’ll climb a steep hill to reach a look-out spot with sweeping views of Vallarta and Banderas Bay, then descend to see Elizabeth Taylor’s and Richard Burton’s former homes (and the bridge that connected them), a tortilla factory, Cuale gardens, and a chocolate shop. Lots of samples and healthy snacks are included, as are plenty of photo ops.
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See Seaside Sculptures in Puerto Vallarta
The half-mile long walk along Puerto Vallarta’s shore, known as El Malecón, would be charming enough, but the addition of sculptures—more than a dozen of them— created and installed by local artists makes a seaside stroll even more memorable. Though you can walk along the Malecón day or night and see the sculptures, the local art gallery, Galería Pacífico, also offers guided tours of the installations, during which you can learn more about the public art project, the symbolism of each sculpture, and the artists who have contributed pieces.
How to get a taste of Puerto Vallarta
Visiting a new place can be intimidating, especially on the foodie front, and while Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta has several gems, it’s hard to know which restaurants you’d like to book at table at. The answer to this conundrum is the “Viva Puerto Vallarta” Fiesta created by a few local restaurants and the Downtown Vallarta Association along with the Jalisco Tourism Board. You can enjoy a taste of Puerto Vallarta by visiting the various stalls serving dishes, enjoy dancers’ performances, and ask the chef any question you’d like. In Puerto Vallarta, the joy and love of food is palpable. Every two weeks, visitors and residents can purchase food and drink tickets and get tastings. Relax with a Minerva beer and soak in the culture as you see locals mix, mingle and play. I soaked in a perfect evening on the day of my arrival at Puerto Vallarta, enjoying the graceful costume-clad dancers, sipping craft beer, and enjoying being in the middle of all the action near the Malecon (the local boardwalk). Food and drink tickets are available for purchase, but admission to the festival itself is gratis.
Puerto Vallarta Malecón
One of the main attractions in Puerto Vallarta is El Malecón—a one-mile stretch of boardwalk along the Banderas Bay. Offering spectacular views of the sunsets as well as of the sculpture pieces that dot the walkway—including this one, La Nostalgia by Ramiz Barquet—it is the perfect place to spend an evening. There are many entertainers performing along the walkway, and at the south end of the Malecón is Los Arcos, the local amphitheater where you can see Xiutla folklore dancers, live music, clown shows, and other cultural events.
