Puerto Vallarta Attractions

Puerto Vallarta was exposed to the whole world in 1963 when The Night of the Iguana was filmed here. The high profile extramarital love affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor also put made this resort city very popular. But this paradise has more than just heavenly resorts.

Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral

Don’t fail to visit the Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral when you’re in the Malecon area. This cathedral is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most recognizable architecture. Its construction started in the early 1900s but there were some problems so it was only finished in the 1960s. The Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral is a fine example of neoclassic structure, reminiscent of Austrian temples.

Malecon and the Vallarta Arches

Your Puerto Vallarta trip will not be complete without visiting one of the city’s famous icons. Facing the Los Arcos Amphitheater (which hosts free concerts every night), Vallarta Arches will definitely awe you.

You will find the Los Arcos amphitheater in the downtown plaza at the end of the Malecon boardwalk. Malecon is the perfect spot in the city to shop souvenirs from artisans and local street vendors. You will also find here al fresco cafes and very nice boutiques. In addition, the boardwalk is a great place to feel some love while appreciating the mesmerizing Puerto Vallarta sunset.

Banderas Bay

The Banderas Bay offers many attractions that watersport lovers will surely love. Many adventurous fishermen come there to hook amberjack, trophy-size black marlin, yellow fin, and other big games. It also has giant waves for surfers to enjoy. The Puerto Vallarta waters have crystalline visibility, diverse marine life, and beautiful black coral formations – some of the reasons scuba divers frequent the area.

Whales also flock to the waters of Puerto Vallarta during the winter season. They play in Banderas Bay from December to March. You can see humpbacks from the beach and spot whales on your whale-watching expedition.

Beaches

Puerto Vallarta has many beaches to offer for those who love the sun, sea, and sand. You can go downtown to Playa Olas Atlas and Playa los Muertos. Playa Olas Atlas is located on the southern part of the Río Cuale. Known for its vibrant nightlife, it is more popular with party goers and singles. It has many bars facing the beach.

Despite its dark name, Playa los Muertos is a very fun beach. Enjoy the sun and water here for an exciting afternoon. Restaurants and shops line the boardwalk. Hair braiding and massage, among other things, are also offered here.

Tequila tasting

This divine part of Mexico is also the perfect place to booze and have unlimited fun. Puerto Vallarta offers extensive tequila menus that invite every visitor to experiment. The best thing is that there are many tequila shops in the city that offer free tastes.

Bullfights

Watch bullfights when you’re in Puerto Vallarta. Every Wednesday you can see professional matadors engage in authentic bullfights. Head to the Paloma Bullring located near the Maritime Terminal for some bullfight action. Be very prepared, this is not for the weak stomachs – matadors kill the bull.