Puerto Vallarta Sightseeing
There’s a little something for everyone when it comes to Puerto Vallarta sight seeing. With year-round sunshine providing a backdrop to active sports, a fascinating cultural and historic heritage, not to mention a lively arts scene, whether you’re touring around outside or delving into the past indoors, Puerto Vallarta keeps visitors busy and entertained with varied activities and sights.
Púlpito and Pilitas (Pulpit and Baptismal Font)
Col. Emilio Zapata – Two of the most recognized natural landmarks in Puerto Vallarta are these two rock formations at the southern end of Los Muertos Beach. El Púlpito or the Pulpit is a tall, rocky headland covered in low lying shrubs, and Las Pilitas or Baptismal Font are the formation of smaller rocks beneath it. The famous Puerto Vallarta sculpture “Boy on a Seahorse” (El Caballito), which now has a place on the Malecón, was originally found on Las Pilitas. There are two streets in the Olas Altas area named after the rock formations.
The Malecon
Possibly among the most popular Puerto Vallarta sightseeing spot, the paved boardwalk promenade along the seashore in Col. Centro is the place to people watch in Puerto Vallarta, and is especially popular during the Sunday evening paseo. It features a collection of contemporary sculptures by renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga, Ramiz Barquet and others. The Malecon was extensively rebuilt in 2002-2003 following damage from Hurricane Kenna, and is lined with restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques. It is often the focal point for local Puerto Vallarta festivities.
Cuale River Island
Two large public markets in the Centro – the Mercado Isle Cuale and Mercado Municipal Cuale – selling souvenirs and handicrafts are found along the banks of the Cuale River Island, which was at one time a lower class suburb of Puerto Vallarta until Hurricane Lily in 1971 forced residents to relocate to Palo Seco and the Island became a tourist attraction. Isla Cuale is also famous for its cat population. Cuale Archaeological Museum on the West side of the Isla Cuale presents local and regional pre-Hispanic artifacts and a small gallery showcasing contemporary art. An interesting attraction is the statue of film director John Huston, who spent much of his life here after making the 1964 hit The Night of the Iguana. The statue is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the film's release and honors Huston's contributions to the city.
Predator film location
Another film which thrust Puerto Vallarta into the limelight was the 1987 action thriller starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Predator, which featured a jungle area near Mismaloya. The Eden Restaurant now displays the movie sets. For curious movie buffs, take the highway south of Puerto Vallarta and look for the entrance to Mismaloya. A rocky, dirt road there leads into the mountains and is more suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles.
Plaza de Armas (Ignacio Vallarta) / Aquiles Serdan Amphitheater (Los Arcos)
The city's main plaza found at the south end of the Malecon, is the site of public concerts both at the bandstand in the Plaza de Armas and in front of the arches across the street on the stage.
Saucedo Theatre Building (Juarez at Iturbide)
Built in 1922 in a Belle Epoque style reminiscent of architecture of the Porfiriato. The theater presented live shows and films on its first floor, and the second floor housed a ballroom. The building has been converted to retail use.
Landmarks south of Puerto Vallarta
Los Arcos Marine Natural Area - offshore of Mismaloya 12 km south of Puerto Vallarta. – Underwater sports enthusiasts should not miss out on a Puerto Vallarta sightseeing trip to Los Arcos. The protected area has been a National Marine Park since 1984 and is a breeding ground for pelicans, boobies and other sea birds. The park offers great snorkeling and diving, as there are several small islands, reefs, tunnels, caves and arches surrounded by dead coral fossilized coral beds which give visitors a stunning underwater adventure.
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
This pretty research center found 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta features more than 3,000 species of plants in a recreated unique tropical dry forest ecosystem at 1,300 feet above sea level. Set against the picturesque Sierra Madre mountains, the gardens contain lots of agaves and other native plants, orchids, a restaurant, and swimming in the crystal clear Rio Los Horcones. Entry is 50 pesos. Open Tues to Sun (9 am to 5 pm)
Puerto Vallarta Zoological Gardens
This modern zoo houses more than 450 animals, birds and reptiles, and located in a forested setting in Mismaloya. Open seven days a week (8:30 am to 6 pm)
Landmarks north of Puerto Vallarta
University of Guadalajara's Coastal Center
North of Pitillal and west of the Ixtapa neighborhood, the campus features several public attractions including a crocodile farm and the Peter Gray Art Museum, which houses an eclectic collection of 70-plus works of artists from North and Central America, Europe and even Israel.
Ixtapa Archeological Zone
North of the town of Ixtapa along the Ameca River banks is an archeological zone considered the oldest explored in western Jalisco, featuring 29 mounds – the largest is 40 meters in diameter and eight meters in height – with some remains from the Aztltlan kingdom inhabitants dating back several thousand years between 900 and 1,200 AD. The site also includes the remains of ceremonial ball court. Recovered objects include a number of residential and ceremonial sites, incense burners, bowls, amphora, etc. Many of these objects are on display at the Rio Cuale Island Museum.