Puerto Vallarta: beaches and bohemian life on the golden shores of Jalisco

Located in the Western Sierra Coast Region of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a city and port that has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the entire country. Formerly known as Las Peñas, it was founded by Guadalupe Sánchez Torres, and it was his wife and his companions who gave it the name of Las Peñas de Santa María de Guadalupe. It was later changed to Puerto Vallarta in 1918 in honor of former Governor Ignacio Luis Vallarta.

It’s believed that the first settlements date back to 300 BC, to then be inhabited by cultures from Aztlán, a mythical place whose exact location is unknown. It is said that before this space was called valle “Xihutla” , translated as “place where grass grows.” With the arrival of the Spaniards, the port functioned as a supply point for the surrounding and nearby mines.

The great heyday of Puerto Vallarta as a tourist spot par excellence came in the 1980s and 1990s, when the construction of hotel complexes and restaurants began, and entering the century, the inauguration of bars and art galleries. Your trip to get to know this corner of Jalisco can begin at the Muelle de Playa los Muertos , a point that connects with the Malecón and was designed by the architect José de Jesús Torres Vega. In this structure, tours depart for beautiful beaches such as Yelapa, Quimixto or Mismaloya and it is a reference for incredible views of Bahía de Banderas.

Walking along the beautiful Malecón of Puerto Vallarta you will find famous sculptures such as “El Tritón y La Sirena” by Carlos Espino and “El niño sobre el caballo de mar” by Rafael Zamarripa. Considered an outdoors museum, on one side there are dozens of establishments to eat, have a cold drink, buy a souvenir and even see the Voladores show, a Totonac tradition that can be seen on the coast of Vallarta. At night this area completely changes its atmosphere, and when the sun goes down the horizon, the party begins. The so-called Romantic Zone and the Malecón are basic spaces for nightlife lovers!

If your thing is to get to know the sacred precincts of each place you visit, a few blocks away, still in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, is the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a building that was rebuilt in 2009 due to a strong earthquake that demolished the original structure. For some dreamlike photographs, the best is the Mirador de La Cruz, which although the path will test your physical condition, reaching the top will be totally worth the effort. Remember to bring your camera!

After your descent from the viewpoint you can go to Isla Cuale, a recreational park and meeting area that has existed since 1926. With several bridges connecting to this island, in this bohemian corner there are artisan shops, restaurants, small parks, a museum, the Centro Cultural del Río Cuale and the statue of John Huston, American actor and director responsible for “The Night of the Iguana”, a film that put Puerto Vallarta on the world map.

After enjoying the nightlife, relaxing walking on the boardwalk or tasting Vallarta’s gastronomic fusion, what about its beaches? Although Playa los Muertos is the most famous and crowded, there are gems like Las Gemelas, natural paradises like Yelapa and romantic places like Conchas Chinas that you cannot miss. Sites like Las Caletas, Colomitos and Las Ánimas will leave you speechless due to their charm and beauty. The Jalisco mountains surrounds these places and turn them into a special place.

What’s in it for the adventurous? Sites such as Los Arcos National Marine Park, a place to discover marine life through diving and snorkeling. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical garden, one of the most important and colorful in Latin America. Estero el Salado, a protected natural area with mangroves and home to the American crocodile. As well as the Palo María river and waterfall, will be waiting for you to connect with the incredible ecosystems of Jalisco.

Do we need to say anything else to convince you to go to Puerto Vallarta? You will find more than one surprise on your next visit! Unforgettable beaches, lots of nightlife and a bohemian atmosphere in the joya de Jalisco. Pack your swimsuit and enjoy the golden Mexican shores.