Puerto Vallarta remains one of Mexico’s most popular beachside destinations because of its stunning setting between the Sierra Madre mountain range and Banderas Bay, as well as its authentic and downtown area, known as El Centro. This historic district features cobblestone streets, white-walled casitas with red tiled roofs, bustling craft markets, bronze artwork, and a waterfront promenade. For your next visit, here are six of the must-see attractions in El Centro.
1. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish—This iconic church, a staple of postcard views of Puerto Vallarta, was constructed on the site of an earlier chapel that was dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalup, starting in 1903. The instantly recognizable crowning sculpture atop its tower is a symbol of the city and was crafted in 2009 by a local Jalisco artist. The original crown was installed in 1965 but damaged by a 1995 earthquake. The Fiestas de Guadalupe, Puerto Vallarta's most significant religious festival, is hosted here each December 1-12.
2. Matamoros Lighthouse—This famed beacon, just a few blocks from Our Lady of Guadalupe, is now a public lookout. Inaugurated in 1932, it guided ships into Banderas Bay for more than 40 years until being decommissioned in 1978. The structure was restored in 2006 and now stands as one of the top spots for sunset photography, providing spectacular panoramic vistas over the downtown area.
3. Gringo Gulch—This hillside enclave gained fame as a favorite stop for Hollywood royalty such as Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, John Huston, and Ava Gardner. They were drawn here after seeing the Mismaloya filming of the comedy The Night of the Iguana. At Casa Kimberly, Burton constructed a Venetian-inspired “Lovers’ Bridge” join his and Taylor’s residences (the two later wed).
PHOTO: Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. (photo via Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board) (Photo Credit: Puerto Vallarta)
4. El Malecon Boardwalk—Few seaside walks are more charming than this promenade, with more than 40 artworks installed along a pathway. Perhaps most famed is the Rafael Zamarripa sculpture The Boy on the Seahorse, which is another iconic image of Puerto Vallarta. Even the pavement is special here, decorated with Wixárika-inspired motifs created by artist Fidencio Benítez.
Aerial view of Puerto Vallarta at night. (photo via Puerto Vallarta)
5. Cuale Municipal Market—Opened in 1979, this busy market is an ideal spot for visitors who wish to take home a piece of local culture. And just a few blocks away along Agustín Rodríguez Street, the Pueblo Viejo Artisan Market is another wonderful stop, with Huichol art and Talavera pottery for sale, featuring brilliant color palettes and nature-based motifs.
6. Cerro de la Cruz Lookout—Get a bird’s eye view at this spot located 500 meters uphill from the Malecon boardwalk. Start on Abasolo Street and head up the cobblestone lanes and narrow pedestrian stairways. It will take roughly 15-30 minutes to ascend, but the top of the hill provides an incredible 360-degree vista encompassing both mountains and entire bay. Heading up in the early morning or late afternoon means sunrise or sunset colors will only enhance the views.
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