Considered the heart and soul of Puerto Vallarta, no visit to our destination would be complete without exploring in depth the wide diversity of cultural, gastronomic, historical and entertainment options available here. A great sensory fiesta to experience and enjoy, El Centro’s attractions are eclectic and bohemian, with extraordinary performing arts and abundant nightlife. Its narrow cobblestone streets are a lot of fun, but walking along them can be a real challenge, especially those that run east to west up the mountain. Its southern border is the Cuale River, whose small natural island is home to a market, restaurants, craft shops, a museum, an active cultural center and relaxing green spaces.
To Start
The Malecón, especially after its remodeling in 2011, is its most popular feature and leads to some other sites of interest, such as the Plaza de Armas (the main square), Los Arcos Amphitheater and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Along this walkway there is a series of bronze sculptures, such as El Caballito (The Seahorse), an icon of our destination.
A morning walk here, with the refreshing sea breeze, is an excellent way to start the day. Now, if you have a more adventurous spirit, other options to get to know this area on foot include hiking up to the Mirador de La Cruz (for a breathtaking view of the city) or venturing into the streets of Gringo Gulch (known for hosting the residences of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the famous Hollywood actors who positioned Puerto Vallarta on the international scene during the filming of the movie The Night of the Iguana in the ‘60s). For something a little tamer, we recommend a walk to explore the city’s historical center.