Land Activities

Land Activities

Walking

Probably the best way to see Puerto Vallarta, especially the Old Town area, is to walk its cobble stone streets. All along the downtown oceanfront is a mile-long "boardwalk" known as the "Malecon". Directly across the street facing the ocean, there are several blocks of shops, galleries, gift shops, restaurants and night clubs, and this is "the" place where residents and visitors, shoppers and diners stroll along the oceanfront from morning to night. In the morning, about the time a few joggers are out running along the beach, fishermen set up an open fish market at one end of the "Malecon" near the Hotel Rosita (Puerto Vallarta's first hotel) where they sell their catch-of-the-day to the public. At the other end, there's an open air theater called "Los Arcos" (The Arches) where different kinds of free performances such as mariachis and puppet shows are given in the evenings, beginning at about 5:30 PM every Sunday and on special holidays. Local artists who paint scenes of Vallarta, set up to sell their paintings nearby.

The Guadalupe Cathedral is at the Center of downtown. Its pretty crown-shaped bell tower is the main distinguishing landmark of Puerto Vallarta, which can be seen from miles around The cathedral was built opening onto "La Plaza" or the town square, where the "Palacio Municipal" or Municipal Center is, and which is often the site for art and cultural demonstrations.

Above the cathedral, cobble-stone streets and long, steep stairways climb up into the foothills where red tile-roofed houses, spilling vivid red bougainvillea from balconies, perch on the mountain side. The panoramic view of Old Town from above is spectacular. This is called "El Cerro" (the hill) and is the location of many elegant homes owned by the "Norteamericanos" or "gringos" (Americans, Canadians and others) as well as many long-time local residents. "Gringo Gulch", as members of the Hollywood movie crowd dubbed the southernmost part of "El Cerro", is the location of many elegant villas including Casa Kimberly, the former house of Elizabeth Taylor, with Richard Burton's former house directly across the street, connected by the now-famous "love bridge."

Downtown Puerto Vallarta is divided down its center by the Rio Cuale (Cuale River). And in the middle of the river is the "Isla Cuale", a narrow sliver of an island with botanical gardens, the Cuale Museum, and a number of shops and cafes on it. At the most inland end of the island, one can still see native Mexican women washing clothes on rocks by the river. Sitting beside the river, a few blocks inland on the road to Mismaloya, is a giant flea market building, with endless stalls of colorful hammocks, silver jewelry, figurines, leather ware, T-shirts, hand crafted clothing, and inexpensive souvenirs and curios.

On the south side of the river is . . . "The South Side" where you can find most of the older shops, restaurants and businesses. Here, you will still find much of the true flavor of the original Puerto Vallarta of days gone by. You can buy fresh fish from street vendors, visit open air markets and pick up a bite to eat at one of the taco stands that seem to be on every street corner of the area.

Mountain Biking

Want to explore parts of Vallarta and the surrounding area on a mountain bike excursion? Tours are available to match your physical fitness level - from trails that take you up into the foothills of the mountains, or through tropical jungle areas, along rivers and over suspension bridges to remote swimming areas with tropical pools full of tropical fish. You can opt to rent a motor-assisted mountain bike that will save your legs on those long up-hill climbs.

Horseback

Another way to see the countryside is to arrange for a horseback riding excursion to visit one of the ranches around Vallarta. Whether you're a seasoned horseman or have never ridden a horse before, you can explore tropical jungle paths, climb mountain trails, ride along the ocean, take an ecological tour that explores local vegetation and visit century-old haciendas along the trail. Overnight outings provide an unforgettable night on the trail.

Golf and Tennis

If it's golf you crave, there are two 18-hole championship courses in the area. Also another new championship course, designed by Jack Nicholas, will begin construction this Spring. Tennis is alive and well in Vallarta too. You can choose from competition level grass, clay or standard hard courts at the various tennis facilities around town. Some clubs offer screen-covered courts that cut the glare of the sun but don't take away from being outdoors. An 18-hole, par two mini-golf course provides fun for the family.