After our successful trip to Sayulita, Mexico, we found ourselves with a day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to explore.
To be honest, we were in Puerto Vallarta for quite a few days, living the resort lifestyle. Puerto Vallarta is a bastion of large and boutique luxury resorts, and we were on a multigenerational trip to try one out. But given how much there was to do at the resort (and, also, how hard they make it to get off the resort), some of our time in Puerto Vallarta was spent laying in lounge chairs and getting sunburned.
But I am a traveler. And as a traveler, it was killing me to be in Mexico without actually seeing Mexico. Sure, the resort had beautiful sunset views and fresh pina coladas, but outside the walls were where families told stories, created lives, and wove Mexico into their tapestries. That was what I wanted to experience. That was what I wanted my kids to experience.
Could we really learn that much or experience all of that in one day? Of course not. It isn’t possible to understand how people live in a city in one month, let alone one day.
But since one day was what we had to give, I would take what Puerto Vallarta could teach us.
We were so pleasantly surprised by Puerto Vallarta and would return in a heartbeat. It helped that the weather was magical, our kids were of an age where their learned adventurous behavior was paying off, and we were all in desperate need of sunshine and freedom. Puerto Vallarta delivered for us.
How to Spend a Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico:
Table of Contents
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Enjoy the Puerto Vallarta Malecon (Boardwalk)
The malecon is the large, concrete walkway that borders the beach. This is a beautiful place to meander, stop for a drink, do some beachside shopping, or get some fresh seafood.
This area is also peppered with art that is fun to look at.
There are plenty of loud and intense tourist bars and restaurants, but there were also lovely outdoor places with a calmer vibe. We didn’t stop anywhere but loved taking our time and walking the ocean here. Looking behind us, we could see the port where the cruise ships enter. (Bonus tip: check out our post on Grand Cayman for tips on avoiding cruise ship crowds).
Watch the Pole Flyers on the Malecon
This tradition goes back centuries and has become such an important ritual for this community (and so identifiable and unique) that it is now a UNESCO World Heritage-protected asset. Men, dressed in traditional attire, shimmy up a tall pole. At the top, they begin to twist a giant disc, wrapping ropes and going in circles.
Eventually, they stop. Then the turn upside down, face to the ground, and as the ropes tied to them unwind, they float and spin by their ankles down to earth, playing wood flutes and banging drums the entire time.
The ritual doesn’t take long, but it is worth seeingÂ
- Learn more about the Papantla Pole Flyers here.
- Performer hours can change daily but your best bet is in the morning (10:00 am – noon) and the evening (6:00 pm to 10:30 pm). They do not perform in the heat of the day.
Go on a Food Tour
This was, by far, our favorite thing we did on this family trip. I, of course, have grown to love food tours (my first one was here, but then I did one here and here). As parents we were, understandably, nervous about taking a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old on this tour. This was not necessarily a cheap excursion, and, as we know, kids can be picky eaters. Plus, we had no idea what food was going to be put in front of us.
But the kids loved it. Did they love everything they ate? No. But they tried everything and experienced new culinary delights that they still talk about (think: carnitas).
- Book the same food tour we experienced (the Original Downton Tour) with Vallarta Food Tours.
"Climb" the Light House
Originally built in 1932 this is technically a beacon light, not a lighthouse. But locally and by reference, folks call it the lighthouse.
I use the term “climb” lightly as this is simply a couple of flights of steps and nothing as intense as “climbing a lighthouse” sounds. Truly, the road getting to this lighthouse was steeper than the steps themselves!
But the views from the top, looking out over terracotta roof tiles, the crowned cathedral in the background, the bright blue ocean waves showing off, were exquisite.
Visit the Church
Our Lady of Guadalupe church sits downtown and is a living, breathing place of gathering. Outside, the yard was bustling. Inside, people were praying. Unlike the churches in Europe (particularly Belgium) that are made for grandeur and awe, this Mexican church was made for celebration and welcome. It is chaotic and colorful inside.
The foundation for the current church (built on the site of a smaller church that was erected in 1883) was started as early as 1903. However, the current Our Lady of Guadalupe church wasn’t completed in its entirety until 1955, with the iconic “crown” on the belfry not getting installed until 1965.
This was a quick stop for us, it didn’t take long to look around, especially while being respectful of those in there actively worshipping. But we were glad we stopped.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe church is located close to the Boardwalk at Hidalgo # 370. It is free and open to the public most of the day unless mass is being held (mass is usually offered at 4 pm Saturday and 10 am Sunday).
Shop at the Markets
Similar to what we experienced in Sayulita, we really enjoyed meandering the markets in Puerto Vallarta.
There is so much texture, vibrancy, and color to the goods we saw for sale. Interestingly, none of the vendors we interacted with were interested in budging on price. But, of course, we felt the prices were more than fair.
View the Colorful Parks
Like the markets, the public parks are full of so much color and creativity. Art seems to ooze out of every piece of Puerto Vallarta and artists have found a way to express themselves in many ways. The opportunity to wander through the public spaces and see multicolored flags flying above and glistening mosaics below was incredibly unique.
- Colorful parks close the Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta include: Lazaro Cardenas Park, Plaza Principal de las Armas (across from Los Arcos).
In Puerto Vallarta, beaches are nestled in one of the most gorgeous bays in existence, flanked by the Sierra Madre mountains. We meandered through the different zones of town, including the aptly named Zona Romantica. And we fell in love – with Puerto Vallarta.
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