Consider this list of things you can do for FREE on your next trip to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy all these activities with your family
For your next vacation in the earthly paradise of Puerto Vallarta, we have created this list of activities that you can share with your friends and/or family to ensure a fun and dream vacation, experiences that will remain in your memory for a lifetime.
And there is no excuse not to do these activities, since they are completely free and suitable for all those adventurous travelers who seek to collect unique experiences.
Read on to see all the spectacular activities that await you!
1) Hike to Cerro De La Cruz viewpoint
Although we have listed this activity in the number one place, perhaps it is better that you leave this experience until the end of your visit in Puerto Vallarta.
The Mirador de la Cruz offers a panoramic view located on the top of a hill that rises above the city; the tour begins in the Abasolo street neighborhood that leads you to a steep staircase that takes you to the viewpoint.
We recommend that you do this walk early in the morning or at dawn to avoid the intense midday sun, otherwise it will take a little more work to climb. And in addition to being able to witness a spectacular view, it is a good way to exercise.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes for the walk and do not forget to take a bottle of water with you because when you reach the top you will surely need it.
Do this activity and believe us that you will not regret it, because once you reach the top you will see that it is very worth it; you will be able to see most of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. The view is truly spectacular.
2) Walk along the Malecon
Upon your arrival in Puerto Vallarta, the first thing you can do at that moment is walk the entire 12-block Malecon. Along the way you will discover several bars, restaurants and shops, as well as commercial premises selling handmade products, toys, drinks and delicious food.
We recommend buying from at least a couple of vendors, not just for yourself but for the good of the people who make a living and depend on tourism to get by. You can buy anything from a souvenir to a delicious fresh and cold coconut water.
In addition to the merchants and different souvenir and food outlets, you can enjoy live shows by various artists, such as living statues, the floating man and more!
3) Visit to the Los Muertos pier
The Los Muertos pier is located at the southern end of the boardwalk, from the same pier you can take a water taxi to go to specific destinations. In addition to that you can hire some tours and excursions that depart from here.
However, you don’t have to go anywhere on a boat to enjoy the pier. You can just walk to the pier to admire the view and listen to the soothing sound of the waves crashing at its base. It is the perfect place to take pictures
4) Visit the Parish of Our Lady Guadalupe
One of the most incredible constructions that you can find in Puerto Vallarta is the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe, this iconic site is not only for Catholics, but it is also for all those who admire the history and the singular beauty that this wonderful parish offers. inside.
Right across the street is El Campanario restaurant where you can try delicious dishes after your visit.
5) Enjoy a local show at the Los Arcos amphitheater
Los Arcos amphitheater, which is outdoors, will allow you to experience free concerts, cultural shows and other shows such as comedy.
It is a bit difficult to know the exact times when a show will take place, since there is no public schedule. One way to check is by reading a local newspaper or asking nearby restaurants about an upcoming performance.
We highly recommend the night shows, since the temperature at midday is scorching. If you can’t find a show, the space may be filled by a local artist.
6) Explore the flea market on Isla Cuale
If you’re in the mood for shopping then you might want to visit the local market on Isla Cuale. This market is not only one of the best markets to shop in, but also nice to walk around and stroll around.
Surrounded by two rivers and lush green tropical plants, this market highlights with its vibrant colors all the local and artisan products that are sold here, and to get there you have to cross the Cuale bridge that hangs freely over the river.
And you really don’t need to buy anything to enjoy this market, it’s a beautiful little corner to enjoy a nice walk and the company of others.
7) See the flyers of Papantla
If what you want is to witness a traditional and exciting event, we highly recommend you not to miss the Voladores de Papantla event.
Every day on the Malecón the Voladores de Papantla perform what is considered an ancient dance ritual, very traditional in Mexico. You will be able to observe how they go up the pole, they roll up and then swing down around the same pole holding only with their feet.
It is really amazing how they hang from their feet and untangle themselves, while playing the drums and flutes. They circle the pole 13 times, taking a little over a minute to land.
8) A day on the beach
Pack your swimsuit, sunglasses, and a towel, and head down to the beach for a free day of swimming and relaxation. Puerto Vallarta may not be popular for its beaches specifically, but there are some that you definitely don’t want to miss.
We recommend you to wear sandals or water shoes, because the temperature during the day is really hot. The water is extremely warm and you will find some pleasure in the waves that occur in the Pacific.
Just make sure you use enough sunscreen and apply it at least every hour or every time you get out of the water to avoid sunburn.
9) Climb the Malecon Lighthouse
This famous lighthouse is located near the Los Arcos Amphitheater. There is a ladder to one side that you can use to climb up and enjoy a peaceful view of the sea and the boardwalk.
The ladder is not difficult to climb, just keep in mind that due to the intense heat the structure may be very hot and difficult to climb. You can take amazing photos from there!
10) Watch the sunrise
All the sunsets in Mexico are spectacular, but it is even more incredible to witness the sunrises and what better way to do it than from Puerto Vallarta. Seeing the bright, white, shimmering sun engulfed in red and yellow rays streak across the ocean to the edge of the boardwalk.
As the sun rises, everything begins to come to life, the palm trees begin to dance to the beat of the sea breeze, and people go out to walk their dogs and enjoy a nice jog.
11) Witness the fireworks from the boardwalk at night
Every night on the Malecón, you can enjoy a free fireworks show that lights up the night sky. Around 9:00 p.m. m. and 9:30 p.m. m., a pirate ship always sails around the bay and puts on a fireworks show that can be seen from virtually anywhere in Puerto Vallarta.
It is the perfect event to end your day in Puerto Vallarta!
12) Participate in the release of turtles
This is one of the most rewarding and emotional activities that you can do totally free in Puerto Vallarta, and it is the release of a newborn baby turtle.
You can do this activity between July and December, which is when the sea turtle hatching season begins. You just have to go to the Boca de Tomates Tortuguero Camp, you will learn a little more about the turtles and you will help them to release them to their new home.
This activity is completely free, but any amount of money you can donate can help support conservation efforts.
13) Dance in the Bodeguita del Medio
Get those feet ready! Because in La Bodeguita del Medio you can take classes to dance salsa completely free.
La Bodeguita del Medio is a restaurant of Cuban origin located right on the Malecón and you can take salsa classes around 8:30 p.m. Although if you already know how to dance you can skip the lessons and stay to dance all night at no extra charge.
Most nights this place is completely filled with the same locals and tourists, it’s a really fun environment to spend the night shaking your body while watching live bands play everything from merengue and salsa, to bachata and cumbia.
And if you don’t love to dance, you can relax listening to live music while you enjoy their famous mojitos and try a delicious Cuban dish.
14) Visit the ChocoMuseum
For chocolate lovers, visit the ChocoMuseo which is located right on the boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta. Inside the museum you will be amazed by thousands of freshly made chocolate-infused products available for purchase.
Admission to the museum is free and you can learn about how cocoa beans are harvested and create delicious products. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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