Puerto Vallarta Rentals Blog

Here’s your first free activity. The Playa de los Muertos Pier is a popular and iconic landmark in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a focal point for visitors and locals alike, offering picturesque views of Banderas Bay and serves as a departure point for boat tours and water activities. But most enjoy strolling the pier, taking Instagram-able shots, and kicking back on the benches, mingling with others, while people-watching, and listening to the waves crash the shore.

If you ask any local what they recommend you do in town, they’ll more likely direct you to the Malecon. Here’s your free activity #2. The Malecon is the walkway along the beach. The seaside promenade is about 1 mile long. And its lined with vendors, art exhibits, entertainers, and many other tourists admiring the views and enjoying the weather.

The heart of Puerta Vallarta is Zona Romantica (The Romantic Zone). Here’s your third free activity. The Romantic Zone captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets and lively atmosphere. The adjacent, Basilio Badillo Street, affectionately dubbed “Restaurant Row,” boasts an impressive culinary scene and cozy cafes. Renowned for its inclusive and welcoming spirit, Zona Romantica proudly celebrates its LGBTQ+ community and venues that contribute to the district’s vibrant charm.

If you want to immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant Catholic spirit, you must visit the magnificent Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, also known as The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This iconic landmark, with its twin towers and colorful facade, draws in an impressive 2 million visitors annually. Stepping inside the church is like entering a different world. Exquisite stained glass windows, ornate murals, and captivating sculptures adorn the walls, creating a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Free activity #5 is the Lazaro Cardenas Park, also known as “El Parque de los Azulejos” (The Tile Park). It’s a true gem of Puerto Vallarta, offering a unique and captivating experience for visitors. The park’s most striking feature is undoubtedly its stunning mosaic tilework. Covering benches, walkways, and even the surrounding buildings, the intricate designs and vibrant colors create a magical atmosphere. Imagine yourself surrounded by beautiful mosaics, each one a unique work of art telling a story.

Free activity #6 is Puerto Vallarta’s Urban Street Art Scene. Larger-than-life murals dominate many city walls, depicting everything from traditional Mexican themes and Indigenous motifs to pop culture references and abstract designs. Street artists often use their platform to raise awareness about environmental issues, such as climate change and marine conservation, reminding viewers of the importance of protecting the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

Your free activity #7 is spending the day on La Playa de los Muertos (The Beach of the Dead). It’s an extremely popular beach, not just for the golden sands, turquoise waters, and sunbathing, but also for the large number of restaurants, bars, and shops. Playa de los Muertos is a bustling bazaar of activity. A symphony of sounds from mariachi guitars, laughter, chatter, and water activities, all weave a tapestry of human connection.

Today I need to burn off a lot of tacos. So, free activity #8 is a hike to Mirador de la Cruz (Lookout of the Cross). It’s a hilltop viewpoint on Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), only a 20 minute hike from the Malecon. Mirador de la Cruz provides panoramic views of the coastline and Banderas Bay. However, the hilltop boasts approximately a dozen observation decks, showcasing varied panoramic views and 360-degree views of Puerto Vallarta, from the Sierra Madre Mountains to the Banderas Bay.

Today we want to pick up some souvenirs, since it’s our last full day in Puerto Vallarta. There’s no better place for gifts and souvenirs then the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale (The Cuale River Market). It’s a vibrant and bustling marketplace located on Isla Cuale, a charming island in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, with sights, sounds, and smells that will transport you to the heart of Mexican culture. Experience crossing the famous Río Cuale Pedestrian Bridge. It’s a fun suspension bridge that spans the Cuale River and connects the Centro and Zona Romántica neighborhoods.

I hope this video helped you see that Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about high-end resorts and fancy cocktails. It’s a city that overflows with vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and experiences you can soak up without breaking the bank. So, did this video convince you that Puerto Vallarta is an affordable haven for adventure? If you’re still unsure, remember this: sometimes the most magical moments in life are the ones that cost nothing at all. So, why not take a chance and see what Puerto Vallarta has in store for you? You might just surprise yourself!