Malecón Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Malécon, or boardwalk, is one of Puerto Vallarta's most popular attractions.
Besides its sunset views and the variety of sculptures and public art installations found along its path, visitors are also compelled to not just stroll "down on the boardwalk," but to look high above it, too.
There, up in the air, are the Voladores de Papantla, or the Papantla Flyers.
Also called the Birdmen of Papantla, these performers enact a ritual invoking wishes for an abundant harvest that dates back more than 1,500 years.
The flyers fling themselves from the top of the pole, each spinning 13 times around it before reaching the ground.
All the while, one man remains atop the pole, playing music on a flute.
The free performance is held each night along the Malécon.
Walking along the Malecon - that some people call "boardwalk" - is a feel-good area right on the oceanfront and it's a fast and easy way to really understand what PV, and even Mexico, is all about.
The colors, the sounds, and aromas, all take you under their spell and you can end up just walking around for hours, enjoying a great breakfast, lunch or dinner, eating and drinking here and there, grabbing souvenirs, shooting photos.
Time will just fly by, as it does when you are really enjoying yourself.
"El Malecon" - considered by many the best thing to do in Pto Vallarta Mexico - is now closed to vehicle traffic, so you can take a relaxing stroll along this sightseeing paradise walkway with great scenery, beautiful sculptures and friendly people, without having to worry about taxis, cars or buses (do take the bike path into account though).
This recent iteration of the classical Malecon features many more palm trees, that provide much-needed shade during the midday hours (some palm trees on the beach too a nice move), and decorative plants.
All spaces have been designed with pedestrians in mind, so there are lots of places you can rest (sit on the edges of the plant "pots", the white "pillows" are made for that) and really take your time to enjoy and absorb the vibe.
It is a beautiful walk along the beach in a downtown area that is full of new experiences and colorful opportunities to discover the culture, traditions and lively side of Mexico and Mexicans.
Things to do on the Malecon
When you arrive at the Malecón, any questions of "what can I do here" dissipate, there's just so much to see and enjoy.
This is a place that is always fun to visit and you never get enough, you'll just have to come back a few more times.
Starting the day the boardwalk is a favorite for joggers and early walks, the air is fresh and wonderfully clean, the sun appearing over the jungle hills is warm but soft and the light is golden.
You can enjoy the pelicans and seabirds diving for fish, the soft waves that lap the Malecon beach, then coffee and other aromas will tempt you into one of the many great Puerto Vallarta restaurants where you can then grab a wholesome breakfast, a café de olla, ranchero eggs, tortillas, and fresh-pressed orange juice, for example.
You'll enjoy the impressive and beautiful bronze sculptures and statues of this open-air museum/art gallery, every block along the promenade, many with colorful and wonderful back-stories (read all about them in our sculpture guide), there are also intricate designs with Huichol motifs embedded in the Malecon's surface, these artistic touches were provided by Fidencio Benitez, a well-known artist with works that can be found around town in different art galleries.
Basking in the sea sounds and sights you'll immediately notice that it is also a very photogenic area, so bring your best camera (smartphones too nowadays) and shoot away!
Then there are the cultural and artistic shows and exhibitions, there's the Papantla Flying Men, the colorful prehispanic dance to the gods, there are occasional photo exhibitions, showing the long history and culture in this part of Mexico.
There are lots of different street performers, sand sculptures on the beach beside the walkway, balanced rocks and more.
As the afternoon draws in, the temperature goes down and you can enjoy a romantic stroll as the famous and gorgeous Puerto Vallarta sunsets bask the boardwalk in their warm light, tinting everything in orange and red, the magical hour.
Los Arcos amphitheater (The Arches) provides a great photo opportunity.
Walking along the Malecon at sunset or night also provides some spectacular views and wonderful photo for your scrapbook or Instagram account.
As nighttime arrives, with it many nightlife entertainment options on the Puerto Vallarta Malecon take off.
The boardwalk offers a relaxed party atmosphere and even space for a romantic evening and stroll.
There are quite a few nightclubs and discos, we can mention a few: Mandala, Senor Frogs, Zoo, La Vaquita and quite a few more, some are open till 3 AM or maybe even longer.
For families during the afternoon and at night there are many more free shows, concerts and events at the amphitheater by The Arches (Aquiles Serdan esplanade) and around the seawall promenade, there'll be a lot of spectators enjoying the various talents, clowns, music, dance, and other shows.
There are local vendors selling paintings, handmade trinkets, souvenirs, balloons, sketch artists, street food and food stalls, simple toys and more along the PV waterfront boulevard.
So enjoy a Tejuino or a glass of Tuba, grilled corn on the cob, cotton candy, an ice-cream or maybe a fresh delicious coconut juice.
There are quite a few markets along the way, there are tons of shops and souvenir stands along the way too.
The shopping is not high pressure, they'll understand cultural differences and how you shop.
Due diligence is recommended at times, especially with jewelry and silver arts and crafts, always remember you get what you pay for if you go the cheap way.
For expensive items, go to an established store.
Puerto Vallarta is known for its world-class gourmet dining, and everything in between, all the way to the humble but tasty street food and taco stands.
The Malecon offers some great restaurants and many within a short walking distance from it, we can mention and recommend: La Dolce Vita, Layla's, Barcelona Tapas, La Bodeguita del Medio, Cheeky Monkey, Florios, Café Des Artistes, El Arrayán and Mama Rosa.
There are wonderful outdoor restaurants serving $1 dollar Margaritas (and quite good for just a buck), fresh guacamole, tacos and inexpensive cerveza (beer) all for about $20 dollars.
Sometimes you'll encounter some pushy salespeople along the walkway, they normally are timeshare operators offering free tours and such.
My way of dealing with them is to just take my time, relax and change the subject to PV in general and get a nice chat with the locals, instead of prying myself away by being rude or ignoring them... might not be the best, but I like it that way.
In any case, the people are very friendly and Puerto Vallarta is a very safe place to visit.
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