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Life in the Malecon
by Vallarta Online Staff | published: 12/26/2008
| A must-do, when visiting Puerto Vallarta, is strolling along the Malecon (see map); a beachside boardwalk, lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and all kind of shops. You'll find entertainment and activities for all ages, tastes and budgets.
And the tour begins  Ready? Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and prepare yourself for some action. Any day is perfect to walk down the Malecon, though weekends have a special carnival-like-atmosphere. You'll see mimes, dancers, an urban sculptor who piles up stones (in positions that defy the laws of gravity) and a sand artist creating shapes to welcome visitors.
 Let's star at the northern part, where the Hotel Rosita is located. If you turn to your right you'll be able to admire the first sculpture of the outdoors museum that takes place all long the Malecon, Los Milenios, a Mathis Lidice's interpretation of the passage of time.
Mid-way the Malecon, you will find the Rotonda del Mar, a collection of Alejandro Colunga's whimsical sculpture "chairs", where you can take a break to rest and enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay.  A buffet of activities
Getting hungry? Have dinner in one of the various options that Vallarta's culinary paradise has to offer (we have more than 900 restaurants throughout the whole city!) Our picks in the Malecon are La Dolce Vita, a delicious Italian restaurant featuring live jazz music.
As far as shopping, all along the Malecon there are dozens of boutiques, jeweler's and souvenir's shops offering from elegant dressing to beachwear, fine jewelry, hand worked leather articles and all kind of Vallarta souvenirs.  Moving on with the tour, getting near the city hall park, you'll find a row of irresistible stands with fresh waters, fruits, ezquites (sweet corn), home-made potato-chips and fried bananas. If it's Sunday around 7:00 pm, you can enjoy a free music concert or other open-air performance at Los Arcos Amphitheater.
Bridge over the Cuale River Recently a bridge to cross the Rio Cuale was built; it joins the Malecon with Vallarta's most famous beach: Los Muertos. There you'll find a row of hotels, restaurants and cafes with attractive services and activities. As every good Mexican beach, walking vendors will probably approach you with all kind of merchandise. From drinks and fish or shrimp skewer to silver jewelry and rugs, T-shirts and sarongs; you can even get your hair braided. And when the night comes The best place to have some fun all night long is Puerto Vallarta and certainly, the Malecon has some of the best options. Choose a bar or disco according to your mood: Malecón
Centro
Olas Altas
Another sight of the Malecon  There are several tours that will take you around the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Flags) and you'll be able to enjoy the Malecon from a different perspective. Set sail aboard the Marigalante pirate ship, with a delicious dinner, tons of fun and music. The Marigalante sails along the Malecon and sets of a spectacular fireworks display.
Enjoy Vallarta from north to south; the Malecon is only one of the hundred options for having fun. If you need more information or want to book a tour, please contact our concierge. |
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