8 FREE things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Here is my insider’s scoop of 8 free things to do in Puerto Vallarta!
Are you planning your vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?
Vacations can be expensive, food, drinks, excursions, souvenirs, gifts… I could go on and on…
Looking for some FREE things to do while in Puerto Vallarta?? Looking to save some cash while vacationing in Mexico??
I am going to share 8 free things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Now don’t get me wrong, you can do these 8 things and spend money too, BUT you don’t have to.
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1. The Beach
Number 1 is of course the beach!!
Puerto Vallarta has some of the most beautiful beaches. Here I am at Los Muertos Beach in downtown- Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta.
You can choose to sit at a restaurant or resort’s beach chairs, some of them have a cost or you have to buy food or drinks.
You can also bring your own towel, umbrella, cooler, or whatever you feel you want to bring to the beach and sit right in front of these places or any other place on the beach.
Actually you can check out this blog about the Top 9 things to bring to the beach! so that you don’t forget anything.
You will hear lots of music, watch the parasailors overhead, and the vendors go by.
The water is so warm and comfortable, it’s perfect!
I often find seashells while at the beach and enjoy relaxing under the shade of my umbrella and swimming in the ocean.
I like going in the late afternoon and sometimes staying until after watching the sunset turn the skies so many different colours!
2. The Boardwalk
The boardwalk is called the ‘malecon’ in Spanish. The malecon is 1.6 kilometers, but you can continue walking towards all the beachfront restaurants too.
To learn more about the boardwalk check out my Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk!
The boardwalk is so interesting, there is always something different to see. You can even walk it 10 times a day and see new things every time!
From the statues, food vendors, and the many artists and performers that mingle along the malecon and beachfront restaurants; there is always entertainment!
There are often mariachis on the boardwalk especially in the evenings. If you want to learn about where you can find mariachis on the boardwalk, or about the protocols check out the Complete Guide to Enjoy Mariachis in Puerto Vallarta!
If you are not too sure about the names of mariachi songs, I have created a guide with mariachi songs and how to ask in Spanish. You can check it out here: Mariachi Songs To Request.
There is an exhibition of life-size metal art that you can climb on, under, over and through to take photos with. There is even a 30-foot tall ladder that you can climb up to take photos or check out the view!
You can check out all of the vendors selling, art, food, clothing, jewelry, paintings, purses, and so much more!
So, this is where you can choose to buy things, but you can also just mingle and check everything out for free!
There are groups of performers that walk the malecon performing for people that are at a restaurant or areas along the malecon. They do ask for tips later, which you can choose to give if you want.
Personally, I always do.
There are mariachi groups, Mexican banda groups, break dancers, Aztec drummers and dancers, musicians playing guitars, saxophone, drums and more along the beach.
Oh yes, there are also rappers, people that wear painted costumes and faces like Emiliano Zapata and a sandman. They usually stand very frozen, then move when you look at them. I have seen some people get startled because they thought that they were another statue. There is even an alien on the boardwalk!
A great example is this sacred show from the Voladores de Papantla from Veracruz.
During busy season, which is approximately from November to April there are more things to do and more performers than in the slower times, which is between May to October.
Sometimes the city has different art exhibits that they put on the board walk, like heart sculptures with painting on them, large statues, a large community ride where a group of people can peddle to make the vehicle drive along the malecon.
There are even rocking horses.
Oh, I almost forgot! Every evening around 9:30pm there are fireworks that come from the Pirate Ship cruise. The boat comes close to the Los Arcos Theatre and gives everyone on the malecon a short fireworks show!
3. Los Arcos theatre
The theatre is sunken into the ground with stadium like seating and benches at the top.
Every night, unless it’s raining, there are usually 1 or 2 free shows at Los Arcos theatre. This is an outside theatre with arches behind it, hence the name- los arcos.
Sometimes, there are concerts and special shows that happen there. Regularly, there are clown shows.
The clown shows are all in Spanish. I know what you are thinking, I won’t get it.
It is super funny and super fun! Even if you don’t know Spanish, these shows are always very entertaining.
There is a lot of audience participation. Every show has volunteers that come up onto the stage, so even if you see the same clown 5 times, it will be a different show each time!
If you want, you can splurge on cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, chips, drinks and more, but you don’t have to buy anything.
At the end of the shows they will come around with a hat to collect tips, you are not required to give tips, but I always do give some tips.
I have created the Ultimate Guide to Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk!
Check it out!
The show are very entertaining and there are different clowns on different nights.
Sometimes they spin fire, sometimes, games with the audience, and sometimes tricks with a unicycle… you never know what show will be next!
Check it out! 😆
4. The Rio Cuale
‘Rio’ means river in Spanish. The Rio Cuale is a slower and quieter pace than some of the other markets. You are surrounded by nature, the river, trees… You can see iguanas and lots of birds too.
You follow a path that is beside the river that is full of vendors.
There is a ramp to get down to the Rio Cuale from the bridge over it, and the path is paved and fairly smooth. It is accessible to get to although it is on a lower level.
I love seeing all of the handmade jewelry, bead work, clothing, art, souvenirs, talvera, amber, and a lot more!
I always like to check out the Rio Cuale to get some gifts for my friends and family.
There are beautiful murals, art displays and flowers.
The Rio Cuale is also full of nature. If you peak over the bridge or around it you can see large iguanas, which is very cool to see! You can see pelicans hanging out in the trees, birds sunning on rocks in the river and butterflies fluttering about.
There are also beautiful flowers, plants and trees. You can see mango trees as well as other types! They have a type of agave plants- the plants that give us tequila and other alcohols.
There are some murals on walls and other works of art to enjoy.
5. Free Walking Tour
Do you want to enjoy this view?? YES?? Join this free walking tour!
I know what you’re thinking, walking tour?? I was pleasantly surprised as how much I enjoyed it!
I had a wonderful tour guide named Julian. He has been offering tours in Puerto Vallarta for many years now!
The walking tours are every Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9:00am or 12:00pm. They are also offering free walking tours on Saturdays at 1:00pm.
They said that they will now start offering the walking tours on all days, except for Sundays.
You sign up in advance at the tourism office that is in the building for the municipal plaza. That is also the meeting spot for the walking tours. It is a very convenient location and close to everything!
The tour is about 2 hours long. I recommend the morning tour because the sun is lower and there is more shade on super hot days.
During the last hour of the tour, the guide will ask you if you want to learn about the history of Puerto Vallarta, or about the statues on the malecon.
If you choose the statues you will walk along the malecon, which does offer some shade depending upon the time of day and it is flat for walking on for the most part.
If you choose to learn about the history of Puerto Vallarta, you will walk up some stairs and up higher into the town. So, if you are ok with stairs and going up hill then enjoy! You even get to go to the top of this lighthouse tower.
You will also get to go inside of the beautiful church downtown that is called the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. You will learn about some of the history and significance of items within the church.
6. Stroll the marina
Before I get into the wonderful things, there is 1 very important thing that you MUST know 1st!!!!
Don’t walk too close to the edges by the water.
There are crocodiles in the marina water. Yes, real crocodiles. 🐊
If you see caution tape, do not cross it. Sometimes the crocodiles like to hang out in the corners of the marina water.
There are warnings signs that say: Danger, crocodiles, prohibited to swim in Spanish.
Ok, now that you know to stay away from the edges, we can move onto the beautiful parts of the marina!
The marina is a very relaxed and beautiful place to mingle. There are lots of views to be had!
There is casual dining like chicken wings and more elegant fancy places too.
You can also sign up for tours here.
There is a locked door that opens up to the marina for all of the boaters.
I recommend coming to the marina for sunset or for the evening. It is so beautiful seeing all of the lights from the boats, the light house, and all the night places around the water.
7. Climb to the top of 'El Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz
Looking for a great workout for FREE, with an even better view?
Well, you found it!
No gym needed here! This is for the more adventurous traveller!
Before you even get to the bottom of the stairs, you have to walk up some of the stairs in the city to get to the bottom of the official staircase.
There are many local people that go up and down up the stairs for exercise.
You can reach El Mirador by going up Calle Abasolo.
You may see some chickens crossing the road as you walk towards the beginning of the stairs.
Be prepared to sweat! 💦
There are different lookouts that you can enjoy different views from and also take a break from walking up or down stairs.
When you get to the top, you can see 360 degrees around you.
The view is spectacular!!!
Imagine posting a picture of yourself online with that view in the background!!!!🤩
8. Municipal Plaza events
Every Thursdays and Sundays at 6:00pm there are these great events that you don’t want to miss experiencing!
The music and dancing begins at 6:00pm and doesn’t stop until around 10:00pm. They often have live mariachi bands too!
Sometimes they hold some special events or concerts there as well.
There are quite a few food vendors selling food like corn, tacos, tamales, and many traditional foods from Mexico.
A big gazebo rests in the middle of the municipal plaza which is a great spot to take pictures from. There are several benches and spots to sit down in the shade or sun.
You will see people truly enjoying and having fun! Also people, relaxing, eating, dancing, etc…
There pictures are a little dark because there was a lot of rain that evening, not that you can tell by all the dancing and fun that people are having! 🕺
There is a real sense of community in the square. I am always smiling during these events.😊
There are so many people that live in Puerto Vallarta that come out to dance. They are DJ’s that play music and rev up the dancers.
They play dances where everyone follows the song lyrics for the actions, cumbia, salsa, line dancing and more!
So, are you travelling to Puerto Vallarta? Or maybe you already did?
What did you think, did you try out any of my recommendations?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you are looking for a beachfront hotel in Puerto Vallarta, check out this beachfront hotel recommendation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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