7 Puerto Vallarta Historical Places

Puerto Vallarta’s historical places offer a journey through time, where each site reveals a chapter of the city’s rich past and cultural evolution. Puerto Vallarta’s historical places are diverse, including museums, plazas, a natural beach, and a church. The city’s historical places offer visitors a glimpse into its vibrant past, from its early indigenous roots to Spanish colonial influences and transformation into a beloved tourist spot. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, or La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, is a testament to Puerto Vallarta’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The iconic structure, with its distinctive crown-topped tower, dominates the downtown skyline and is a focal point for many local celebrations, particularly the annual pilgrimage in December, which attracts visitors and devotees from all over.

An additional site of historical reflection regarding Puerto Vallarta is the Cuale Archaeological Museum, situated on the island of Cuale. The pre-Hispanic antiquities displayed at the museum provide valuable insights into the indigenous civilizations that once called the area home. An exhibition of artifacts illuminating the region’s archaeological findings enables visitors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the local past. Puerto Vallarta’s history is evident in each historical place. Visitors must experience strolling through the colonial Puerto Vallarta and appreciate its architecture, which tells the story of a bygone era. Visit the gorgeous neighborhoods of Gringo Gulch, another Puerto Vallarta historical place, by joining a culture tour of Puerto Vallarta.

The 7 Puerto Vallarta Historical Places are listed below.

1. Los Arcos: Los Arcos is a natural marine park in Banderas Bay. Its name-giving arching rock formations stand out. These granite islets and arches are home to many bird species and make striking photographs.
2. Plaza de Armas: The city’s main square is Plaza de Armas. It offers modern amenities like free wifi, Starbucks, and ATMs while retaining its Mexican plaza charm.
3. Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is a Catholic spiritual institution and a civic landmark in Puerto Vallarta. The crown atop the main structure serves as the emblem of Puerto Vallarta, captivating visitors captivated by its beauty and knowledge.
4. Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum: The Naval History Museum’s five exhibition chambers house permanent photo, map, document, and painting collections. It was a former Navy Hospital and Headquarters.
5. Rio Cuale Museum: The botanical park of La Isla de Rio Cuale houses the lovely and welcoming Rio Cuale Museum. The museum displays local archaeology and provides a free introduction to Mesoamerican history and art.
6. Gringo Gulch: Gringo Gulch, named after the waves of wealthy North Americans who moved there in the 1950s, is known for its luxurious architecture and romantic atmosphere. Its popularity increased in the 1960s when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton lived there.
7. El Faro Lighthouse: The 110-foot El Faro lighthouse in Marina Vallarta has a circular lounge with live music. The lounge offers guests a chance to talk while watching the sunset and the bay.

Los Arcos, a stunning natural attraction in Puerto Vallarta, is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and abundant tropical wildlife, making it an essential visit for anyone looking to swim, snorkel, or enjoy the sights. These magnificent granite islands, known as “the Arches” in Spanish, emerge from the sea in striking arch formations. Los Arcos is part of the protected Los Arcos Marine Park, positioned between Las Gemelas Beach and Mismaloya Beach, established in 1984 to preserve its unique ecosystem. The granite arches offer a majestic setting for various ocean activities, providing a picturesque scene that captures the essence of Puerto Vallarta’s natural splendor. Los Arcos’ accurate scale and beauty are best experienced up close, although visible from the city’s downtown, making it a must-visit destination for individuals exploring the area.

There is no direct admission fee to visit Los Arcos, as it is a natural marine park in the open waters of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta. However, accessing Los Arcos typically requires booking a boat tour or water taxi, and these services charge for the trip. The cost varies depending on the type of tour, length, and any additional activities included, such as snorkeling, diving, or kayaking around the arches. Exploring different tour operators and packages is advisable to find one that suits one’s interests and budget.

Los Arcos Marine Park in Puerto Vallarta is a natural marine park in the open waters of Banderas Bay, making it accessible 24 hours a day. Visiting times are generally determined by the operating hours of tour operators that provide boat tours, snorkeling, or diving excursions to the site. Most tours are conducted during daylight hours for safety and visibility reasons. Check with specific tour providers for their available times, remembering that activities like snorkeling and diving are best enjoyed during the day. Some sunset tours offer a unique view of Los Arcos as the day turns to evening.

The Plaza de Armas is the city’s central plaza in Puerto Vallarta, near landmarks like the Malecon, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Tourism Office, and the Arches on the Malecon amphitheater. Every city and town in Mexico boasts a central plaza, a vital space that has served as the heart of community life for generations. These town squares are hubs for recreation, dining, and cultural activities, embodying the essence of Mexican tradition. These plazas feature a covered pavilion for live performances by musicians, dancers, and artists alongside park benches nestled within beautifully landscaped areas adorned with decorative stonework, creating a picturesque setting.

These plazas transform into bustling marketplaces during the day, with vendors selling newspapers, magazines, and various goods. They become vibrant social scenes by night where children play, teenagers share romantic moments, and adults engage in lively conversations. The aroma of local delicacies like corn, tacos, sweets, and drinks such as tuba or coconut water accompanies them.

Plaza de Armas retains the traditional charm of a Mexican plaza while offering modern amenities like free wifi, a Starbucks, and ATMs. Plaza de Armas remains a quintessential spot for experiencing Puerto Vallarta’s rich tapestry of Mexican culture despite these contemporary conveniences. There is no admission fee in Plaza de Armas.

The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is one of Puerto Vallarta’s primary attractions. The Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose image has crossed the world. It is a civic landmark and a Catholic spiritual institution. The crown on the main building is Puerto Vallarta’s symbol, and visitors can’t stop admiring and learning about it. Another piece of its hundreds-year past.

Construction began in 1903 on the site of a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The main pillars and walls were in place by 1917, and in the early 1920s, everything that still served was built around the chapel. Mass is held annually on October 12, 1921, the church’s founding day. The work was suspended in 1926, reopened in 1930, and completed in 1940, except for the two side towers. In 1965, a crown designed by José Esteban Ramírez Guareño was put to

complete the project.

Father Ramírez oversaw the completion of the front and side towers in 1987, completing the building known today. The temple’s crown was damaged in 1981 and needed to be restored, but the Colima earthquake on October 9, 1995, which hit Puerto Vallarta at 6 degrees Richter, destroyed it.

The major icon of Puerto Vallarta was briefly replaced by a fiberglass crown, replaced by the current crown sculpted by Carlos Terre in 2009. Among Our Lady of Guadalupe’s many beautiful things are its neoclassical and Renaissance architecture and its history and art, which contrast wood-painted images, marble altars, carved wooden confessionals, and the Virgin of Guadalupe statue.

La Iglesia de Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe, commonly referred to locally as the Parroquia de Nuestra Seora de Guadalupe, is a daily-opening church in Puerto Vallarta. English services are held at 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and Spanish and English masses are celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sundays. The church bells indicate the beginning of the services thirty and fifteen minutes before each mass. Atop the city’s central piazza, the famed church commands attention for its beautiful architectural design and significant impact on the community.

The Puerto Vallarta Naval Museum is adjacent to Los Arcos on the Malecon, and the colonial-style structure was once the Navy Hospital and then the Navy Headquarters. The Mexican Navy inaugurated the Naval History Museum in 2006. It was newly remodeled to accommodate antiquities and historical exhibits. The Naval History Museum contains comprehensive displays of photos, maps, manuscripts, and paintings in its five exhibition chambers. Topographic scale models of the Mexican Republic and several locations are available, along with scale replicas of ancient and contemporary vessels and fort models. The numerous navigational instruments and charts are noteworthy. Breakfast is served at a coffee establishment situated on the upper floor of the building, which offers expansive vistas of Banderas Bay and the Malecon.

The Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum offers reasonable admission to all visitors. Infants and children under 5 and people with disabilities are free of charge, guaranteeing that everyone enjoys it. Admission is $2.66 for adults and $1.79 for children over 5. The pricing system lets families, individuals, and people with disabilities experience the museum’s exhibits and learn about Mexico’s naval history in a welcoming environment. Exploring the Puerto Vallarta Naval Historical Museum takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Rio Cuale Museum is a charming and hospitable museum in the botanical garden of La Isla de Rio Cuale. It provides a distinctive perspective on the region’s history. Museum Director Ana Mendizabal imparts vast expertise through an English-language lecture every Tuesday at 1:00 PM. The museum presents archaeological findings from the surrounding area and offers a complimentary introduction to Mesoamerican history and art.

Several walking tours are available in Puerto Vallarta to visit the Rio Cuale Museum. Check out some free walking tours online and book a date before visiting the museum. Visiting a museum takes minimal time. Spending around an hour is enough to explore a museum. Walking tours in PV usually take 5 to 8 hours, depending on the locations included in the tour.

Gringo Gulch, which received its name in the 1950s from the influx of prosperous North Americans who began relocating there, is renowned for its opulent architecture and relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Most landmarks, including Casa Kimberly, Casa Caracol, and Casa Tabachin, have been converted into boutique hotels and private residences. Independently explore Gringo Gulch or take a walking excursion to gain a deeper understanding of the historic Puerto Vallarta neighborhood. These excursions provide an excellent introduction to Mexican cuisine and Puerto Vallarta, typically incorporating food sampling.

Exploring the Gringo Gulch requires no cost. Visitors are free to explore the whole neighborhood. However, there are available guided tours that delve into the history and stories of Gringo Gulch, including visits to specific landmarks or houses in the area. There are fees associated with the tours.

The location’s appeal grew in the 1960s when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton made it famous as residents. The neighborhood is known for its charming cobbled streets, beautiful traditional Mexican houses, and stunning views of the Banderas Bay and the city. It takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to walk through Gringo Gulch on a self-guided tour.

A guided tour, including historical context, visits to individual buildings, and celebrity anecdotes, takes 2–3 hours. Guided trips offer a greater understanding of Gringo Gulch and Puerto Vallarta’s cultural and architectural significance, making them fascinating for history buffs.

The El Faro lighthouse in Marina Vallarta is 110 feet tall and features a circular lounge with live music atop. The 110-foot-tall lighthouse is still a famous symbol, even if it seems out of place next to the more modern buildings surrounding it. Take a self-guided tour of the lighthouse, which takes 30-40 minutes. Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean along the trip. El Faro Lighthouse at Paseo de la Marina 245, Marina Vallarta, is open from 5:30 pm until just before midnight. The ideal visiting hours are between 6:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Allocate around two hours for a full experience.

The things to consider when choosing a historical place to visit in Puerto Vallarta are listed below.

1. Historical Value: Learn about the site’s historical past and importance. Some places with interesting histories or cultural values help one learn more about Puerto Vallarta’s past and how it has changed.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Understand the cultural significance of the location, particularly if it is revered or if there are specific visiting customs. A mindful and respectful attitude enhances the experience.
3. Personal Interests: Choose the option that best suits one’s needs. Pick a place that piques one’s interest, whether in architecture, archaeology, or a particular historical period.
4. Accessibility: Assess the site’s accessibility and geographical location. Specific historical sites are difficult to access, necessitating specialized conveyance or a guided tour.
5. Operating Hours and Entrance Fees: Confirm the operating hours and applicable admission fees. Certain locations have seasonal hours of operation or impose fees for guided tours, additional activities, or entry.
6. Tour options: Research the guided and unguided excursions that are available. Guided excursions offer privileged access to insider information and historical context that is otherwise inaccessible.
7. Weather Considerations: Consider the local weather conditions when selecting external locations. Puerto Vallarta’s variable climate prepares travelers adequately for a comfortable stay.
8. Reviews and Recommendations: Browse testimonials from fellow visitors for initial perspectives and advice. Recommendations indicate the optimal times to visit or emphasize essential elements of the site.
9. Conservation Efforts: Support destinations that prioritize responsible tourism and conservation. Supporting locations that strive to maintain their historical integrity guarantees that future generations appreciate them.

The historical place that has the most expensive tour in Puerto Vallarta is The Los Arcos. There are several options to get to Los Arcos, however, swimming from Mismaloya Beach is grueling and risky. Several tours from Puerto Vallarta, including speedboats, yachts, and water taxis, are available for tourists.

Visiting Los Arcos requires guests to join one of these tours and requires fees. Explore Mexico’s top snorkeling spots in Los Arcos National Marine Park in Banderas Bay on a small-group snorkeling trip. The journey lets guests explore the marine park’s five islands, known for their sea caves and bird sanctuaries. The tour includes national park permits, snorkeling gear, life vests, and a boat journey to these special sites. Additional benefits include air-conditioned transportation. The guide provides passengers personalized attention with a small group, allowing them to explore sea caves and see the park’s birds. The Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos costs $53.12.

The historical place that has the cheapest tour in Puerto Vallarta is the free self-guided walking tour to the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Los Arcos, and Rio Cuale. The self-guided free Puerto Vallarta walking tour visits Plaza de Armas, Los Arcos Amphitheater, Cuale Island and Market, Lazaro Cardenas Park, and the Malecon. Download the map in PDF format, available through several tour sites in PV, or view it on Google Maps.

Walk down Puerto Vallarta’s 2011 pedestrian-only Malecon to start the walking tour. Boutiques, restaurants, and pubs abound. Numerous galleries line the Malecon, but for art, it’s an open-air gallery with bronze, stone, and other sturdy sculptures. The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a prominent religious and cultural attraction in Puerto Vallarta, dominates the neighborhood. It is said that the crown atop the church’s spire is a replica of the one worn by Carlota, the Belgian princess who was coronated Empress of Mexico in 1864.

Walk past the amphitheater and over the Cuale Island bridge on the Malecon. Isla Cuale is next on the free walking tour. The Cuale River island has a park, cultural center, artisan market, and many eateries. Cross the wooden suspension footbridge to the market to buy Mexican souvenirs and crafts. It is an idyllic island surrounded by freshwater and lush vegetation.

The oldest part of Puerto Vallarta is the Old Town. Sculptures and other forms of artistic expression line the famed promenade, which begins at the Malecon and winds past cafes, restaurants, stores, and bars. It winds through the heart of town, past the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Los Arcos Amphitheater, and on to the Main Square and gazebo, where couples dance to the sounds of danzón.

The Old Town is referred to as “The Romantic Zone.” The area is home to local companies and residential buildings, including tall apartment complexes and single-family homes. Viejo Vallarta and the South Side are other names referred to as the Old Town, aside from Romantic Zone.

The Old Town is one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods. It has the most restaurants, bars, stores, and cafes in Puerto Vallarta due to its short streets. The 1950s and 60s-era pueblo-style settlement on the Cuale River has classic Mexican cobblestone village lanes that bridge across. The older buildings transport visitors to simpler times, and the people are kind and friendly.

Yes, there are ruins near Puerto Vallarta. Ixtapa Archaeological Zone is the nearest ruins in Puerto Vallarta, about 12 miles north. The archaeological sites in Mexico, while not as illustrious or widely recognized, comprise petroglyphs and remnants of ancient structures that offer valuable information about the indigenous cultures that once inhabited the region. The petroglyphs of El Tuito, which are situated in the neighboring community of El Tuito, Cabo Corrientes municipality, are an additional significant site. It is believed that these rock engravings date back several centuries and provide an intriguing diversion for individuals interested in delving into the historical origins of the region beyond the shoreline.

Yes, historic places in Puerto Vallarta are being preserved. The state’s Department of Culture has designated Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Center a Cultural Heritage of the State of Jalisco. The recognition, especially significant as the city marked its centennial in 2018, ensures the protection of its colonial architecture and unique characteristics under state and federal laws.

The protected zone includes areas from the Malecón, adjacent to the 70-year-old Hotel Rosita, through the cobblestone streets of Zona Romantica, home to landmarks like the Church of the Virgin of Guadalupe, extending to the residential area of Conchas Chinas. It features contemporary structures like the Los Muertos Pier, a tourist favorite designed by José de Jesús Torres Vega, which opened in 2013. The U.S. State Department has a Level 3 travel advice for Jalisco due to violent crime and gang activity, although government employees can go to Puerto Vallarta’s tourist zones. Visitors must remain vigilant at night and in bars to ensure a safe experience.

The things to do in Puerto Vallarta besides visiting historical places are listed below.

1. Strolling along the Malecon: Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon, a picturesque beachfront promenade, serves as a beloved gathering spot, stretching two miles along Banderas Bay, from Hotel Villa Premiere in Viejo Vallarta (Old Town) to Playa Los Muertos beach in Zona Romantica. The Malecon offers an array of bars, restaurants, and iconic sculptures near the vintage charm of Viejo Vallarta. A highlight is the “Boy on the Seahorse” sculpture by Francisco Rafael Zamarripa, situated near the colorful Puerto Vallarta sign, making it a prime location for Instagram-worthy photos.
2. Go on Whale watching: Whale watching season in Puerto Vallarta peaks from December to March, with the prime time for observing humpback whales being January and February. Sightings occur as early as November or as late as May. Specialized excursions offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness these majestic creatures journey from the Arctic to the warm, protected waters of Banderas Bay for breeding and rearing their young.
3. Snorkeling: Snorkeling at Los Arcos is one fun activity in Puerto Vallarta. Los Arcos, renowned for its impressive rock formations in Banderas Bay, is a premier destination for water sports, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a favorite among boat tours and photographers for offering the area’s best snorkeling experiences. Numerous snorkeling tours to Los Arcos National Marine Park are available, with sunrise or sunset excursions providing particularly stunning views. The Bioluminescent Eco-Experience Tour offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the waters’ bioluminescence, often with few other visitors around.
4. Indulge in local cuisines: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is a culinary haven for adventure-seeking food lovers. The Pacific Coast gem is celebrated for its diverse food scene, accommodating all tastes and budgets. Puerto Vallarta’s dining landscape offers something for every palate, from humble street taco stands to upscale gourmet restaurants. Dive into the local cuisine at any of these esteemed eateries and transform a trip into a gastronomic journey.
5. Attend cultural festivals: The city has plenty to celebrate, from New Year’s Day and Carnival to Independence Day and the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Puerto Vallarta offers various activities, from whale watching to art tours and festivals.
6. Visit beautiful churches: The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s remarkable appearance and bells make it a Puerto Vallarta icon. It represents the city’s Mexican origin, although less than a century old, and transformation from a little village to a bustling resort. The church is a beautiful Neoclassical building with Renaissance towers and a crown. Free admission lets tourists see the carved confessionals, marble altar with the Virgin of Guadalupe, and wooden panels with saints. Photographing within the church during non-service times is allowed if visitors are quiet and respectful.
7. Waterfall hiking: Puerto Vallarta is more than just a beach destination; it’s a city bordered by beaches on one side and lush rainforests, jungles, and waterfalls on the other. A standout adventure is the Yelapa Horseback Riding, Waterfall & Whales Tour, offering an escape to nature in the Sierra Madre mountains. Yelapa is among the area’s most beautiful waterfalls, known for its hiking, hot springs, and waterfalls.
8. Try PV Ziplines: Visiting Puerto Vallarta offers more than just poolside relaxation; it’s a chance for adventure. The local company known for its exceptional zipline tours provides dolphin swims, scuba diving, snorkeling, and ATV adventures. The Canopy Tour, Ziplining, Tequila, and Speed Boat Ride stand out among the adventures. The experience includes a speedboat journey past Los Arcos for around $100, where dolphins and whales are spotted, followed by an exhilarating two-mile zipline adventure through the jungle, featuring 15 of the region’s longest, highest, and fastest ziplines.
9. Skydiving: Skydiving in Puerto Vallarta offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush, combining the thrill of the jump with stunning views of one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. Visit Skydive Vallarta in the Zona Hotelera Norte (North Hotel Zone) to experience the bucket-list adventure, guided by seasoned instructors with tens of thousands of jumps to their credit. Skydiving is among the thrilling activities to do in Puerto Vallarta.
10. Go Surfing: A full list of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is incomplete without visiting Sayulita, a beautiful, laid-back, and Instagram-worthy beach town. Driving northwest along the coast from Jalisco to Nayarit state only takes an hour to reach the beautiful Riviera Nayarit. Sayulita, a famous surfing paradise surrounded by coconut trees and green hills, is in the area.
11. Souvenir shopping: The vibrant Isla Rio Cuale Market is Puerto Vallarta’s top spot for local market shopping, offering an extensive selection of souvenirs and gifts. It features tree-shaded pathways, cafes, a museum, a cultural center, and a bustling Mercado where vendors sell various items, including local art and traditional clothing.

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta’s historical place is between April and June. Puerto Vallarta offers pleasant weather and more affordable accommodation prices between April and June. The timeframe sees minimal rainfall and reduced tourist crowds, making it perfect for tourists seeking a quieter visit. Art enthusiasts must visit the Historic Center Art Walk from October 25, 2023, to June 26, 2024. The Art Walk features galleries presenting Mexican and international artists’ works, offering free wine and artist meet-and-greets. The event allows visitors to explore multiple galleries one afternoon and connect with fellow art enthusiasts.

Visiting Puerto Vallarta any month of the year is worth it. It has diverse attractions, rich culture, and a favorable climate. November to April is the city’s primary tourist season since the weather is mild and dry, perfect for beaches, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The summer months from May to October provide fewer tourists, abundant greenery, and a more real local culture. The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta still depends on an individual’s preference.