Puerto Vallarta is not only a stunning vacation destination for those hailing from the USA and Canada, the exchange rate is fabulous and there are plenty of free cultural activities and tours to enjoy with your loved ones! While you make the most of your dollars in Puerto Vallarta splashing out on luxuries like spa services and champagne, you can enjoy a number of cultural activities in the city without spending a penny (except on amazing souvenirs).
Here are our favorite cultural tours around Puerto Vallarta:
Puerto Vallarta Downtown Tour
This free tour runs multiple times each week and takes around two hours. Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday the tour leaves at 9am, and on Tuesday and Wednesday there is an additional tour which leaves at 12 noon. Starting at the tourist office in the Zocalo (town square) this tour winds through the downtown area. You can expect to learn about the history , architecture, and famous denizens of the city.
Free Sculpture Tours
This artsy tour is guided by Galeria Pacifico’s Gary Thompson, and begins at 9:30am in front of the “Millennium” sculpture (which is next to Hotel Rosita at the northern end of the Malecon). If you’re lucky Sr. Fernando Baños (also known as Mathis Lidice), sculptor of the piece, will kick things off with an explanation of his piece and its meaning. These tours run weekly during the high season, but you should call the gallery to double check in the off-season to make sure it’s still running, or if it has been changed at all.
The Art Walk
The Art Walk is not strictly a tour, but an evening of socialization, artistic appreciation, and exploration. From October to April many of the galleries in the Downtown area get involved in this evening, and open their doors to tourist and locals following their maps around the city. You can meet artists, other like-minded individuals, and even grab a free glass of wine while you mingle.
Walks from Los Muertos Beach
Los Muertos Beach is perhaps the ultimate daytime activity in Puerto Vallarta; a stroll along this beach is a great way to unwind and make vacation memories. Why not bring a picnic with you when you come down to Los Muertos? There are some great restaurants around, though, and some great bars, too. If you want to unwind a day sunbathing ad swimming at stunning Los Muertos beach is a fine option that can cost as much or as little as you want it to. Walk south from Los Muertos Beach to find some secluded coves.
Isla Rio Cuale
Rio Cuale is a unique little island found in the middle of the Rio Cuale river, and connected to the mainland by two bridges. This tiny island is home to lush, gorgeous vegetation, lovely hiking trails, and the John Houston monument. It costs nothing to enter this island, but you can while away many happy hours exploring its extremities.
What’s your favorite way to spend time in Puerto Vallarta?
