Unique, often humorous art, is one of several attractions that make a stroll along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon a must-do activity each time I am in the city. How could anybody resist this flying/swimming whatever?
Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon, or walkway, along Banderas Bay is special. Most cities would offer up their top five attractions— or their Chamber of Commerce president, to have it. Beautiful sunsets, cascading pelicans, and waves rolling in from the Pacific are only part of the appeal. Interesting/fun art, views of the town, and the charm of the Malecon itself capture locals and visitors alike.
Looking south from the northern section of the Malecon as the sun sets over Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
A photo of pelicans in a feeding frenzy from two years ago as they dive into Banderas Bay after a school of fish. The upside down guy made me laugh. Now that is dedication!
A number of sculptures adorn the walk including the Eggplant Man, who just happens to be eating an eggplant. His substantial girth captured a bit of the Puerto Vallarta in reflection.
I wasn’t sure whether this was an octopus with one tentacle or a creature with a long nose that featured suction cups. “The better to smell you with, my dear.”
This smiling sea monster with a large mouth featured a tongue with directions as to where it hoped tasty tourists might go.
A taste of the beauty and grace of Mexico…
…and a suggestion that two heads are better than one.
Even without the art and the bay, the Malecon is very attractive. Note the designs built into the walkway.
Puerto Vallarta’s iconic cathedral is one of many views looking inland from the Malecon.
For those more into partying or shopping, a walk on the non-ocean side of the Malecon provides countless opportunities for mischief. Senior Frogs and many other bars line the non-ocean side of the walkway. Shops selling everything from tourist trinkets to humorous folk art compete for your attention. Or, you can get serious and spend the kid’s inheritance on something large and silver.
Peggy holds hands with Senorita Frog on the landside of the walkway.
A flying cow serves as an enticement to one of the many bars. From the expression on her face, I doubt that she is drinking milk.
Anybody want to buy a great ape? This big fellow is decorated with thousands of beads, Huichol Indian style— and a Corona hat. The shop was packed full of Huichol art. Peggy bought a small turtle. Apparently the ape was a little large to carry home on the plane.
I found this three foot alligator in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, but similar silver gifts are available along the Malecon. Armed guards were outside and inside the store. And no, we didn’t spend the kid’s inheritance on it. That money goes to our travels. (grin)
Peggy and I usually choose to walk on the ocean side. The ubiquitous vendors found along the bay front of Puerto Vallarta apparently aren’t allowed to push their wares on the Malecon north of the town center. Normally the sales pitches don’t bother us. It comes with the territory, and the people are only trying to make a living. Still, an occasional break is appreciated. Our tolerance for hassling doesn’t extend to timeshare sales people, however. Their approach bares a striking resemblance to that of used-car salesmen.
South of town center as you approach the Rio Cuale and Old Town on the Malecon, your opportunity to obtain ‘bargains’ increases exponentially. Our friend Lesley Lake made the mistake of allowing a bracelet vendor put a bracelet on her wrist. She ended up buying four. These guys are good. When they get you, you’re got.
The vendor has Leslie. She won’t get away.
It is appropriate to end this blog on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon with the adopted symbol of Puerto Vallarta, a statue of a boy wearing naught but a sombrero while riding a seahorse. Seems it might get a little rough, to me.
NEXT BLOG: Folks in Mexico take dead people seriously— sort of.
Wandering through Time and Place 
When it comes to street vendors, avoid eye contact. I know it sounds cruel but just follow the habits of the locals. In Bali it became so bad, it hampered tourism. They have all but disappeared. Often the haggling was over nothing more than a cent or so. Why not just allow them to make some money?
Isn’t it amazing though how beauty seems to be in abundance even in poor countries. The designs even in concrete pathways and the sculptures. Really refreshing and so uplifting..
Great hourney, thanks Curt.
Nice tour. I’m not one for trinkets and shiny objects and pretty firm when it comes to someone reaching into my wallet, so wouldn’t have been a good companion on your walks. The vendors would quickly ascertain that I was not the one to target and would pivot towards you and the others.
You might have liked the one who asked, “Would you like to buy some junk?” They rarely get anything from us. They are a nuisance, but again, they are just trying to get by. –Curt
Sounds like a fun vacation – just as you’d expect in Puerto Vallarta.
We’ve been down there around ten times over the years Susan, and we have never been disappointed. –Curt
What interesting sights, Curt. Love that Eggplant Man, cathedral, and giant ape. So glad you are there, because I may never make it to that part of the world. Your pics are helping me envision the colorful setting — and the humor found in local art!
Thanks. The beauty, nature, and humor are what have taken me back there many times over the years. It is one of my favorite places. (And not that far away… grin) –Curt
It looks beautiful. I would love to visit.
Definitely worth a trip. The best time is November, after the rain and before the holidays. –Curt
I love these public art displays Curt, and this looks like a good one with lots of variety. I love the photo of the feeding pelicans. I too get kick out of watching pelicans feed. Graceful flyers, and attractive in flight, but when they feed, they hit the water like suitcases falling out of the sky. Not attractive, but obviously effective. ~James
“Suitcases falling out of the sky:” great description James. When it comes to dinner, grace is definitely not a factor if you are a pelican. 🙂
Puerto Vallarta is filled with public art. The city and its people have done a great job. –Curt
Beautiful walk… Love the sculptures…
Yes it is. Assuming you are there early in the morning or late in the afternoon away from the intense heat of the day, it makes a wonderful stroll. –Curt
I love the freestyle sculpture and the general ambiance.
I guess since I was in Europe I missed all these posts in my reader. So glad I checked in here. Love these posts Curt and love that gorilla especially!
I am convinced that no moss will ever grow on you, Cindy. I barely got you out of Yellowstone and you were off wandering in Europe. And here, our neighbors accuse us of never being home… Glad you are enjoying the posts. And the gorilla is a treat. Can you imagine the work that must have gone into covering him with beads? –Curt