Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 13

Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

This is possibly the city’s most recognizable landmark. This Catholic church’s steeple and crown pierce the city’s skyline and is normally featured in the numerous photos and images that represent the city of Puerto Vallarta. During the 12-day Feast of Guadalupe Festival, which is held on December 1 – 12th each year, large processions of the faithful from all over the area descend upon Puerto Vallarta. Among the people that fill the streets while singing on their way to the church, you will find that there are often floats, Mariachis, and Aztec dancers. The festival pays respect to the Virgin Mary who appeared to Juan Diego in Guadalupe. During both the day and night there are vendors who will set up around the church selling food, drink and religious items. This is a fully used church all year and there are services in English on Saturdays at 5 p. m. A bilingual mass is held every Sunday at 10 a. m. and the church bells are rung 30 minutes and 15 minutes before each service. Visitors are always welcome but should act in a manner suitable for the location also remember that flash photography is NOT allowed during mass.

Los Muertos Beach and Pier

Without doubt, Los Muertos Beach is the most lively and popular beach in Puerto Vallarta. Located in El Centro, this long sandy beach is trendy and eccentric with plenty of casual restaurants and bars. You will also not want to miss the performers and some of the strolling vendors selling their wares. Almost every night there will be Mariachi and musicians wandering up and down the beach. All playing just for tips, so please review my earlier guide on this subject. It’s a great place for parasailing, so this is a good area to watch or participate. Just along Los Muertos Beach is the new and stylish Los Muertos Pier.

At the new pier small boats leave with groups who want to travel to beaches that are further south. The structure is curved in shape to look like a sail and is a good blend of modern architecture with sensible practicality. As it is situated in an area popular with tourists, it makes taking water taxis to other beaches, accessible only by water, along Banderas Bay quick and easy. There are also booths where you can also sign up for snorkelling, diving or fishing charters. There are also plenty of other boat excursions leaving daily for activities such as whale watching and sightseeing.

Los Muertos Pier is lit up at night with spotlights that slowly rotate through a series of changing colours. If you stand along the railings of the pier’s walkway make a good place to take a photo. You are overlooking the water and city you can include all the lights along the shores of Puerto Vallarta in the photo.

Continued in Part 14