One of my favourite things about Puerto Vallarta is the Malecon boardwalk. This beautiful walkway stretches from the Hotel Rosita to just past the Pier at Playa Los Muertos. Starting at the hotel, are a number of amazing sculptures on the Malecon that perfectly showcase the talent in this vibrant city.
Malecon
The Malecon in Puerto Vallarta is a little over 1 mile long. It is essentially an elevated seaside walkway with no vehicle traffic. In the early hours of the day it is a perfect place for a run or fast paced walk. Should you want a lengthier walk, you can continue past the pier down Los Muertos beach until you reach the cliff at the end. The space is wide, includes a bike lane and is interspersed with gardens, greenery and palm trees.
Sculptures
From the Hotel Rosita to the Naval Museum, a visitor will find the 12 huge beautiful bronze sculptures that adorn this picturesque boardwalk. Standing and looking at each piece with the stunning backdrop of the pacific ocean and big blue Mexican sky will give you goosebumps.
Some of the sculptures are interactive, made to resemble chairs so you can have a seat. One sculpture is a whale and when the tongue is depressed, a fine stream of mist comes from his blow hole! You can see where people generally rest their hands or touch the sculptures too, as these areas are shiny whilst the rest has a gorgeous turquoise tarnished patina.
My Favourites (in no particular order)
Lluvia (Rain) by Jovian, the newest addition, placed in 2020. A male figure standing with his arms spread out and his face turned up to the sky.
En Besqueda de la Razon (In Search of Reason) by Sergio Bustamante, placed in 2000. A mother standing at the base of a ladder that her children are climbing.
La Rotunda del Mar (The Rotunda of the Sea) by Alejandro Colunga, placed in 1996. This one is my very favourite. It is a menagerie of sea creatures so beautiful, creative and interesting. It always garners a lot of attention from visitors and is very interactive.
La Nostalgia (Nostalgia) by Ramiz Barquet, placed in 1984. An incredibly minimalist statue of two figures inspired by a love story.
The Millenia (Millennia) by Mathice Lidice, placed in 2001. A beautiful portrayal of the travel through time of the life of humans, from creation in the sea to now.
Unicornio de la Buena Fortuna (The Good Fortune Unicorn) by Anibal Riebeling, placed in 2011. A most simplistic representation of a unicorn.
Naturaleza Como Madre (Nature as Mother) by Adrian Raynoso, placed in 1997. A gorgeous sensual female figure atop a conical seashell.
I cannot count how many times I have walked the Malecon boardwalk in all the years I have been coming to Puerto Vallarta. And I’m pretty sure, every time I am there, I still stop and take photographs of these amazing statues! For me, they are one of the best and most beautiful features of the city.
