I have been so fortunate to see the best sunsets of my life here. I don’t know what it is about this specific location, but wow, Puerto Vallarta is the Place for Sunsets!
Most recently, I went down to the Malecon and onto the Rosita Beach and Playa Malecon. Both of these beaches run the stretch from the Rosita Hotel at the start of the Malecon, to the statue ‘Rotonda del Mar‘ at Calle Aldama. This is the fabulous statue by Alejandro Colunga that consists of a ring of sea creatures.
Playa Malecon
Playa Malecon is the first beach you will encounter just off the Malecon at the Rosita Hotel. Down on this stretch you will see fishermen coming in from their catch first thing in the morning. There are usually a large group of pelicans greeting the fishermen, hoping for an easy breakfast.
At sunset this area is less crowded, and can be a really lovely place for a peaceful stroll. The sand is soft, the waves are gentle and the palms are rustling in the evening breeze.
Rosita Beach
Playa Malecon turns into Rosita Beach about half way down. There is usually a rocky patch to cross if walking the surf however the boulders are large and easy to navigate. Down here you will most likely see a local who has made it his profession to create rock cairns.
You may photograph them for a tip of course. 🙂 They can be quite tall and picturesque.
On this stretch up beside the Malecon boardwalk, you will also see the Papantla Flyers or bird men. They climb the 50 foot pole and hang by their feet, descending in the twirling motion while a flute is played. Marvellous to watch, a tip is expected should you want to take photo’s and enjoy the sight.
Down on the beach, the sand is soft, the water warm and the sunsets divine! Not many folks are still on the sand here in the evening. Most are up on the malecon enjoying the festivities or lining the wall looking out at the sunset. You may find you even have this little stretch of beach to yourself.
There are so many places along the Bay of Bandaras to watch the day coming to a close. It really is a magical thing to behold here in Puerto Vallarta. Perhaps it’s the friendly people or the light hearted feeling you have in this city. Either way, I hope you get to enjoy this peaceful and romantic time of day next time you are in town.
