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The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk, also known as the Malecon, runs for over a mile right along the waterfront. While there are many things to do on the Malecon, there are also quite a few things not to do.
These things to avoid on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk are a mix of things for your safety and ways to avoid the tourist traps.
Don’t let this list scare you from the Malecon, it’s safe, and is a beautiful place to walk, just don’t spend all your time there!
Alright, let’s dive into things to avoid on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta.
Avoid Walking On The Bike Path
While it certainly seems obvious that there’s a bike path along the Malecon, apparently, it’s easy to forget while you’re strolling and enjoying the views.
Running along the planters, there’s a section of the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk that’s for bikes only. Bikes are painted in this section, and a painted white line outlines the bike path.
Don’t be the person walking down the bike path in the way of the cyclist. Too often people are completely oblivious that they’re in the bike path and almost get hit or cause the cyclists to stop completely.
Don’t Fall For The “Best In Puerto Vallarta” Saying
Walking along the Malecon, we heard the “best of Puerto Vallarta” shouted at us more often than we can count. Things like, “best taco in Puerto Vallarta” or “best margarita in Mexico” will be said to try and get guests into a restaurant.
Don’t be fooled. They really aren’t the best, and are most likely overpriced too!
READ MORE | The Actual Best Traditional Tacos in Puerto Vallarta.. I’m drooling writing about them!
Do Not Take Photos Without Tipping The Artists
Along the Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk, you’ll find many different artists. These artists range from people covered in sand being statues, to others creating sand sculptures and rock art.
No matter the artist, if you’re taking photos of them or with them, be sure to give them a tip. They’re there putting on a show or creating something for you to enjoy to make some money. Be sure to throw them some pesos!
Avoid Pulling Out Money On The Malecón
While the exchange rate next to La Dolce Vita was actually one of the best exchange rates we’ve seen in Puerto Vallarta. Outside of this bank, and really banks in general, you don’t want to be pulling out money.
The ATMs along the Malecon are easy targets for stealing card information, and the exchange rate is awful.
Instead, head to a bank, we really like Banco Azteca, to take care of all your money needs!
Don’t Only Visit The Malecón
While the Puerto Vallarta Malecon has everything you could ever need on the surface, don’t only visit that are of Puerto Vallarta. Even if you’re in PV for only a weekend, venture off the Malecon!
Instead, head just a few blocks inland to find true street tacos, local restaurants with great prices, and a more authentic Puerto Vallarta experience.
Don’t Swim at Rosita Beach
There are so many beaches in Puerto Vallarta, and while Rosita Beach is a nice beach to sit at, don’t swim there.
I’m not sure if it’s safe to swim there or not, but I can say, in the 14 weeks we were in Puerto Vallarta, we never once saw anyone swimming at Rosita Beach.
This to me says you should avoid this beach, and instead head to any of the other beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Better yet, take the bus to any of these 15 beaches near Puerto Vallarta… the ones just outside the city are much nicer than the ones right in town.
Check This Out | 15 Beautiful Beaches Near Puerto Vallarta
READ MORE | Rosita Beach Guide — Everthing To Know About This Beach on the Malecon
Other Beaches | A list of all the other beaches within walking distance from downtown Puerto Vallarta
Avoid Swimming In The River
The Cuale River is right on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk, directly in between Centro and the Romantic Zone. While this river has a great market on it, swimming here is not advised.
Why you may ask… because there’s a crocodile that lives in this river!
Yes, a freaking crocodile! This is one of the handful of dangerous wildlife in Puerto Vallarta, and this guy sits right in plain sight from the bridge over the river along the Malecon!
READ MORE | The Dangerous Wildlife in PV and Where To Find Them
Don’t Buy Food From Park Night Market
When we lived in Puerto Vallarta, we walked past the night market at Plaza de Armas multiple times. Each time the food smelled so good, but we had already eaten.
One night, we decided to intentionally not eat, and actually go to the night market for dinner.
20 USD later, we left finishing our meals while still hungry and paying way too much for a street stall in Puerto Vallarta.
Most of the places at the night market don’t have actual prices posted.. and that was our first mistake — ordering food without asking for the price first.
When prices aren’t publicly displayed, it’s unfortunately often due to the price being much higher for gringos (white people) than it is for the locals.
If you don’t want to spend way too much on food — skip the night market altogether! Instead, head to El Campanario or Pellizcadas Restaurant both offering indoor seating right off the Malecon, with great authentic Mexican flavors and even better prices!
Avoid Responding to Every Person on the Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk
The Puerto Vallarta boardwalk is a place where you’ll get hollered at and chased down more times than you can imagine. Don’t take it personally, and unless you want to get nearly forced to eating or drinking somewhere, don’t stop walking.
Instead, when people approach you, continue walking and either say no thank you, or simply shake your head no, while continuing walking.
These people are sales people and they just want to get you into their store or restaurant. If you acknowledge them in any way, it’s like that book If You Give A Mouse A Cookie… they’ll want and take more.
Continue your conversation with whoever you’re walking with and always keep walking. Even if you feel bad, trust me, you’re just a money sign to them and they don’t care.
Don’t Book With Tour Agents on Malecon
There are loads of really great tours and excursions in Puerto Vallarta. More often than not, you’ll save money when booking ahead of time online.
We’ve been quoted at over $100 USD more in person than the online prices. I will say, if you just check the prices online first for different tours and then shop around in person, you may be able to haggle down the people in person by telling them you’ve looked online and the price is “x”.
Avoid Purchasing Souvenirs From The Malecon
I’m sitting writing this as I’m eating cookies from Mexico over a month after returning from Puerto Vallarta. Food is always the best souvenir.
However, we know sometimes you want to buy the fun little trinkets offered too. And if that’s the case, stay away from buying from the shops along the Malecon.
We walked around and compared prices from souvenir shops along the boardwalk to ones just a few blocks off the Malecon, and the shops located off the Malecon were much cheaper.. even when “best price” was displayed.
By walking a few blocks off the Malecon or shoot even shopping from vendors along the Cuale Island Market, you’ll find better prices for souvenirs.
Don’t Underestimate The Heat
The Malecon is a really long boardwalk and there is very little shade along the walk. It’s super easy to overheat or even give yourself heat exhaustion while walking the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk.
Be sure to drink lots of water, and avoid walking the Malecon in the middle of the day.
Don’t Leave Your Drinks Unattended
While Puerto Vallarta is a safe place to visit, like all places where drinks are flowing, you do not want to ever leave drinks unattended when visiting the clubs.
I’ve read that people have gotten their drinks spiked from places along the Malecon, so be sure to keep a close eye on yours or have a friend watch it for you.
Things Not To Do On Puerto Vallarta’s Boardwalk Recap
Remember, these things not to do on the Malecon aren’t here to scare you away from this famous Puerto Vallarta boardwalk. Instead, they’re here to help you enjoy Puerto Vallarta while saving your money, helping you stay safe, and saving your sanity!
We spent fourteen weeks in Puerto Vallarta across two different trips, one in high season and one in the off season, and we have lots of Puerto Vallarta info to share! Check out some of our other Puerto Vallarta posts below.
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