Downtown North
Costa Alegre
South Shore
Conchas Chinas / Amapas
Downtown South
Downtown North
Hotel Zone
Marina Vallarta
Pitillal / Univa
Ixtapa / Valley
Nuevo Vallarta / Flamingos
Bucerias / La Cruz
North shore / Punta de Mita
Litibu / Riviera Nayarit
Downtown North
The Downtown area of Puerto Vallarta is split into 2 areas, North and South. The River Cuale forms the natural division between these two areas. Downtown North is also referred to as “Downtown” or “El Centro”.
Downtown north can be considered the heart of Puerto Vallarta. When entering Downtown visitors are lead along the beachfront via the famous boardwalk “El Malecon” which is lined by curious brass sculptures, shops, restaurants, bars and night-clubs. Walking through the cobbled streets of the old sections of the town visitors will discover a mix of traditional Mexican life with modern facilities; historic buildings, beautiful churches (such as the famous Church of our Lady of Guadaloupe) and the numerous arts & crafts flee markets.
A famous Real Estate area of Downtown north is locally known as Gringo Gulch, and is situated a few blocks back from the Malecon on the hillside between the north of Downtown and the Church of our Lady of Guadaloupe. The name comes from the strong infuence of North-American investors building in this area in the early 50’s.
Like Downtown south, Downtown north offers a range of Real Estate from old traditional Mexican-style fixer-upper houses, small condo complexes to a limitied number of beachfront condos. In general prices start from $200,000.
The following PROs and CONs apply to both Downtown north and Downtown south
PROs :
– Proximity to the “Vallarta Scene” (bars, clubs, galleries, shops, beaches…)
– More accessible prices (than further south)
– Friendly area
– Bay and mountain views depending on zone / elevation
– Traditional Mexican-style properties
CONs :
– Traffic and parking very difficult
– Noisy and busy
– Some areas have poor street lighting
– Loud music from parties and nightclubs throughout night
– Some areas have steep stairs to access properties