Also known as Old Vallarta, the Zona Romantica is a vibrant neighbourhood in the south of Puerto Vallarta. Its charming streets are lined with globally-inspired restaurants, lively bars and stores selling traditional handicrafts. Stretching the length of the Zona Romantica is a golden sand beach where you can swim and stroll.
Things to do in Zona Romantica
You can follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous in Gringo Gulch, a leafy enclave that was once home to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Its upmarket villas cluster on the north bank of the Rio Cuale, with many of the houses covered in bougainvillea. The area takes its name from the expatriates who popularised the Zona Romantica during the 1950s and 1960s.
For a day at the beach, head to the golden sands of Playa de los Muertos to swim in the refreshing waters of the Bahia de Banderas. Fringing the beach is a breezy promenade lined with seafood restaurants and vendors selling snacks and drinks. Extending into the ocean is a looping, contemporary pier that is beautifully illuminated at night.
Elevated views across Puerto Vallarta and the Zona Romantica can be enjoyed from the Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz. Topped by a giant cross, this hilltop observation platform can be reached via a steep staircase and is particularly popular at sunset. On your way up, keep an eye out for the impressive mural depicting one of the Pacific coast’s Indigenous people.
Getting around Zona Romantica
The Zona Romantica is around 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Puerto Vallarta and 30 minutes from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America and Europe. Regular buses connect to the Zona Romantica while most of its attractions can be accessed on foot.