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El Centro

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Update attraction details
Type: Neighborhoods, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Activities: Shopping, Dining
Traveler Description: EL Centro is a very interesting section of Puerto Vallarta. One fun thing  to do is the art walk. There are many art galleries clustered near the... more »
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155 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    86
    52
    12
    2
    3
Date Rating
Barrie, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2013 NEW

We always take the bus to El Centro. Very safe and comfortable atmosphere among the locals. The bus ride is an experience in itself.

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See 4 more reviews by Franca M for Puerto Vallarta
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Centro, although if your a tourist be prepared to be pitched tequila and things you really don't need on the malacon, but if you have don't mind, it's a great walking trip. The Malacon since being rebuilt, caters to many street performers, as well as sand sculptors. The church should be on your list of attractions, but remember it's a... More

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See 3 more reviews by lstigress for Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

I thought I was going to Like old Town/ Centro,... It Looks like th eCity Of Puerto Vallarta forgot where it all Started,... El Centro,.. MAny Old PV Families have their Businesses there and Live above their Businesses. Daytime is Hustle Bustle, Locals Making their Living,... NightTime,... Borderline,... Not Safe

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See 3 more reviews by TaylorP61 for Puerto Vallarta
San Diego, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

Your typical tourist shopping experience. You walk on the Malecon and see the beautiful beach but are accosted by EVERY shop owner, time share seller, etc. Business is terrible because of so few tourists and I feel bad for all trying to make a living, but it is SOOOO unpleasant! One good note - the restaurant La Dolce Vita was... More

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See 5 more reviews by HIllary L for Puerto Vallarta
Mexico City
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

You can get almost anything in this area. There is a great priceless supermarket facing the theatre. And unexpensive buses pass just behind the building in both directions - towards the hotel zone or the traditional Vallarta.

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See 7 more reviews by TravelMexicoOK for Puerto Vallarta
Los Banos, California
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 26, 2013

Anytime you're on the outskirts of Puerta Vallarta and want to get to the center of town via bus transportation, always look for "centro". The trip may be hair raising, but you'll get to the center of a lovely city! Lots of small restaurants and lovely boutiques, with small hotels located here and there.

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See 15 more reviews by Kgaribay for Puerto Vallarta
Atlanta, Georgia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

Great to see during the day and night! Go explore during the daytime on the night time. What an adventure, but beware to wander off the brightly-lighted tourist areas!!

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See 9 more reviews by DrJohnnyO for Puerto Vallarta
Edmonton
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

Great area for shopping and dining. Keep your eyes open for the many $1 beer offers for a nice break. The time share peope are working in nearly every store which is really irritating though.

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See 5 more reviews by cindyandsean for Puerto Vallarta
Antioch, Illinois
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2013

From the beginning of the Malecon, shopping in the stores, restaurants always a great experience. The Leather Shop and the historic church is a must see.

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See 11 more reviews by LCgram for Puerto Vallarta
Michigan
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
52 helpful votes 52 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 27, 2013

El Centro is the heart of Puerto Vallarta. There are tons of shops and restaurants. The street artists are great too. They are very creative and if you give them a tip you can get your picture taken with them. It’s well worth the tip and makes for great pictures. The Malecon is located at El Centro too which draws... More

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See 10 more reviews by MichiganLuke for Puerto Vallarta

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