We absolutely LOVE Sundays in Puerto Vallarta.
There is just something different about the air on a Sunday afternoon. It feels slower. It feels more intimate.
After a busy week of running things at The PVGirl, we decided we needed some "us" time.
No phones. No work. Just a long, romantic walk through one of the most iconic parts of the city.
If you have never been to Gringo Gulch, you are missing out on one of the most enchanting experiences in all of Mexico.
It is the perfect spot for couples who want to get away from the crowds and soak in some serious history and beauty.
We started our walk just as the sun was beginning its slow dip toward the horizon.
Stepping Back in Time
Gringo Gulch isn't just a neighborhood. It is a mood.
It is located right above the main downtown area, perched on the hills overlooking the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The first thing you notice when you start walking up those hills is the silence.
The noise of the Malecon fades away instantly.
All you hear is the sound of your own footsteps on the cobblestones and the distant chime of the church bells.
The architecture here is classic Vallarta. We are talking bright white walls, dark wood accents, and those iconic red-tiled roofs.
Every corner we turned felt like it belonged on a postcard.
We spent the first twenty minutes just pointing out different doors and balconies we loved.
It is so romantic to just wander without a map.
The Legend of Liz and Richard
You can't talk about Gringo Gulch without talking about the romance that put this place on the map.
In the 1960s, this area became famous because of the legendary love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
They lived here while Burton was filming The Night of the Iguana.
Walking past Casa Kimberly, their former home, always gives me chills.
You can feel the Hollywood glamour hanging in the air.
One of the coolest parts of the walk is seeing the "Love Bridge" (Puente del Amor).
It is a pink bridge that connects two houses across the street from each other.
Richard Burton had it built so they could visit each other without having to deal with the paparazzi on the street.
How romantic is that??
We stood under the bridge for a while, just imagining what it must have been like back then.
It really sets the tone for a romantic evening.
If you are looking for the best place to stay for couples rent apartments in puerto vallarta to capture this kind of magic, being near the historic center is a must.
A Workout with a Reward
I will be honest with you: Gringo Gulch is hilly.
Our legs definitely got a workout!
But every time we felt a little tired, we would turn around and see the view.
The higher you go, the better it gets.
You can see the crown of the Guadalupe Church perfectly framed by the ocean in the background.
The bougainvillea flowers are everywhere. They are so bright and colorful!
Pinks, purples, and oranges spilling over the white walls.
It is the kind of place where you want to take a thousand photos.
We actually stopped a few times just to lean against a stone wall and watch the light change.
As the sun got lower, the whole neighborhood turned a warm, golden color.
It was MAGIC.
The Peace of the Hills
One of the things we appreciate most about this walk is how quiet it is.
Since we spent our Saturday Night Magic: Our Romantic Date in the Romantic Zone in the heart of the action, the peace of Gringo Gulch was a nice change of pace.
And after our Friday Date Night: Our Romantic Evening Stroll on the Malecon, it was great to be somewhere a bit more secluded.
There are no vendors here. No loud music. Just the smell of jasmine and the sound of the wind in the palms.
If you are a couple looking for a place to really talk and connect, this is it.
We found ourselves talking about our dreams and our plans for the future.
The atmosphere just opens you up like that.
Hidden Gems and Art
As we kept walking, we stumbled upon a few small art galleries tucked away in the side streets.
Even though many of them were closing up for the Sunday evening, just looking through the windows was a treat.
There is so much creativity in this part of town.
The boutique shops are also adorable. They aren't your typical souvenir stalls.
They sell high-end crafts, jewelry, and clothing that you won't find anywhere else.
It makes the neighborhood feel very exclusive and special.
We also saw a few tiny cafes with only two or three tables outside.
They looked SOOO inviting.
We didn't stop this time, but we are definitely coming back for a coffee next Sunday.
Why We Love This Area
People often ask us where the "real" Puerto Vallarta is.
Gringo Gulch is definitely a huge part of that answer.
It feels authentic. It feels like it has a soul.
When you stay in one of our vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta, you get to experience these neighborhoods like a local.
There is nothing better than being able to walk from your front door right into a piece of history.
We love that we can be in the center of the city in five minutes, but feel like we are in a private paradise when we are up in the Gulch.
Sunset at the Overlook
We timed our walk perfectly.
Just as the sun was about to touch the water, we reached a high point with a clear view of Banderas Bay.
The sky turned into a canvas of deep oranges and fiery reds.
We stood there, hand in hand, just taking it all in.
It was one of those moments where you realize how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful place.
I think every couple needs a "Gringo Gulch Sunday."
It recharges your batteries and reminds you why you fell in love with each other: and with Puerto Vallarta.
The walk down is much easier than the walk up, I promise!
We headed back down toward the Malecon just as the streetlights were starting to flicker on.
The city looks so different at night, but that Sunday sunset glow stayed with us the whole evening.
Final Thoughts for Your Visit
If you are planning to do this walk, here are a few tips from us:
- Wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones are beautiful but they are uneven. Leave the heels at home!
- Bring water. Even in the late afternoon, the humidity can get to you.
- Start about an hour before sunset. This gives you enough time to explore without rushing.
- Keep your camera ready. You will want to capture the "Love Bridge" and the church views.
- Check our Instagram. We post a lot of videos of these walks so you can see the routes we take! You can follow us here: https://www.instagram.com/thepvgirl/.
Gringo Gulch is truly one of the most romantic places on earth.
We feel so grateful to be able to share these experiences with you.
Whether you are here for a weekend or a month, make sure you take the time to get lost in these historic streets.
It is a walk you will never forget.
We highly recommend it for any couple looking to add a little magic to their Sunday.
Stay romantic, stay happy, and we will see you on the cobblestones!
About the Author