Cerro de la Cruz Lookout

Above downtown, on the hill with the communication antennas, there's a lookout with an iron cross, terraces and an open multi-level tower. From there you see Banderas Bay, the tile roofs of Centro with the church tower, and the Sierra Madre behind. From the top of the tower the view stretches from the Mismaloya arches to the Marietas Islands.

For years it was a path mostly locals knew about. In 2014 the city began building stairs up from Abasolo Street, and later phases added the main terrace, railings and the tower.

You can't drive to the top. The climb is short but steep: first a sloping walkway, then stairs with several landings. Plenty of locals use it for their morning workout.

In August 2025 the Jalisco state government, through the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust, announced an investment of more than 18 million pesos to renovate the lookout, so you may find construction work when you visit.

Getting there: From the Malecón, head uphill on Abasolo Street (it starts by the Nature as Mother sculpture) and keep climbing; the walkway and stairs begin where Abasolo meets Miramar. You can also go up via Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez. The antennas on top make a handy landmark. To skip part of the walk, take a taxi to Abasolo and Miramar.

When to go: Early morning, when it's cool and the sun comes up behind the mountains, or at sunset to watch it go down over the bay.

Cost: Free

Tips: Bring water, comfortable clothes and sneakers; the midday sun is brutal on the stairs. If you stay for sunset, use a flashlight or your phone light on the way down, ideally with company. Take it slow, as some steps are steep.

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility: the stairs are steep, though there are railings and landings.