Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta
Iconic archway in Guadalajara commemorating city's founding, and stunning rock formations near Puerto Vallarta for marine adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Street closure for walking
Los Arcos Puerto Vallarta
Best Time
Street closure for walking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic archway in Guadalajara commemorating city's founding, and stunning rock formations near Puerto Vallarta for marine adventures.
"A piece of art and history in Guadalajara, and a magical marine paradise in Puerto Vallarta."
🚶♀️ Sunday Street Closure
Enjoy a leisurely stroll as the street is closed to vehicles on Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm. :walking:
✨ Evening Ambiance
The monument looks particularly stunning when lit up at night. :sparkles:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Archway
A stately neoclassical arch built in 1942, honoring Guadalajara's 400th anniversary. A true piece of art!
Historical Plaques
Discover detailed inscriptions about Guadalajara's founding date and the creation of its coat of arms.
Nighttime Illumination
Experience the monument's magical glow after dark, offering a different, enchanting perspective.
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Planning Your Visit
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Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Sunday Street Closure
Enjoy a leisurely stroll as the street is closed to vehicles on Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm. :walking:
✨ Evening Ambiance
The monument looks particularly stunning when lit up at night. :sparkles:
📜 Learn the History
Take time to read the inscriptions detailing Guadalajara's founding and coat of arms. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Sunday Street Closure
Enjoy a leisurely stroll as the street is closed to vehicles on Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm. :walking:
✨ Evening Ambiance
The monument looks particularly stunning when lit up at night. :sparkles:
📜 Learn the History
Take time to read the inscriptions detailing Guadalajara's founding and coat of arms. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Los Arcos monument for its historical significance and artistic beauty, especially when illuminated at night. The Mismaloya location is lauded for its stunning natural rock formations, ideal for snorkeling and water activities. Some find the historical inscriptions a bit dense, and access to Mismaloya requires planning.
"Beautiful structure in GDL that honors when and where Guadalajara was founded... February 14th, 1542.
The other side of this masterpiece also states when the GDL coat of arms was created, by whom and when... November 8th, 1539.
Originally known as, Guadalajara, the capital of the Nuevo Galicia Kingdom.
Truly a piece of art!!!
👍👍"
MUNDO ACSR
"This used to be the far away entrance of Guadalajara, now it's a nice looking monument that marks the division of Zapopan/Guadalajara, you can easily walk to monument in Sunday when the street it's closed to vehicles from 8am to 2pm."
Miguel Ochoa Hernández
"Looks very good at night! Enjoy"
Flash The
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Los Arcos in Puerto Vallarta refers to two main locations: the iconic rock formations in Mismaloya for snorkeling and water activities,
If you're referring to the monument in Guadalajara, it's easily accessible by public transport or taxi within the city. For the Mismaloya rock formations, you'll typically need to take a bus or taxi from Puerto Vallarta's main town.
Yes, the Los Arcos monument is a well-known landmark in Guadalajara and serves as a historical entrance marker. It's located in the Arcos Vallarta neighborhood.
For Los Arcos de Mismaloya, boat tours are popular for snorkeling and exploring the rock formations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Los Arcos monument in Guadalajara is a public landmark and does not require an entrance fee. You can admire it freely.
While the rock formations themselves are natural attractions, access often involves boat tours or water taxis, which will have associated costs.
The Los Arcos monument in Guadalajara is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor landmark. However, visiting on a Sunday morning offers a unique experience with the street closure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the Los Arcos monument in Guadalajara, you can admire its neoclassical architecture, read the historical inscriptions about the city's founding, and enjoy the ambiance, especially on Sundays when the street is closed to traffic.
Los Arcos de Mismaloya is renowned for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and boat tours. You can explore marine life and enjoy the stunning sea rock formations.
Absolutely! The monument is a beautiful piece of art and architecture, especially striking at night when illuminated. The Mismaloya location offers dramatic coastal scenery for photos too.
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are popular activities at Los Arcos de Mismaloya due to its clear waters and marine life.
Many visitors recommend taking a boat tour or water taxi from Puerto Vallarta to get up close to the rock formations and enjoy snorkeling or diving.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Arcos Vallarta neighborhood in Guadalajara has several dining options. You can find taco spots, jazz clubs with dining,
and seafood restaurants
nearby.
While the Mismaloya rock formations are primarily a natural attraction, there are restaurants and beach clubs in the Mismaloya area, and some hotels like Hotel Playa Los Arcos offer dining with views.
📸 📸 Photography
The front and sides of the monument itself are prime photo spots. Capturing it at night when it's illuminated offers a magical perspective.
At Mismaloya, you can capture stunning shots of the rock formations against the ocean, underwater scenes while snorkeling, and beautiful sunsets.
Many visitors find the sunsets at Los Arcos de Mismaloya to be incredibly magical and worth experiencing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is heading to Los Arcos de Mismaloya, it's an aquatic adventure! Snorkeling is a fantastic activity for older children who are comfortable in the water, allowing them to discover marine life.
+1 Boat tours are generally family-friendly, but ensure the little ones have life vests and are supervised closely. The clear waters make it easier for kids to see the underwater world.💰 Budget Travelers
For Los Arcos de Mismaloya, budget-conscious travelers can look for shared boat tours or water taxis, which are typically more affordable than private charters.
+1 While there might be park entrance fees or tour costs, the experience of snorkeling and exploring these natural wonders is often considered well worth the investment. Packing your own snorkel gear can sometimes save on rental fees.💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Los Arcos de Mismaloya provides a more adventurous romantic escape. Imagine watching a magical sunset over the ocean before a boat tour,
or perhaps even experiencing the wonder of bioluminescent waters. For ultimate luxury, consider a stay at a villa in the Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos, offering private pools and stunning ocean views.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Los Arcos: Two Distinct Destinations
The second, and perhaps more widely known for tourism, is Los Arcos de Mismaloya near Puerto Vallarta. This refers to a group of striking rock formations that rise dramatically from the sea.
+1 These natural wonders are part of the Parque Nacional Marino Los Arcos and are a prime destination for marine activities and breathtaking coastal views. Understanding which 'Los Arcos' you're interested in will shape your travel plans and expectations.While both share a name, their experiences are vastly different. The Guadalajara monument offers a cultural and historical immersion, perfect for a city exploration. In contrast, Los Arcos de Mismaloya is an aquatic paradise, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking opportunities amidst stunning natural beauty.
Experiencing Los Arcos de Mismaloya: Adventure and Nature
The iconic rock formations serve as a haven for diverse marine life, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving.+1 Visitors can expect to see colorful fish, coral reefs, and potentially even sea turtles. Many tours offer equipment rentals and guided excursions to ensure you make the most of the underwater exploration.Beyond snorkeling, kayaking around the rock formations provides a unique perspective and allows for exploration of hidden coves and sea caves.
For a truly magical experience, consider a sunset tour that might even include witnessing bioluminescent plankton that makes the water glow under the stars. This phenomenon transforms the sea into a shimmering spectacle, creating an unforgettable memory.Access to Los Arcos de Mismaloya is typically via boat tours departing from Puerto Vallarta or Mismaloya beach.
+1 These tours often include stops for swimming, exploring, and enjoying the scenic coastline. Some visitors also mention luxury villas in the 'Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos' area, offering oceanfront living with access to amenities, though this is a different context than the natural park.The Historical Significance of Guadalajara's Los Arcos
Beyond the main arch, the monument also features detailed inscriptions that provide further historical context. These plaques detail the exact date of Guadalajara's founding (February 14th, 1542) and information about the creation of the city's coat of arms, including who created it and when (November 8th, 1539).
For visitors, the monument is a great spot to appreciate local history and art. A particularly enjoyable time to visit is on Sunday mornings, when the surrounding street is closed to vehicles, allowing for a more relaxed and pedestrian-friendly experience.
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