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The Cuale River Island has been transformed over the years by nature and by the people of Vallarta who consider it the heart of the city.
The Cuale River Island forms all kinds of memories in Vallarta and tourists. Hundreds of adventures along its trails between the mountains, warm memories with its sunsets. It has restaurants that make your mouth vibrate with their fresh flavors in their dishes. The nights alive in the open air when walking along its paths. It has a section where you can buy tangible memories, details that have colors and textures that will make you transport yourself to this magical bay, even hundreds of kilometers away.
Almost 100 years of transformations and changes on the Isla del Cuale
What is now the Isla del Cuale appeared in 1926. Over time it divided into two arms, leaving a temporary island in the center. This natural barrier that divides downtown Puerto Vallarta from the Romantic Zone.
It receives its name from the river that is born about 40 kilometers up in the mountains. "Cuale" was a mining town, where discoveries of different pre-Hispanic objects have been made, which are exhibited in the Cuale museum. It was also known as Isla de Santa Clara or Isla de los Niños, it was used as a park and recreation area in the year 1970.
On the Isla del Cuale, until the end of the 1960s, washerwomen were a permanent fixture. Washing their clothes and those of other families in the town to get resources. In 1971 the area already had inhabitants. Over the years it has become a tourist icon.
You can take a tour of its commercial areas with shops and stalls. You find silver, ceramics, hats, hammocks and all kinds of souvenirs and gifts. It is a place where art develops.
There is the sculpture of John Huston, tribute for the 25th anniversary of the film "Night of the Iguana". Film that brought Puerto Vallarta out of anonymity, putting the city on the world tourist map. And that today inspired the creation of "Cinema Iguana", an outdoor space for lovers of the seventh art.
Flora and fauna connected by bridges to the rest of Puerto Vallarta
Something distinctive about the place are its Hanging bridges that connect the island with downtown Vallarta. Children are fans of running across having fun bouncing off the hanging bridges.
In 2012 they built a pedestrian bridge that connects Gringo Gulch to the island, offering spectacular views of the Romantic Zone. The mountains that surround it, the Cuale River and as much more as your good eye can see.
The flora of the area is very varied, highlighting the long bamboo sticks. While the fauna is mostly iguanas, some birds and many squirrels, cats also abound, there are those who bring food to these friendly kitties. Currently there are several sterilization and relocation programs for these animals. Thanks to studies and investigations, they realized the imbalance that they cause on the Isla del Cuale.
Due to its details of history, its shops and restaurants, its friendly people, its handicrafts and souvenirs, its nature and tranquility, the Isla del Río Cuale becomes an ideal place for all activities. From light shopping, to romantic walks with your partner, to exercises to care for your body and spirit, all in a place with a good location. Cuale Island has natural life, that is why they are so fond of it, in a few words it is the heart of Puerto Vallarta.
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