Puerto Vallarta’s Isla Cuale

The Isla Cuale seems to be one of Puerto Vallarta´s best kept secrets located so conveniently right in the heart of downtown. A green area surrounded by the Cuale River you might have found yourself crossing south or north over the bridges in a vehicle and wondering what lies below. Well, we can tell you there is a whole island to explore!

Puerto Vallarta’s Isla Cuale

The Isla Cuale has two hanging wooden bridges that are a great attraction and a delight for children. There is a cultural center at the most inland point of the Isla Cuale offering various classes from paint, sculpture to singing and piano. There is always someone to chat with and there is an abundance of classic old white benches to take a rest among the lush vegetation.

There are a few restaurants; fine dining and casual that offer a lovely afternoon or evening.

The Isla Rio Cuale was originally considered for a play area almost half a century ago for the children of Puerto Vallarta.

John Huston

There is a Bronze John Houston monument located in front of the previous Le Bistro Restaurant that closed its doors last year. This monument was placed to mark the 25th anniversary of his movie “The Night of the Iguana” that was filmed at Mismaloya Beach, just 15 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown.

Mouth of the River Cuale

Where the Isla Rio Cuale meets the pacific enjoy watching children play, pelicans frolic and a must visit the archaeological Cuale Museum. During the rainy season the river runs heavy into the ocean and others times of the year there is just a calm flow that the birds enjoy.

In the middle section of the Isla Rio Cuale enjoy vendors selling some great must have items, trinkets and handicrafts.

Why not buy a popsicle (called a Paleta in Spanish) from a walking vendor and sit back relax and enjoy the best of Puerto Vallarta: the Isla Rio Cuale.