Getting In The Groove In Puerto Vallarta
Jogging About Town
We shudder when we see joggers in Puerto Vallarta on the highway between town and Mismaloya, sometimes with only inches between them and passing traffic. It’s a dangerous place to run. Most people are looking for solid footing and smooth pavement, taking off from hotels with no idea what lies around an unfamiliar bend. The foliage along this road is lush; it is the jungle, after all. It grows quickly and tasks the city to keep up with the growth. Not only does it cause visibility problems, some of the plants are unfriendly, reaching out with stickers and, in some cases, venom. Safety should be a primary focus.
There are so many great places to jog in and around Puerto Vallarta. We have suggested to friends who stay in lodging on the highway, to hop on a bus for a nominal fee, tuck a few pesos in the same pocket where identification is kept (you must remember to always carry some form of ID, even if it’s simply a note with name and emergency information.)
The north end of the Malecón is a great place to commence with a run. Sidewalks are plentiful and traffic phases out in the surrounding neighborhoods. For long distance, we suggest heading north on Francisco Villa. One can pass the library (Biblioteca Los Mangos), head into colonias like Versalles on the west or Las Gaviotas on the right. The Fluvial is well-paved and a fantastic place to pound the pavement but it lacks in overhead covering. The aforementioned areas in Puerto Vallarta are plentiful in shelter from the sun, with shade provided by some taller buildings and many trees. The Marina provides well cared for streets that lead out to the seashore and back again.
For those who like to run around in circles, the stadium is perfect. It is well kept, lit at night and a friendly welcoming environment. The track is kept up by a trained staff and bathrooms are available. Events and games are often held at this location, too.
Puerto Vallarta is not lacking in stairs for those who like a heavy workout. In the vicinity above and behind the cathedral, streets lead up the hillside providing incredible views of the city below.
Be safe, take to the paved roads where there is lots of space, including sidewalks, and keep your shoes tied!
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Thanks to our Guest Blogger Adam Garcia for this great article!
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