Isla Cuale
Isla Cuale
4.5
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Island on the River Cuale overlooked by Gringo Gulch.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
511 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
185
Average
67
Poor
14
Terrible
1
Michael B
Bellflower, CA24,492 contributions
May 2021
While exploring the Malecon boardwalk we came upon the footbridge over the mouth of the River Cuale, so we walked down the steps to check out the island below. There is a large distillery and restaurant call Caesars, but they were closed, moving on we entered the John Huston Plaza with the statue of the film director in its center, donated by the owner of the Le Bistro restaurant which is also in the small plaza. Not very far away is the Cuale Cultural Center, unfortunately, that was also closed.
There is a Flea market scattered about under the shade of the large rubber trees, with all kinds of wildlife in the branches, but it just sells tourist stuff. There is a couple of other bridges including a very interesting cable bridge that moves, defiantly not for the faint of heart.
TIP: Visit the Isla Rio flea market on non-cruise ship days, you seem to get better deals!
If you found this review informative, please check the box below. Thank you, and travel safely.
There is a Flea market scattered about under the shade of the large rubber trees, with all kinds of wildlife in the branches, but it just sells tourist stuff. There is a couple of other bridges including a very interesting cable bridge that moves, defiantly not for the faint of heart.
TIP: Visit the Isla Rio flea market on non-cruise ship days, you seem to get better deals!
If you found this review informative, please check the box below. Thank you, and travel safely.
Written 22 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andycoldham
Crawley, UK1,032 contributions
May 2022
The island sits between the romantic zone and the old town is generally a large market area, the vendors are very happy to chat and not at all pushy, and there are some great photo opportunities , with interesting statues/murals. As it is a real island access is by bridge, there is a large modern bridge near the sea but half way up the island there are a couple of wooden suspension bridges and at the far end, furthest from the sea is a long staircase, and if you proceed up it to the top you will arrive at the former home of Richard Burton and Liz Taylor which is now a hotel.
I am told that their prices in the market are inflated on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays ( the days that cruise ships docks ) but I could not substantiate this.
I am told that their prices in the market are inflated on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays ( the days that cruise ships docks ) but I could not substantiate this.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanie H
Winnipeg, Canada136 contributions
Mar 2023
Expected this to be different than all the other flea markets in puerto vallarta so I found it disappointing. The prices ranged a great deal. One shop had tons of mens shirts which my husband was looking at but when we were told the price was 2000 pesos we walked away. Another day as we walked by the lady pointed out that three on display were 2000 pesos, three were 1500 pesos and three were 800 pesos. She said they were linen which made them expensive. They looked like all the shirts we had seen everywhere else. Another vendor we walked past would say "come in and buy junk you don't need". That made us laugh but how true!
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lydia J
Homer, AK9 contributions
Sept 2022
We walked through the market a few times during our trip. Everyone tries to sell you something, but they’re friendly about it and not too pushy. No one tries to guilt you if you just say “no thank you” if nothing catches your fancy. If you do want to purchase something (in pesos only), it’s pretty easy to haggle. This is a great place to find souvenirs like t-shirts, blankets, hammocks, pom pom garlands, and clay ware. The foliage and birdwatching alone are enough to make you want to walk through!
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveltheworld012
Rochester, MN16,986 contributions
Jan 2022
Yes, this is an actual island within old town PV. The River Cuale splits forming this island connected by bridges to both sides of old town. There is a modern bridge, but also a couple of quaint swinging bridges that are fun to walk across. The market area is nicely shaded which is a great relief from the hot sun while you browse at the little shops which wide around in a curved fashion. At the far end is an open square where on the right days you may find a celebration going on. Escape here from the Malecon which is overrun with tourists. Here it is a bit quieter, friendlier and listen to the river flowing by.
Written 27 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookieICURN
Phoenix, AZ9 contributions
Oct 2020
We went down here for a walk and some shopping. Close to our hotel, Hacienda San Angel (see my review, awesome place). Very touristy you won't find anything original here. It is the same stuff you will find all over Mexico. You will have to stick to galleries or out of the way shops for that. Also keep in mind that the vendors are SUPER pushy and intrusive. Hard for foreigner to enjoy shopping and walking. They need to learn that for the most part, they will get much more business out of us if they leave us alone. Unfortunately, when every store sells the exact same stuff, they have to duke it out for our business. Worth doing once on your trip and good for low priced standard souvenir fare.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventure57404670723
17 contributions
July 2024 • Family
Loved the vendors!!! Be willing to negotiate prices. Yet we also were ok spending a bit more to support the families. Don’t stop at the first vendors…there are a lot more!! And that way you get an idea of the types of items they are selling. We visited the island portion and found all the Cuale cats. Very friendly.
We did not plan timing very well and ended up in the hottest time of day, in July. We would definitely go in the morning next time! Quiet on the island.
We did not plan timing very well and ended up in the hottest time of day, in July. We would definitely go in the morning next time! Quiet on the island.
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1234wayne
Victoria, Canada2,540 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
Having walked the island many times, but never gets old.
Now home to the circle bar, which is a great addition.
Two favourite restaurants on the island are Rico Indian and River Cafe.
The cultural Center has some great events, festivals, music, exhibits and movie nights.
Many vendors.
All this and add the tranquil beauty!
Now home to the circle bar, which is a great addition.
Two favourite restaurants on the island are Rico Indian and River Cafe.
The cultural Center has some great events, festivals, music, exhibits and movie nights.
Many vendors.
All this and add the tranquil beauty!
Written 16 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holly Bailey
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico64 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This trip we changed things up and traded our usual beach front condo rentals for a condo up the hill at Isla Cuale. What an amazing two weeks in that area!
Only a ten minute walk to everything you could need or want!
Walk down to the beach, walk to markets up the hill, walk to bakeries, restaurants, food stands, anything and everything is close by.
Staying in this area really was a game changer from where we usually stay in Las Glorias, which we also loved. We have come to realize we would trade the beachfront view for all of the experiences we had our exploring on our walks.
Only a ten minute walk to everything you could need or want!
Walk down to the beach, walk to markets up the hill, walk to bakeries, restaurants, food stands, anything and everything is close by.
Staying in this area really was a game changer from where we usually stay in Las Glorias, which we also loved. We have come to realize we would trade the beachfront view for all of the experiences we had our exploring on our walks.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
42marty55
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico188 contributions
Jan 2020
An excellent winding walk filled with friendly merchants.all manner of items from clothing to jewelry. You can also dine in the elegant River Cafe. Shade welcome after your ocean tour. Take it slow and enjoy the river setting. Iguanas and birds set the natural stage.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are all the vendors back after the recent hurricane or still rebuilding? Thanks.
Written 26 September 2021
Irving L
Mexico
Buenas tardes, alguien sabe cómo se llega al pueblo de cuale? Y en cuánto está el transporte?
Written 11 May 2020
How much walking and stairs? Ia thia an appropriate place to take my elderly parents?
Written 20 February 2018
If I remember correctly, walking the island requieres to go up/down stairs to access, except for the eastern tip.
Where Le Bistro is located.
Written 20 February 2018
I'm going to reword my question. How do I get to Isla Cuale shopping area thats not via a swinging bridge. Is the only other option the bridge/stairs by the Malecon.
I know I saw the swinging bridge was damaged during a storm plus there is no way my grandma is stepping foot on a swinging bridge lol.
Written 29 September 2017
Enter from the Malacon end. No swinging bridge.
That bridge is scaring. Little kids walk you across it for tips. LOL
Written 16 March 2018
Is there a no swinging bridge option? If so where do I access it?
Written 27 September 2017
Yes, but it's not that amazing. As others have said hard to miss on the north side, spanning above maybe 15 ft. No biggie.
Written 28 September 2017
Can someone please explain if the Isla Cuale is part of the Malecon and is it north, south, etc. Thanks.
Written 12 March 2017
Walk to the end of the Malecon going south. There will be a walkway over the river. Under this there are markets. The Isla cuale can be reached this way. I can see that other readers have already answered this question. You should eventually find the little suspension bridge. This area is closer to the old town or Zona romantically.
Written 13 March 2017
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