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Island of the Cuale River – An enchanting corner
By The Editor - January 2006 - Leer en Español
It was originally conceived as a space for children to play and to learn and therefore was called the Island of the Children [La Isla de Los Niños]. Today this corner in the center of town, in addition to being an obligatory shopping route, offers excellent places for breakfast, lunch or dinner, reserving areas for rest and for artistic and cultural expression.
 The island is a land extension of approximately one kilometer in the middle of the Cuale River which divides the northern and southern side of the downtown area, better known nowadays as the romantic zone of Vallarta. The island is bathed by the river running along both sides through two natural parallel canals, which unite in order to flow into the ocean passing at that point underneath the new bridge which is a part of the extension of the boardwalk and which after years of waiting now has been joining since several months the downtown area and Old Vallarta. It has become a favorite spot for visitors to admire and to take pictures of the sunsets. The river feeds the banks of the island generating the growth of an abundant range of plants, flowers and trees. In addition to offering freshness in the whole area the island is used for creating enchanting spaces which are utilized amongst other things for resting as well as for manifesting diverse expressions of art and culture.
The island is crossed on foot and if you start from west to east then the main access is the new pedestrian bridge which is connected to the island by an ample flight of steps. The first thing to be found when coming down is a garden which is divided by a clearly outlined walkway guiding the walk along the island’s whole extension. On the right side is the restaurant Oscar’s offering an international menu in a romantic atmosphere framed by spectacular sunsets. On the left side there is the River Cuale Museum permanently exhibiting pieces that speak of the pre-Hispanic origins of the area and its surroundings.
 There are huge and beautiful trees welcoming the first establishments where tourists begin to look at some of their possible purchases. On the ride hand side a new restaurant and bar can be found now. Continuing a few more steps there is the bridge for vehicles which passes over the island. With a circulation from north to south it joins the center of town with the area known as “Old Vallarta”. Underneath this bridge between the two access flights of steps for pedestrians a few local artists have established themselves daily presenting their paintings and photographs with the main topic of the pieces of art being scenes from Puerto Vallarta.
A few more steps ahead begins the most commercial area of the island headed by the River Café, a fresh, ample and exquisitely decorated restaurant on the bank of the river. In addition to sampling a gourmet menu you can admire a spectacular collection of paintings from the prestigious painter Martha Gilbert. For several years this restaurant has been a participant and a star in the International Gourmet Festival which takes place each year in the month of November.
 If we continue our walk we will find ourselves in the commercial area where the eyes of the visitor practically will find all kinds of arts and crafts and gifts on both sides of the walkway: blankets, bedspreads, hammocks, masks, blouses, t-shirts, hats, paintings, ashtrays, cups, piñatas, puppets, lamps, paperweights, photographs, key rings, necklaces, silver, gold, ironworks, mirrors, Mexican toys, resting chairs, paper machet, wicker, musical instruments, plates, glasses, precious stones, bags, sculptures, figures, beachwear, bracelets, old photos, arts and crafts from different parts of the country, flowers and much much more that can be admired and purchased. You can practice “bargaining” in all establishments remembering that this is a custom that started with the objective of an exchange between both negotiating parts, achieving at the end that both parties feel truly content with their transaction. In the middle of this commercial area hanging bridges are found on both sides of the island joining it with the streets adjacent to the river. These bridges are crossed one person at a time and for many it is a fun experience. Due to the constant movements it is almost impossible to take a picture while passing from one side to the other.
If we continue towards the east we will find another bridge for vehicles uniting the center with a circulation from south to north. For many years this was the only means of connection in the city. After crossing this bridge the atmosphere of the island changes. First of all we will find an art and crafts store as well as some boutiques with clothes that have original designs. A few steps ahead there is an open space dedicated to the actor and film director John Huston of whom a sculpture exists that is constantly photographed. On one side of the sculpture is Le Bistro, one of the most prestigious and most visited restaurants in town. In addition to an exquisite menu the place offers a refined decoration which combined with an excellent musical setting is wrapping the diner in an atmosphere full of elegance and sensuality.
Here the spaces are more open, the hum is decreasing and the walk is getting slower. Benches are found along the walkway inviting to sit down and to contemplate the surroundings. There is more calmness to visit an arts and crafts store on the left side or to admire the works of the painter who was a pupil of the painter Manuel Lepe. Two restaurants are found on this side of the island for lunch or dinner. One offers grilled dishes while the other one has a menu with traditional local recipes from Vallarta.
 We have reached the end of the island where the view of the mountains is fascinating. Here we find the Cultural Cuale Center, a municipal space dedicated to the expression of art and culture which is manifested in various forms. Workshops for painting, engraving, sculpture, dance, music and theater are only some of the activities which are carried out every day and which can be observed by the pedestrians depending on the hour. Enhancing this place it has been completely renovated since the last month of November and it has been reopened as the Cultural Center of Vallarta. Its purpose is to be a permanent exhibition gallery in order to promote the exhibition of paintings and sculptures by artists from all parts of the world, giving special attention to artists from Puerto Vallarta.
Up to here the route along the island is completed. You may return to the starting point by going back on the same walkway or if you prefer you may cross the last hanging bridge which joins the island with the Aquiles Serdan street. Walking along it towards the west, it will take us to the beginning of Los Muertos Beach where the pedestrian bridge begins, too from which we started our trip.
Visiting Puerto Vallarta without having walked along the River Cuale Island is like not having given you the opportunity to perceive a part of the essence of our beautiful port. This enchanting corner offers sceneries completely different during the day, the afternoon or the evening. Therefore it is worthwhile to consider walking along the island on more than one occasion during your future stay.
Happy New Year!
The Editor
E-mail: editor@pvmirror.com
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