El Pitillal is one of those Puerto Vallarta areas that not so many tourists know, and many locals don’t visit. It’s been said that Pitillal is what Vallarta was like 50 years ago.
The heartbeat of El Pitillal is its civic plaza, a gathering spot for friends and family to connect while children play under the watchful eyes of extended family. The plaza is also where cultural activities take place to commemorate important dates of Mexican history, Christmas and the Three Kings festivities.
In front of the square is the church of Archangel San Miguel. His patron feast is on September 29 each year, cause for fireworks, food, music, games, dances, and celebrations. There is a twenty-six-foot-tall sculpture of Archangel San Miguel made from one single piece of wood hanging over the altar.
“I love Pitillal for many reasons, food, music, people watching and the rhythm of life. However, I really love Pitillal for the amazing deals I find there. Need to replace an electronic car key? You’ll pay half the price of downtown. My favorite frame shop? Less than half the price of what I would pay elsewhere. My Zen moments in a nursery strolling among the plants? That’s right, in El Pitillal. Etched in my memory, Tacos al Pastor in El Pitillal at midnight. A taco cart pops out of a thin area, complete with plastic lawn chairs in the middle of the street. Apparently, the owners cater to hotel workers getting off their shifts and those who work odd hours. Sitting on a plastic chair, savoring juicy tacos al pastor, I felt like a Vallarta insider”- Andrea
