A Name That Echoes History
Los Muertos Beach “Playa de los Muertos” is more than just Puerto Vallarta’s busiest shoreline; it’s a storied landmark whose history and charm have shaped the city’s identity. And it's one of the favorite beaches in Puerto Vallarta for LGBTQ residents and visitors alike. But many of the tourists who flock here are unfamiliar with its unique past. Here’s a deep dive into its origins, significance, and contemporary appeal:
A Name That Echoes History
The name “Beach of the Dead” might seem ominous, but it holds deep roots in local lore:
1. Shipwrecked Spaniards
In the early 1500s, one of Hernán Cortés’s ships sank in Banderas Bay. The wreck left only a few survivors, and sadly, many perished. Their bodies are said to have washed ashore on this beach, a haunting reflection of history that likely birthed its name.
2. Pirates, Crowded Sand & Skirmishes
Another tale speaks of mule drivers transporting gold and silver from nearby mines. They were ambushed by pirates or indigenous groups, resulting in casualties and bodies strewn across the sand, sealing the beach’s morbid title.
3. Pre-Hispanic Burial Ground
Archaeological theories suggest the site was once used as a burial area by native peoples. Excavations have uncovered ancient remains and artifacts, perhaps giving the name a literal basis. Despite occasional proposals to rename it “Playa del Sol,” the haunting title Los Muertos stuck, a testament to the locals’ affinity for preserving.
From Mining Hub to Tourism Heartbeat
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Los Muertos Beach served a practical purpose. It was the loading zone for gold and silver from the Cuale and San Sebastián mines, shipped out along routes that began atop nearby Francisca Rodríguez Street and ended on the beach near rock formations known as Las Pilitas and El Púlpito.
The beach also has more recent historical associations: the Fierro brothers used it as a makeshift landing strip after launching flights to Guadalajara in the 1930s, and an LST Navy craft ran aground near Las Pilitas after WWII.
It wasn’t until the 1960s, amidst the filming of The Night of the Iguana in nearby Mismaloya, that Puerto Vallarta began its ascent on the global tourism stage. Local fishing boats carried Hollywood talents to the beach daily, placing this once‐quiet strip into the international spotlight.
The Pier That Became an Icon
In 2013, the modern Los Muertos Pier was unveiled, a curved pier topped by a sail-like metal tower, designed by José de Jesus Torres Vega. Stretching over 300 m into Banderas Bay, it’s now a beloved symbol of the city and a practical departure hub for boats bound for beaches like Yelapa, Mismaloya, and Las Animas.
By day, tourists stroll the pier, boating out to nearby coves; by night, the spotlight-covered sail illuminates the bay in vibrant hues, a favorite backdrop for sunset photography.
Modern-Day Appeal: Culture, Cuisine & Campers
Today, Los Muertos Beach pulses with life:
• Gastronomy & Beach Clubs: A lineup of beachfront restaurants, from La Palapa and El Dorado to The Blue Shrimp, offer fresh seafood and cocktails sun kissed by the waves.
• LGBTQ+ Friendly: Nestled in the city's Zona Romántica, the beach has embraced diversity. Notable LGBTQ+ spots like Blue Chairs, Ritmos Beach Cafe, and Mantamar Beach Club echo its inclusive spirit.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Local families gather under shaded palapas, while vendors serve grilled fish, seasoned mango, and refreshing tuba. Musicians add cultural flair to the sunny ambiance.
• Activities to Suit All: Sunbathing? Check. Paddling, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling? Also check. Boat tours to Mismaloya, whale watching in season, and kayak trips to Los Arcos round out the adventure.
• Nightlife & Market Life: After sunset, the beach edge transforms. Bars and music venues open, and nearby Olas Altas Farmers’ Market runs November through April.
Why Los Muertos Matters
From conquistadors to pirates, miners to Hollywood luminaries, the beach’s layered past endows it with deep meaning. Its modern identity as an LGBTQ+ haven and center for Mexican and international cuisine underscores PV’s inclusive evolution. All while tourism fueled by the pier, bars, water sports, and hotels invigorates the Romantic Zone and Puerto Vallarta itself. But make no mistake. Los Muertos is not just a tourist trap. The beach continues to beckon locals, families, artists, dog walkers and more, making it a lively cultural hub and destination you need to visit when in Puerto Vallarta.
In Closing
From solemn shipwrecks and tales of buried treasure to pirate lore and pre-Hispanic mysteries, Playa de los Muertos is a beach with a soul. Today, it’s a living tapestry of modern tourism, inclusive culture, cinematic heritage, and local tradition, a place where history and hedonism rub shoulders beneath golden sun and salt-kissed skies. A moveable feast for photographers, food lovers, adventurers, and sunset seekers, and truly Puerto Vallarta’s beating heart.
Whether you wander down the pier at dusk, sample ceviche under a swaying palapa, or paddle into the bay for a snorkeling jaunt, Los Muertos Beach offers a story at every turn, and an unforgettable slice of Mexico’s vibrant Riviera life.
¡Ven y siente la magia de Los Muertos por ti mismo!