The Boy on the Seahorse Statue, Puerto Vallarta
The Boy on the Seahorse (El Ni帽o sobre el Caballito de Mar), affectionately known simply as El Caballito, is one of Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 most beloved symbols. Sculpted by Rafael Zamarripa when he was just 18 years old, the original statue was commissioned in 1960 and first placed on the rocky outcrop of Las Pilitas at the southern end of Beach of the Dead. Standing proudly atop a seahorse, the boy represents innocence, adventure, and the strong bond between the people of Puerto Vallarta and the sea. After a storm swept the original statue away, a larger version was commissioned and unveiled in 1976 along the Boardwalk, where it has since become a defining icon of the city.
Today, both versions of the sculpture exist鈥攐ne gracing the Boardwalk and another back at its original site at Las Pilitas after being recovered once again from the sea. The replica along the Boardwalk stands 3 meters high and has become a favorite photo opportunity for visitors. Over time, The Boy on the Seahorse has become as symbolic of Puerto Vallarta as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, capturing the spirit of the town's playful charm and its close connection to the ocean. Since 2018, the Boardwalk statue has been flanked by the colorful Puerto Vallarta city sign, making the area even more picturesque.
Surrounded by other artistic landmarks like the Friendship Fountain and the sculpture Triton and Siren, The Boy on the Seahorse remains the heart of Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 waterfront stroll.
Today, both versions of the sculpture exist鈥攐ne gracing the Boardwalk and another back at its original site at Las Pilitas after being recovered once again from the sea. The replica along the Boardwalk stands 3 meters high and has become a favorite photo opportunity for visitors. Over time, The Boy on the Seahorse has become as symbolic of Puerto Vallarta as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, capturing the spirit of the town's playful charm and its close connection to the ocean. Since 2018, the Boardwalk statue has been flanked by the colorful Puerto Vallarta city sign, making the area even more picturesque.
Surrounded by other artistic landmarks like the Friendship Fountain and the sculpture Triton and Siren, The Boy on the Seahorse remains the heart of Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 waterfront stroll.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Boy on the Seahorse Statue on Map
Sight Name: The Boy on the Seahorse Statue
Sight Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (See walking tours in Puerto Vallarta)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (See walking tours in Puerto Vallarta)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Puerto Vallarta
Creating your own self-guided walk in Puerto Vallarta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Puerto Vallarta Introduction Walking Tour
Puerto Vallarta is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains; the essence of its culture, gastronomy and traditions; and the warmth and hospitality of being welcomed like a friend. This magical destination has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles