Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - A celebration of sleek design and style, city renewal and transportation convenience, Los Muertos Pier is the latest jewel in Puerto Vallarta's crown. The new pier's inauguration and grand opening party, held in early January 2013, was attended by thousands.

Recently the pier's architect, José de Jesus Torres Vega, won the state award "Bienal de Arquitectura" (Architecture Exhibition) and is now entered in the national competition for design. It took about three years to build and cost around $6.5 million USD.

The history of this Zona Romantica landmark is captured in the latest mini-documentary by 420estudio, a Puerto Vallarta production company. The video took a nine person crew two 12-hour days to shoot, and much more time to edit.

The first Los Muertos Pier was built in the early 1960s and was constructed as a launch point for the cast and crew from the film, Night of the Iguana, which was directed by John Huston and featured Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr. A ramshackle wooden pier was built to make transportation of the cinematography equipment easier. The movie was shot in Mismaloya, just south of Puerto Vallarta.

After almost 30 years, a concrete pier was built with the help of many local residents and government funding. This updated structure served its purpose but was not a tourist attraction and was becoming an eye sore.

Architect Vega's pier design resembles a large sail with sweeping line extensions. There is over 2000 square feet of space that extends 320 feet into the ocean. It includes pedestrian pathways, seating, a waterfront promenade, colorful lighting, and a landing dock that can berth up to six medium size boats. These include water taxis, fishing charters and private vessels, which cruise to many private beaches around Banderas Bay.

The new Los Muertos Pier is functional, modern, a great tourist attraction and a spot for locals to enjoy. It has provided the stage for several events including a Mardi Gras Party and the Gala Vallarta opening night party.

The city continues to funnel monies into renovations and improvements, along with financial support from federal and state funds. In just a few years the world famous Malecón has been rebuilt and extended, an additional tunnel on the city's bypass has been added, sidewalks have been expanded and a new foot bridge was built over the Rio Cuale.

Take some time to walk on Puerto Vallarta's new Los Muertos Pier and admire the ocean and city views. It is a great attraction.