Sports & Hiking

Snorkel or scuba dive at Los Arcos or The Marietas

Las Marietas is surrounded by crystal-clear waters with volcanic arches, spires, tunnels, and caverns. The Mexican Pacific is a great place to scuba dive or snorkel due of its marine diversity. Los Arcos is great for beginners and pros alike. This National Marine Park has five islets, shallows, and a marine canyon. Pelicans, sea hawks, Blue Footed Boobies, and swallows nest there. From 10 to 90 feet, diving is wonderful. Erosion forms beautiful tunnels and arches. Canyon cliffs over 800 feet deep are stunning. Fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures abound. Marietas Islands Read more Los Arcos (The Arches) Read more

Walk all the way up the hill along the downtown city streets

Exploring new cities on foot is one of my favorite things to do. Several of Puerto Vallarta's downtown streets are so steep that they might as well be hiking trails. And the best way to get a feel for the "genuine thing" is by hitting the trails around this location. You'll need to get off the beaten path, but it will allow you to discover the "secret streets" and shoot some truly unique images of the area. From Iturbide in the north to Pipila in the south, every street you walk will lead you up incredibly steep stairs and roads. At first, the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks won't seem too difficult, but then you'll come to a flight of stairs. This is going to take a lot of steps! You'll go by the place where driving is impossible. Everything beyond this point must be brought in by hand, ATV, or mule. You'll continue up and down a dusty and rocky trail, through a few bends, and eventually run into locals who are hauling building materials on a burro or mule. Suddenly you'll notice you are in the "real Puerto Vallarta"! Read more

Hike through the jungle from Boca to Colomitos and more

This is a beach-hopping trek for all skill levels, stretching from Boca de Tomatlan to Quimixto and Yelapa (via Colomitos Beach and Las Animas). Along the well-marked path, you'll likely see locals and tourists. This is a popular destination for Puerto Vallarta hiking trips, but you can also take a bus from downtown to Boca de Tomatlan, where the hike begins. The most common and simple hike is from Boca to Colomitos Beach, it winds through jungle and close to quiet beaches. Before continuing your hike to Las Animas and further south, cool off and have a coconut juice at Colomitos. When you reach Las Animas, stop at a beachfront restaurant for a beer and fresh seafood before taking a water taxi back, unless you are an experienced hiker and want to continue to Quimixto and Yelapa. Read more

Try skydiving over Vallarta for the ultimate adrenaline rush

You can go as close to flying as possible in Puerto Vallarta, an emotional and adrenaline overdose. If you want a unique and extreme life-changing experience. How about a free fall jump over PV? Extreme sports fans agree that skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline rush. When you jump out of a plane and freefall for a minute, you feel like a bird. When the altimeter reaches 2,500 feet, the parachute is opened and the adventure continues. Within seconds, the thunderous wind against his face and ears dissipates and silence surrounds you. like accessing another dimension or accelerating time. Read more

Walk to the La Cruz del Cerro Lookout in downtown Puerto Vallarta

As its name suggests, the La Cruz del Cerro Lookout is perched atop the La Cruz hill (Cerro de La Cruz), which looms over downtown Puerto Vallarta from the east. It looks out over the tranquil waters of the Bay of Banderas and PV, one of the most picturesque spots on the Mexican Pacific coastline. The locals consider it a retreat for recreation, rest, and contemplation, and for good reason: the view from the top extends all the way from Los Arcos (The Arches) on the south side of the Bay to Punta Mita on the distant north side on clear days, and the Pacific Ocean is visible the whole way. It's a clearly ideal for photographers and everyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and expansive vistas. Read more