Ecotourism in Puerto Vallarta
In a world in which communing with nature increasingly means a visit to the “Discovery Channel,” more and more travelers want Ecological Adventures.
Canopy Zipline Tours
Puerto Vallarta has always been and will continue to be ideally suited to Eco-Adventurers.
Here’s why:
Puerto Vallarta is a natural for eco-tourists. Surrounded by lush tropical jungle, riddled with sparkling rivers and gushing waterfalls that flow to the foliage-covered shores and spill into the island-dotted waters of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta offers visitors paradise-like adventures both on land and in the sea.
Reef fish
The brilliant greenery from the Sierra Madre mountain foothills to the coast is home to an exuberant collection of wildlife including four-foot-long iguanas, butterflies, and 366 bird species.
Visitors can choose a wide variety of eco-tours from nature hikes and bird watching to wild rides for “road warriors” who enjoy splashing through hidden streams end jungle roads on bicycles, in open-air ATVs, canopy tours and dune buggies.
Blue-footed Booby
Many ranches offer horseback rides, often with lunch and a chance for a dip. Jungle Jeep Safaris use specially adapted all-wheel-drive Mercedes trucks and travel in convoy through the jungle and beyond. Another way to view the densely forested slopes is to soar above it all in a light plane. An airplane expedition is an excellent way to take fantastic photos of the mountains and get to a Huichol Indian Village and San Sebastián del Oeste, a mining town in the high Sierras.
Huichol art
More eco-adventures await above and below the turquoise surface of Banderas Bay. The warm, tranquil waters are perfect for ocean kayaking. Kayakers should not be surprised to see dolphins, turtles and giant mantas swimming close to shore; they often appear to see what’s going on. Underneath, the bay is like a natural aquarium brimming with colorful tropical fish.
Banderas Bay is also the birthplace of the Humpback Whales. From December to April they thrill visitors with their playful cavorting with one another, showing their babies the ways of the world and breaching in the sparkling bay. Puerto Vallarta residents are concerned for the welfare of these gentle giants, so the local tour operators are licensed by the National Environmental Agency to ensure respectful whale watching.
Whale watching
From June to September, Puerto Vallarta is a breeding ground for sea turtles and the hotels and government sponsor conservation programs to protect their tiny charges (Read about the Puerto Vallarta Sea Turtle Protection program). Vacationers can share in the wonder of life from June to September by participating in the hotel programs to protect the turtle hatchlings in their dash to the sea. Under a starry sky, children and adults release the baby turtles from buckets and applaud as the hatchlings scurry across the sand and plunge into the ocean.
Sea turtle release
Puerto Vallarta’s lush coastline is dotted with craggy islets and beautiful tropical islands, which remind many vacationers of the South Pacific, and offer just as bountiful scuba and snorkel adventures. The Marietas Islands are home to dolphins and giant mantas and the El Salado mangrove estuary is a fabulous exotic bird sanctuary.
Birdwatching
Underwater caves and tunnels teem with sea life. Near Mismaloya Beach, at the southern end of the bay, the three huge rock formations named Los Arcos will delight divers with underwater tunnels and schools of damsel, idol, chromis, and maybe even a stately manta ray in the surrounding marine national park.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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