Puerto Vallarta is one of the world’s favorite and most popular destination for travelers. It offers virtually an endless list of activities for those that come to discover its beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, the rugged landscape and indigenous culture.
Puerto Vallarta shares the natural beauty of the Banderas Bay, which has the distinction of being a member of The World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club, with its deep waters, immensely rich in bio-diversity, and whose potential as an eco-tourist destination has barely been explored. In lagoons and wetlands, birds can be watched year round, while right in the bay whales and dolphins frolic and play. Hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers can explore the tropical forest. On the beaches at night, marine turtles lay their eggs during the summer months.
Below is a list of just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy in Puerto Vallarta:
Tour of Puerto Vallarta’s downtown – The scenery of the downtown area offers a delight to photographers. The spectacular architecture of white washed homes and buildings offer a beautiful contrast to colorful backdrop of the landscape. Its cobblestone streets winding lazily around mountainsides, its traditional white shops with red tile roofs and its sunny beaches with beautiful blue waters. The downtown area is focused around the town plaza and the landmark Church of Guadalupe with its filigree crown. The area teems with shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars and local businesses as well as residences.
Air Expeditions – A Cessna Caravan plane accommodates 14 passengers in an air-conditioned, climate controlled comfort. The flight is conducted at low speeds, and the plane’s large, flat, untinted windows, the excursion is designed for aerial sightseeing, and photography of the rugged and remote regions. The Air Adventure plan is crewed by seasoned and highly experienced professional pilots, and strictly adheres to all international regulations, and the highest of airlines standards.
Whales, Dolphins & Snorkeling – The Marietas Islands have provided sanctuary from the ocean’s swell for thousands of years. Dolphins, sea turtles, and giant mantas flourish in the shallows and a unique, complex marine ecosystem has evolved in the shelter of these islands. Accompanied by our knowledgeable and bilingual eco-guides, you can explore the archways and deep caverns that form the rocky, coastal architecture of the Marietas. Guests may also choose kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving, and all equipment is provided.
Las Caletas – A secluded cove, with jungle clad slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains. There are shallow waters, ideal for kayaking. The natural reed offers some of the most fascinating snorkeling and diving opportunities with its varied sea life. A nature trail that highlights an array of flora and fauna, or one can choose to simply relax on the private beach which is lined with coconut palm trees.
Bungee Jumping – Tlapanaloya is an area in Puerto Vallarta famous for its bungee jumping location. The area is surrounded by cliffs and has a spectacular view of the region, which would make even the most seasoned jumper stop and take a breath. Jumpers are raised on a platform where they can overlook the cliffs and the rugged landscape and are dropped directly over the Pacific Ocean. Other activities in the area include, aqua-motorcycles, parachuting and a small market area located in near proximity.
Dolphin Adventure – One is provided with an audio presentation that dispels the myths and explains the facts about these incredible creatures. There is a live hydrophone hook-up that enables you to listen to the complex sounds by which dolphins communicate amongst themselves. Visitors can observe, swim and interact with the dolphins in the seawater lagoon. Standing waist deep in the water, guests are introduced into a family of Pacific Bottlenosed Dolphins.
Noche Disco - The Malecón is the obvious center of nighttime activity, lined with places that specialize in creating a high-energy party-time atmosphere. Old favorites like the Hard Rock Café and Carlos O'Brian's are here, along with local contenders Zoo and No Name Café. None has a cover charge and most are at ground level, making it easy to wander along and take your pick of the happy hours. South of the river also has its share of clubs, more down-to-earth and maybe more varied. Worth a visit is Club Roxy, Vallarta 217 at Madero, a popular bar with an excellent resident band and a great atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike. The Jazz House, Rodríguez at Olas Altas, hosts first-class jazz in a tastefully decorated venue.
San Sebastian Air Expedition – This 15 minutes flight will take you on a route that will showcase a cascading waterfall in the heart of the Sierra range, remote mountain villages, and mountains carpeted in dense tropical vegetation. San Sebastian del Oeste is a beautiful, antiquated village surrounded by pine forests and famous for its silver mines. Tumbling colonial architecture merges with a colorful village square, quaint cobblestone streets, and a relaxed way of life. There will be a guided tour of the village followed by lunch at a 150 years old hacienda.
Terra Noble – A spa that stands as a unique oasis of tranquility. It is a representation of an ecological and artistic proposal for the new millennium. A creative and healthy alternative lifestyle. Here, guests can soothe and heal your body's energy while they enjoy breathtaking views of the bay. A person can customize her/his treatments according need of the day; aromatic, oils, mineral salts or clay are the elements used for this exhilarating experience.
Rhythms of the Night – Start the activities at Las Caletas for a spectacular view of the setting sun. Then commence with dinner in the soft, romantic glow of candlelight, in one of several locations to choose from. A torch-lit show presented in a natural amphitheatre, will illustrate traditional and contemporary Mexican music shows. The beautiful atmosphere of the night and moonlit glistening sea will enchant visitors.
Tour of Huichol Indian Territories – The Huichol Indians are one of the last remaining indigenous groups in the world, they have successful managed to maintain their traditions, customs and language and are located in the secluded area of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Their textiles and crafts that are available for purchase in the downtown markets of Puerto Vallarta are skills that they have been perfecting for as long as resided in the region and act as true testament to the beauty of Puerto Vallarta.
Whale Watching and Photo Safari – Every winter hundreds of humpback whales migrate to Mexico’s Pacific Coast. There is a tremendous thrill that comes from watching these magnificent mammals as they perform eye-opening maneuvers. It is also very likely that observers will see wild dolphins, turtles, and giant mantarays. Participants of the Whale Photo Safari excursion will be taken out in a 27ft “pangas” guided by experienced, professional leaders who are expert in marine mammal behavior. The itinerary changes from day to day and depends on the route of travel of the whales themselves.
Sierra Madre Expedition – In our open-air Mercedes, all-terrain vehicles, especially designed to handle difficult roads with surprising comfort. The expedition will take you through clear mountain streams that have over centuries cut towering canyons deep into the rugged sierras. Through the luxuriant jungle where the guides will explain the life that exists beneath the canopy. Witness 19th century villages and a see a Mexico that few travelers ever get to see.
Sailing – Sailing excursions are offered on 44ft performance sailing yachts. One can sit back and relax on a cushioned mattress taking in the sunshine or dive into the water for swimming and snorkeling. 20 minute briefing lessons are also offered for beginners who need to learn the basics.
Contact:
Alberto Márquez de la Garza
Gerente de Comunicación y Relaciones Publicas
Oficina de Convenciones y Visitantes
Fideicomiso de Turismo Puerto Vallarta
(52) (322) 2241175 Ext. 108
alberto@visitpuertovallarta.com |
