PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO- Beyond Puerto Vallarta’s magnificent Banderas Bay lies the Sierra Madre Mountain range, and lush, tropical forests, where eco and historical adventures take place. Now adventure-seekers can hang from the treetops or fly in a 14-passenger plane to a 16th Century mountainside village, with the eco and historical tours in Puerto Vallarta.
Step back in time in San Sebastian
This new tour provides a complementary combination of adventure and history. It starts with a 15-minute flight from Puerto Vallarta at 220 feet in a 14-passenger plane, passing over giant, cascading waterfalls and lush, Mexican fauna within the Sierra Madre Mountain range. (It would take two days by car to reach the town on the one road available.) The destination is the remote, mountain village of San Sebastian, population: 500, elevated at 4,331 feet. In the 1700’s, San Sebastian was a highly prosperous Colonial town with a population of 30,000 from the plentiful silver mines. The locals love to exchange stories. Meet Pachita, the employee at the candy store, age 92, who has lived in San Sebastian her whole life and brings the village to life with her stories. Meet with a traditional family, visit their home, watch them grind coffee beans and make homemade tortillas. The tour includes an authentic Mexican meal at a 150-year-old Hacienda, where guests can stay from $35 per person, per night. This cultural experience is priced at just $125 per person and children ages 5-12 are half price.
Glide Through The Treetops in the Rainforest
Vallarta Adventures’ new Tree Top Canopy Tour is scheduled to start in May 2002. Guests will traverse from tree to tree and from platform to platform using pulleys on horizontal traverse cables, sailing through the treetops of the tropical rainforest canopy, and over the trails far below. Expert guides will assist in this exciting journey through the different layers of the virgin rain forests and explain what's going on all around from the time you leave the ground, until you rappel back down to the forest floor. Modifying techniques and equipment originally used by spelunkers and canyon rappellers, The original Canopy Tour (originated in Costa Rica) offers any adventurous tourist the opportunity to ascend into the forest canopy and see jungle life from a perspective available previously to only a select few researchers and photographers.
Huichol Indian Experience
The Huichol Indians believed to be direct descendents of the Aztecs and are one of the last remaining indigenous cultures in the world. They have completely retained the traditions, costumes, and language of their ancestors. The Huichol Air Expedition is a sacred privilege available to a select few and an unrivaled cultural experience. Escape to this secluded mountainous land and witness a world that you only believed existed in history books. Price includes snacks and soft drinks and departures are on Friday at 9:00 am. from Aerotron Hangar; $225 per person. For more information or reservations on these three tours, log on at www.vallarta-adventures.com or call Vallarta Adventures at 011-52-322-22-106-57. A bilingual guide hosts each excursion.
Cool Jungle Hikes
Open-Air Expeditions offers and Advanced Jungle Hike for the active traveler. The uphill path takes you through green vegetation for the three-hour hike. A knowledgeable guide gives you tidbits on the animals, birds and fauna surrounding you. Dip into a refreshing waterfall and enjoy a gourmet picnic. The Advanced Hike is from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and is priced at $60 per person. Children aged 6-10 years receive a 40% discount.
If you’re not up for the three-hour uphill trek, hike alongside the river trail and explore deep into the jungle of the Sierra Madre Mountains. You’ll discover waterfalls and can take a break and refresh yourself in a quiet natural fresh water pool. Enjoy a picnic in this idyllic location while you take in nature. The tour lasts from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Both tours include energizing snacks (granola bar, chocolate and water bottle) plus a picnic of turkey, ham, Gouda cheese, baguette, vegetables, fruit and ground transportation from your hotel. For reservations or more information, send an email to Open-Air Expeditions at openair@vivamexico.com or call 011 52 322 10657.
Mountain Bike Adventures
If it's hiking or mountain biking that gets your adrenaline going, the Sierra Madre foothills offer exhilarating trails for all bikers of all levels. Bike Mex Adventures, located at 361 Guerrero,
(tel. 011-52-322-31680/www.bikemex.com) has been offering professionally guided tours using top of the line equipment for over 20 years. Advance cyclists may explore beyond the jungle and 2,000 feet into the mountains on the Killer Donkey Tour, priced at $60 per person. Bikers of any level will enjoy the Rio Tour. The off-road path follows the Rio Cuale through Puerto Vallarta’s cobblestone streets and stretches to the outskirts of town and into a dirt trail, passing through small villages with stops at farm ranches and a refreshing waterfall for swimming. The Rio Tour is $44 per person and $22 per child age 8 to 12 years. All tours include bike, helmet, gloves, water bottles, guide, snack and soda.
Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta’s charm remains largely undiscovered, along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, golf courses and vibrant art culture. For more information about Puerto Vallarta, call your travel agent or toll-free at 888-384-6822, or direct at (52) 322- 4-11-75; FAX: (52) 322-4-09-15. Log on at www.visitpuertovallarta.com
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