Puerto Vallarta is situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahía de Banderas. A wonderful place that amazes and inspires everyday: a beautiful blue sky that frames a spectacular moon as well as a Sun of an incredible orange. A tempered and generous sea that relaxes, but also imposes, and sunsets that deserve a pause in our day, and take our breath away. A city in the middle of the mountain, the sea, the Sun and the sand, whose inhabitants are kind by nature and eager to serve the visitors. Its geographic location is enviable: a huge bay at the Pacific Ocean, with its blue waters of all blue tones on one side, and a mountain, with fresh temperatures, rivers, cascades and steep lands ready to be conquered on the other.
Puerto Vallarta is located at the Pacific Coast, approximately 190 miles from Guadalajara, at the Western side of the State of Jalisco. Its limits are: at the north with the State of Nayarit, at the south with Cabo Corrientes and Talpa de Allende counties, and at the East with San Sebastián and Mascota counties. Its total territory is of approximately 800 sq. Mi., and extends from Downtown to Marina Vallarta.
ACTIVITIES IN PUERTO VALLARTA
Marigalate Pirate Ship
One of the things that set Puerto Vallarta apart from other destinations is the great variety of touristic attractions, one of the best known is the Pirate Ship tour, and this is basically a tour of the bay, in a real pirate ship. There are 2 options, the morning tour known as Pirate Island and the night tour known as Pirates of the Bay. If you are traveling with kids or you are a fan of pirates, this is an amazing option for you; if you are lucky, you might even witness a whale sighting.
Tequila Tour
Embark on a journey of discovery into the world famous pueblo of Tequila Jalisco. This region is equal to the most distinguished vineyards of Europe and Nampa valley from centuries old architecture to the stretching landscape of blue agave fields. This town is home to La Tojeña, the oldest distillery in America and La hacienda dating back to the 19th century.
Fishing Tournament
This annual tournament is held on the first and second week of November and brings to our destination some of the most expert fishermen from around the world. There are cash prizes for the fishermen that make the biggest catch. Among the fish that you will see are: Sailfish, Maji Maji, and Marlin
Rythms of the Night
It all starts at the international marina were you will pay 25 pesos to access the Vallarta Adventures catamaran to enjoy an exciting adventure through the bay, drinking and eating snacks while you are transported to Caletas beach. Once there, you will disembark and start your adventure of lights and sound under the moonlight and by torchlight in the middle of the lush jungle. As soon the show starts you will be delighted by the performers such as dancers, acrobats and musicians.
Malecon
The Malecon is one of the main attractions of the city, measuring 1 mile long (approx. 1.6 km). You can walk and enjoy the sculptures, palm trees, and the sea, In addition to the food and crafts that you can find along the way. Not counting the nightlife you can enjoy. You will also find the letters the spell out the name of the city where you can take a picture with your family. If you visit the city and don’t go to the Malecon it’s as if you were never here at all.
Los Arcos de Mismaloya
The arches of Mismaloya are located south of Vallarta near Bahia de Banderas, is one of the most beautiful natural monuments of the pacific. In them, you can find an incredible flora and fauna.
Las Caletas
If you are looking for a complete experience one place where you can either relax or have fun is Caletas Beach. It’s one of the most exclusive and secluded beach of all Bahia de Banderas, the only way to access it is by the sea. Once there, you will be able to enjoy many different activities and even interact with dolphins in their natural habitat. If you are looking for a family escape, believe me, you want to visit this place while you are in Puerto Vallarta.
Cuale Island
It’s the river that divides the downtown with the old Vallarta zone. It’s an oasis of shadow relaxing and nature in the middle of the downtown.
Estero el Salado
Among the vast diversity of activities you can do, there is the Estero el Salado, a wildlife protection sanctuary. For only 5 dollars per person, you can take a wonderful boat tour through the mangrove forest, where the guide will point out all the beauty and biodiversity of birds, crabs, baby crocks, Etc. Tour highlights include: -135 hectares of marshlands -Boat tour through narrow river -Conversation of crocodiles -You’ll climb a tower in the middle of the park where you can take a panoramic
ATV Tour
On this one of a kind experience you’ll get the chance to hop aboard an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) and travel across a breathtaking tropical forest located south of Puerto Vallarta. This will give you the chance to see the natural wonders of the city like never before.
El Jorullo
Located just 40 minutes from downtown Vallarta in the Sierra Madre Mountains, the Jorullo Bridge, is the largest and longest hanging bridge in the world. It is big enough that you can pass cars through it. Close to this bridge you will have access to the Coapinoles restaurant which offers typical Mexican dishes and American style breakfast. In this place, you can enjoy the canopy river with the longest zip lines of the bay. You can access by car, ATV horse, you and your family will be fascinated
Whale Watching
From mid-dicember to the end of March, Banderas Bay offers some of the world’s most spectacular whale watching opportiunities anywhere.
Botanical Garden
Located just 30 minutes from old town Puerto Vallarta, the botanical gardens are a must for any nature lover. You will spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of Mexican plant life and the richness of authentic Mexican cuisine. Make sure to bring plenty of sun blocker and a swim suit. This is, without a doubt, an experience you will never forget.