Vallarta: a Little Colonial Town Surrounded by the Tropical Jungle

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Mexican state of Jalisco, on the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, and it is part and parcel of the famous Costalegre, made up by Cabo Corrientes, Tomatlan, La Huerta and Cihuatan. This magnificent beach destination –known as one of the most important in all Mexico-is covered by the second biggest bay of the whole continent, the Bay of Flags, which is famous for its extraordinary natural beauties, unspoiled deep waters and the abundant marine life living in its sea. At the same time, the destination is perfect for those who are fond of spoiling themselves in state of the art spas and hotels in Puerto Vallarta, which provide them with top notch amenities during their stay.

• A little Colonial Town surrounded by the Tropical Jungle

When tourists stumble upon the majestic Sierra Madre, whose mountains are covered with abundant tropical vegetation, they cannot believe their eyes. Vallarta is home to an amazing jungle which strikes the perfect balance with its streets and picturesque houses designed with the truly Mexican colonial style. This is the combination that keeps on attracting people from all over the world who are seeking beaches, shops, and at the same time nature. Famous for its sunsets, Puerto Vallarta is located in a fertile region rich in plants and marine life. The presence of particular species such as dolphins, turtles and whales are also part of Vallarta charm. Furthermore, lovers of adventure will find in this Mexican town a wide number of ecotourism activities such as scuba diving and kayaking.

• Sports and other Activities

Nature lovers will be charmed with the great biodiversity and ecotourism offer Vallarta has. Whales come to its coasts during March and May; different marine turtle species visit it from June to September; and dolphins will be pleased to swim with you all year long. Those who are into more risky adventures can choose between bungee jumping in Boca de Tomatlan or canopying across the tropical jungle of Puerto Vallarta, a unique experience they will never forget.

Those who prefer quieter activities which can be done outdoors should visit the different first class golf courses which are pervasive in Vallarta. It is highly recommendable to rent a bike and go on a ride across the different paths entering the jungle in order to discover the local flora and fauna. And let’s not forget about the beaches – home to warm green waters and golden sand. Apart from featuring numerous water sports, this is the right place to relax and enjoy breath-taking sunsets.

• Culture and History

When focusing on culture and history, it can be said that Vallarta has turned famous in the last years because of its numerous art galleries and exposition rooms which are open not only for the locals but also for foreigners. These spaces are chosen by travelers who want to admire the works of art of numerous contemporary artists as well as indigenous people, particularly the Huicholes, inhabitants of the Sierra Madre.

Agostina Giacomino

Picture: Flickr (cabbit)

Los Arcos National Marine Park: Get in Touch with Nature during your Trip to Vallarta!

First time in Puerto Vallarta? You’ll love it! This precious gem is located on the stunning Banderas Bay along the Mexican Pacific Coast. Framed by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, crossed by the Cuale River and bathed by the blue Pacific Ocean, Vallarta offers innumerable attractions for everyone: adventure tours, extreme sports, eco-tours, fishing… The list is endless! The hotels in Puerto Vallarta are varied, too. You can opt for a luxurious stay at an all-inclusive resort in the exclusive Punta Mita or a cheap yet comfortable lodging at a boutique hotel in the Romantic Zone.

Now, one thing is certain: if you’re a Nature devotee, Vallarta is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Among the many tours that you’ll enjoy, make sure to book one to Los Arcos National Marine Park and get in touch with nature during your trip to Vallarta.

Los Arcos National Marine Park:

5.5 miles South from Puerto Vallarta, between Mismaloya en Playa Gemelas beaches, Los Arcos offers paradisiacal views both in and out of water. The Mexican Government declared it a protected area in 1975 and a National Marine Park in 1984. Long ago, this beautiful protected natural reserve was called Las Peñas (The Rocks) as its main formations are five granite islets, three of which host the popular “arches” (arcos) that earned it its present name. The reserve covers an area of 74 acres of rock caves, tunnels and arches, as well as a beautiful coral reef where all types of land and marine life proliferate.

On the islets, which reach heights of 16 to 164 ft. above the sea level and are even visible from downtown Vallarta, it is possible to admire a natural bird sanctuary that includes several parrot species, pelicans, penguins and even the exotic blue-footed booby.

Under water, the situation is similar. The waters around the islands are said to be the deepest in the bay, reaching a maximum depth of 1,600 feet (480 meters) in some areas. Snorkeling and scuba diving tours to the reserve are quite popular, as there are excellent spots for beginners and professionals alike. Beginners can explore the shallow waters of El Acuario (The Aquarium), while experienced divers may prefer to go deeper in El Cañón (The Canyon) or La Quijada del Diablo (The Devil’s Jaw). There are some nightly diving tours for the most adventurous too!

The marine biodiversity in Los Arcos is amazing: colorful tropical fish, octopus, sea turtles, lobsters, spotted eagle rays, and even dolphins and sharks can be admired as you swim through the underwater tunnels and caves. If you visit the park in winter, you may even spot giant Humpback Whales swimming and spouting in the area.

Fishing and anchoring are, of course, forbidden in the reserve; and visitors are invited to wear biodegradable sunscreen and to NOT throw anything into the water, so as to protect the environment.

If you close your eyes for a couple of minutes to just listen, the sounds of nature will captivate your body and your mind. Book your tour to los Arcos online, and enjoy the marvels of nature in Puerto Vallarta.

Cecilia Vittori

Image: Flickr (author: rmelgares)

Puerto Vallarta: an international tourist destination to visit during the Easter Holidays

How many times have you thought about travelling abroad for the Easter Holidays but you ended up doing something else? This year can be the year when you finally make up your mind, get some plane tickets and go somewhere gorgeous. If you are wondering where can you go, let me tell you that Puerto Vallarta is always a great choice when people look for a place to rest and relax.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, named after former governor Ignacio Vallarta, is an incredible coastal city set on the side of the Pacific Ocean in front of the Bay of Banderas. During the 1960s and the 1970s, Puerto Vallarta became a major resort destination in Latin America (there are quite luxurious hotels in Puerto Vallarta). One of the factors that made this happen was the famous movie The Night of the Iguana which was filmed in Mismaloya, a south town of Puerto Vallarta. While the movie was being filmed, the US media covered the affair between the actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton; this help publicized Puerto Vallarta on the map for tourists. Another significant factor was the investment the Mexican government promoted in transportation including the International Airport. Thanks to this, Puerto Vallarta turned into an accessible destination.

Activities to Do

Luckily, since the development of Puerto Vallarta as one of the top rated destination in Mexico, there is a whole set of activities to do whether you stay for a month, a fortnight or just a week. Moreover, there are activities for all kinds of people, young and old; for all kinds of groups, friends, family or couples; for all kinds of trips, business and pleasure. While staying in Puerto Vallara, nobody will get bored. For example, one of the most popular activities is practising water sports. Sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, water skiing, surfing and deep-sea fishing are some of the many water activities available in the area. Besides, the water temperature and visibility makes it an ideal place to do any of them. A further fun activity is going on eco adventures like eco hiking, horse riding, zip lining or mountain biking.

Art and Culture

Apart from the water sport activities and outdoor adventures, Puerto Vallarta has a lot of cultural and artistic attractions. One of these attractions is the Huichol Museum located in the downtown area. The Museum displays artworks made by a native Mexican group called Huichol or Wixaritari; their art is colorful, complex (some works of art may take weeks to finish them) and original like the beaded skulls which are made of cast resin and covered in thousands tiny beads. Another interesting place to visit is the Teatro Vallarta (Vallarta Theater) where many national and international artists present their shows/plays during the whole year. This makes Puerto Vallarta an international tourist destination to visit during the Easter Holidays.

All in all Puerto Vallarta is the best choice for your Easter Holidays. It is a place worth visiting even if you go just for a week since it offers a wide range of interesting attractions and activities to enjoy. You will not regret it; so come to Puerto Vallarta and get ready to have fun!

Romina Nieto

Image: Flickr

Author: Villa Amor