Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, and Riviera Nayarit, in the state of Nayarit, offer a perfect vacation for all those who love nature. Both destinations are focused on offering activities that generate awareness about the protection of flora and fauna.
Activities such as watching whales, dolphins and birds, tours of ecological conservation areas and the release of turtles, are what lead visitors to this region of Mexico, live unforgettable experiences.
Visitors to Puerto Vallarta can perform countless activities and ecotourism experiences, such as: venturing into the El Salado estuary, expeditions through nature trails and crossing one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, taking place in the mountains of La Sierra Western Mother, it will surely take your breath away.
For its part, through initiatives that seek environmental protection, cultural preservation and conservation of wildlife, Riviera Nayarit also strengthens its commitment to sustainability.
Some of the places and ecological attractions that Puerto Vallarta offers travelers are:
Estero El Salado: considered an urban estuary, with four types of vegetation: medium subcaducifolia jungle, mangrove, marsh and aquatic and underwater vegetation, it houses more than 100 species of birds, grouped into 23 families, both aquatic and terrestrial habits, in addition to the presence of other animal groups.
Botanical Garden: is located only 35 minutes south of the City, named in May 2018, the “4th. Place among the Best Botanical Gardens of North America “. Dedicated to native habitats, especially to the endemic plants of tropical Western Mexico and houses an orchid garden with more than 300 species of orchids.
Los Arcos National Marine Park: is one of the most popular diving and snorkeling destinations in Puerto Vallarta that consists of caves, tunnels and reefs filled with marine animals. For more experienced divers, Los Arcos offers excellent conditions for night diving, as well as a unique opportunity to dive in the “Cañón del Diablo”, an underwater cliff that drops 2,000 feet under the Bay of Banderas.
Colomitos: an unforgettable beach for ecotourism lovers, visitors can take walks and be amazed by its exuberant flora and fauna, and can practice various water sports.
Bird watching: In this paradise there are about 350 species of birds in their varied ecosystems and habitats. There are several companies that offer bird watching tours in the Bay of Banderas and its surroundings.
Swim with dolphins in freedom: A unique experience, visit bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment and participate in a research program that helps to better understand and protect this species, from the hand of professional biologists who will share with the visitor experience and knowledge, this is the natural way to see and enjoy them.
Riviera Nayarit stimulates cultural preservation, wildlife conservation and environmental protection through:
Technological University of Bahía de Banderas: Educates and trains the community of Nayarit, providing the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the tourism sector, as well as in renewable energy and environmental protection.
Huichol Center for cultural survival: Generates strategies and work programs to address the economic, educational and health problems faced by the Huichol community while working to maintain their cultural identity and their homeland.
Resorts also play a role in the adoption of local Huichol culture and support for local communities. For example, W Punta Mita offers captivating decorations, wrestling masks, minced paper of popular art and mariachi instruments to keep the Mexican spirit alive.
The Jaguar Alliance, a civil association that allows jaguars to maintain habitat connectivity through protected areas of land.
Programs dedicated to the collection, hatching and release of turtles, since they are in danger of extinction. (Six of the seven species of sea turtles in the world arrive in Mexico every year to lay their eggs).
Riviera Nayarit accommodations are built in accordance with the stringent environmental protection requirements that ensure the maintenance of the environment.