MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF THE CITY

• Beaches
• Malecón (seawall)
• Town Hall
• Parish Church
• Río Cuale Island
• Municipal Market
• Archaeology Museum
• Cruise Ship Dock
• Mismaloya Beach
• Deep-sea Fishing and Nightlife.
  

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA

• Banderas Bay.
• Los Arcos
• Boca de Tomatlán
• Yelapa
• Las Ánimas Beach
• Quimixto.

EXPLAINED TOURIST ZONES

Tour of the Center.
The scenery, that the town offers, is a delight for photographers and visitors in general. The architecture of its white buildings, with pointed rooves, offer a beautiful and colorful contrast with the landscape; its cobbled streets, its red roofed houses and sunny beaches with beautiful blue water make Puerto Vallarta one of the richest cultural and architectural places in México. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, famous for its filigree crown, is located in the city center; and year after year many groups of faithful Catholics go there to adore the Patron Saint. Around this religious center are shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, local businesses and residences, forming a unique and picturesque scene.

Expedition to the Marietas Isles.
For hundreds of years, the waters round the Marietas Isles have been the sanctuary of dolphins, sea turtles and giant flying fish “mantarrayas” which prosper in these waters, producing a unique marine ecosystem. Guided by experts, the deep caves in the rock, which are part of the Marieta seascape, can be explored. Visitors can choose between kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving as part of the adventure including the necessary equipment and professional guidance to enjoy it.

Las Caletas (The Coves).
An enclosed cove with shallow water, hidden by the jungle of the Sierra Madre (Mother Mountains) is ideal to practice kayaking. The snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities provide an excellent chance to get to know and enjoy the great variety of marine life. The trip allows one to observe the local flora and fauna or simply to opt for a rest on a beach surrounded by palm trees.

El Paredón and the Bungy Jump.
The Paredón is an area in Puerto Vallarta famous for the Bungy Jumping. It is surrounded by cliffs and has a spectacular view of the region. The jumpers are placed on a platform where the landscape can be observed and then, they dive down to the Pacific Ocean. To complete the adventure, water motorcycles and parachuting can be enjoyed.

Adventures with Dolphins.
A group of investigators and experts in the conservation of these mammals organize excursions called “Dolphins in the Wild” in which small groups are taken out of the Bay to interact and cohabit with dolphins in their own habitat. Their message is that “a free dolphin is a happy one” and they work with many organizations to prevent these and other cetaceans being captured for our entertainment.

Air Expedition to San Sebastián.
San Sebastian is a lovely old city surrounded by pine woods and famous for its silver mines. Its colonial architecture blends with a colorful village, cobblestoned streets and a very relaxed life style. After a guided tour of the village you are served a very Mexican and homely breakfast in a more than 150 year-old Hacienda. To get there, there ia a ten-minute flight in a light aircraft and on the way you can admire a cascade in the heart of the “Sierra”, remote villages and mountains covered with dense tropical vegetation.

Terra Noble.
A spa in a unique tranquil oasis. It represents an ecological and artistic proposal for the new millennium, a creative and comfortable alternative for health. In “Terra Noble”, the visitors can relax; charge themselves with energy, while enjoying spectacular views of the bay. The treatments range, from relaxing massages with aromatherapy oils, mineral salts or clay or remedies to the “temazcalli”, an ancestral sauna a delightful experience fo any visitor.

The Night Rhythms.
The activities start from the Coves with a spectacular view of the sunset. Afterwards they offer a candlelight supper and a show with torches is presented in a natural amphitheater, where the traditional and rich prehispanic music is presented. The night atmosphere and the reflection of the moon on the sea create a captivating atmosphere for the visitors.

Tour to the land of the Huichol Indians.
The Huichol Indians are one of the few indigenous groups in the world that maintain their traditions, customs and language. To know more about them, an expedition to the lonely mountain of “la Sierra Madre” is organized, where this indigenous group conserves its purity and transmits it through their textiles and handicrafts, which can be also acquired in the markets in the center of Vallarta.

Whale Watching.
An exciting, startling and touching experience to see, each winter as hundreds of hunchback whales migrate to the Mexican Pacific coasts, to reproduce and give birth. These cetaceans not only impress by their colossal size, but also by their spectacular acrobatics and for the tenderness shown in the way they care for their young.

Visitors can also observe dolphins, turtles and giant flying fish “mantarrayas”. Experts in marine mammals guide the excursion.

Expedition to the Sierra Madre.
In special “all terrain” open vehicles driving through winding roads, expeditions take place which cross unknown rivers, tracks in the jungle, streams coming from the mountains, sany hills and deep canyons which form part of the uneven “Sierra”. Through the exuberant jungle the guides will explain the life in that ecosystem. You will see XIX century villages which are testimony of a Mexico that very few travelers get to know.

Night Walks.
At night, the promenade “Malecón” comes alive with a festive atmosphere, where you can have fun late into the night, as Puerto Vallarta is one the safest destinations for visitors.