Exploring the Fauna and Flora of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is located right between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre. The mountain is full of hidden treasures, with its flourishing wildlife, waterfalls, typical small villages and bumpy tracks inside the heart of the jungle. The Pacific Ocean on its side, offers some of the most amazing animals to watch, such as whales and dolphins.

Sierra Madre: The Sierra Madre is still mostly uninhabited , with very few people living in its jungle. As a result, the animals and plants have grown safe without to much human intervention, allowing you to discover this natural paradise. The Sierra Madre is full of small trails, waterfalls and hidden Mexican village worth the visit. A lot of area are only accessible by walking or horse riding. The perfect spot for adventure.

The fauna of the Sierra Madre offers a wide range of species. You will be able to watch an incredible number of colorful butterflies. Iguanas are present too. They are shy by nature but you’ll be able to watch some of them laying under the sun. Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for birds lovers, with more than 320 species, such as Tropical Kingbird, Great Kiskadee, Hooded Oriole. The waterfalls are also a place to observe lots of animals, as they visit them to refresh themselves. In a good day, you will be able to see turtle and monkeys.
The vegetation is quite unique thanks to the tropical environment. The jungle is very alive, and you will find from Palm trees to Orchids and Bougainvillea. Visiting the jungle is a must do.

Pacific Ocean: The Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta is a giant nursery for humpback whales from December to March. They come here to give birth, nurse their calves and mate. This kind of whales are one of the most active, with its spectacular breaching and flipper slapping.
You will be able to observe dolphins (Bottlenose and Spinner) playing around freely in the Bay also. These intelligent marine mammals are beautiful to watch as they jump beside you.
Other animals to watch include the giant Manta Rays, and lots of colorful tropical fish swimming around you. This is one of the nicest places to snorkel and dive.

Other spots to visit in Banderas Bay include Marietas Islands, a Marine reserve Park and Bird sanctuary, and Las Caletas, a charming spot offering a tropical beach hideaway made famous by John Houston. Great place to spend a day on the beach, relax in a hammock or explore the forest nearby.