Exploring the Fauna and Flora of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta is located right between the Pacific Ocean and the range of mountains in the Western side of the country known as the Sierra Madre. These mountains are full of hidden treasures, flourishing wildlife, waterfalls, typical small villages, and bumpy tracks inside the heart of the jungle. The Pacific Ocean on the other side offers some of the most amazing marine mammals 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 to discover a natural setting. The Sierra Madre is full of small trails, waterfalls, and small Mexican villages worth visiting. Many areas are only accessible by walking or horse riding. Undoubtedly, it is 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 will 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 is where lots of animals can be observed, as they visit them to refresh themselves. In a good day, you will 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. 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, as well as Las Caletas, a charming spot offering a tropical beach hideaway made famous by John Houston. Ten minutes north is Yelapa; without a question, it is a great place to spend a day on the beach, to relax in a hammock or to explore the forest nearby.