Wildlife Encounters: Given Puerto Vallarta's tropical location, enjoying up-close and personal encounters with wildlife is not only inevitable; it is an invitation, and an opportunity you should not miss while visiting Banderas Bay. There are plenty of opportunities for young and old to marvel at the vast variety of species you will encounter here.
Markets, Mercados and Tianguis: A Mexican tradition that can be traced back to pre-hispanic times is the Tianguis, an open air market or bazaar usually held on the same day every week, where locals can purchase a variety of items, from fresh produce to clothing and so forth. In addition, traditional markets or mercados continue to draw customers in many cities large and small.
Buzz the Treetops on a Zip-Line: It was around 2005 that the first zip line tours started appearing in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. Since then, thousands of visitors have enjoyed the thrill of gliding briskly over treetops. Today, the select companies that offer zip line tours in the region compete with one another to provide the safest and most memorable experience.
Walk the Malecón: While many areas in Puerto Vallarta can be easily enjoyed on foot, walking the Malecón stands out as a must-do activity for visitors and locals. Day and night, alone or in a group, at a leisurely pace or even jogging, the Malecón is a social gathering place for visitors and locals that allows the opportunity of experiencing traditional Puerto Vallarta at its best.
Whale Watching: From November to April, Banderas Bay becomes the winter home and birthing ground for numerous humpback whales. Humpbacks are known for their acrobatic leaps and their unique “song,” which includes sounds such as grunts and squeaks. Watching a 40-ton creature leap almost completely out of the water is an experience that cannot be forgotten.
Road Trip: North: Do you have a car and a few hours to spare? Heading north from Puerto Vallarta on a road trip offers visitors the opportunity to get a sense of what life in Puerto Vallarta used to be some forty years ago. A half-dozen or-so villages can be explored along the way in one serving. And if you like their offerings, you can always return for more!
Road Trip: South: Do you have a car and a few hours to spare? Heading south from Puerto Vallarta on a road trip offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy picturesque ocean views from the scenic South Shore highway. As the highway veers towards the mountains, a temperature change is gradually noticeable. Before you know it, the road will be surrounded by pine trees!
