Explore Nature in the Sierra
The time has come where Puerto Vallarta is painted in green hues with the summer rains, creating the perfect conditions for many outdoor activities.
One of the offers to live these adrenaline-filled experiences is Canopy River that will take you through the Sierra Madre Mountains: zip lines, ATV rides and walks on hanging bridges. If you prefer something more relaxed, there are options such as hiking from Las Animas to Quimixto, with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and the opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna.
The Sierra Madre Mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta offer exciting outdoor adventures with breathtaking views.Multiple zip lines: Hanging bridges and rappelling: ATV or horseback riding: Look for tours and treks that include off-road exploration.
We recommend that you bring appropriate footwear such as tennis shoes or boots, plenty of water for hydration and the best attitude.
Visit the beautiful Marieta Islands
An internationally recognized natural attraction and famous for the stunning Playa del Amor, the Marieta Islands are listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Marieta Islands offer a unique combination of natural beauty, biodiversity and adventure. The Islas Marietas National Park offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike; from scuba diving to bird watching and humpback whale watching.
The highlight of any visit to the Marietas Islands is La Playa Escondida, better known as “Playa del Amor”, a secluded beach that hides a crater inside and is only accessible through a water tunnel, making it one of the most unique beaches in the world. Because it is a protected area, access to Playa del Amor is limited to just over 100 people per day.
The activities you can do are snorkeling and wildlife watching. You can swim with multicolored tropical fish.
We recommend booking an early tour for a better experience and to enjoy the calm sea.
Sea Turtle Release
In this summer season another unforgettable natural experience takes place along the coast of Puerto Vallarta: the release of sea turtle hatchlings. From June to September, mother turtles return to the Vallarta beaches where they were born to lay their eggs and weeks later, the turtle hatchlings begin to hatch and head out into the ocean for the first time, all under the supervision of marine biologists and conservationists.
You can be part of this experience at a variety of local camps and resorts. Some programs not only allow guests to witness the releases, but also to actively participate by helping researchers monitor the nests, adopting hatchlings and learning about the crucial work being done to protect these endangered species.
It’s an incredible way to connect with nature on your vacation in a different and deeply moving way.
Boca de Tomates Turtle Camp, north of Puerto Vallarta, offers a hands-on experience that includes adopting nests and assisting with releases as a volunteer.
Surround yourself with nature at the Botanical Garden
If you want to take a break from the sultry summer heat, a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Garden is a great option that you can’t miss.
Located in the south of Puerto Vallarta, the Botanical Garden encompasses more than 18 hectares of native flora of the region, safe areas to cool off in the Los Horcones River and peaceful green trails for strolling, making it a favorite for nature lovers.
The Vallarta Botanical Garden showcases Mexico’s rich biodiversity and is a great option to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist area. Besides getting to know more than 3,000 species of exotic plants and orchids. And to complement the day, don’t forget to visit La Hacienda restaurant with beautiful panoramic views and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Be sure to bring insect repellent, comfortable clothes and your bathing suit.
Enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s Culinary Scene
One of Puerto Vallarta’s great attractions is its well-established culinary scene, attracting food lovers from around the world to its eclectic mix of traditional Mexican flavors, coastal specialties and innovative haute cuisine.
During the summer, the city’s great restaurants take on a more relaxed atmosphere, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy a more intimate dining experience.
The gastronomy in Puerto Vallarta is very rich and varied. You can find different restaurants renowned for their contemporary tasting menus that reinvent traditional Mexican dishes with regional influences. Elegant dining options that reinterpret the local cuisine of Vallarta and the region. Also in the heart of the Romantic Zone you will find different dining options with a creative and innovative approach in refined yet casual settings. The more relaxed pace of the season allows guests to savor world-class cuisine without the usual waits.
And don’t forget that summer nights in Puerto Vallarta come alive with acclaimed restaurants, as well as nightclubs and bars with live music.
Whether you enjoy innovative seafood, savor reinvented regional dishes on a shaded garden terrace, or explore the fresh ingredients of the day in a centrally located chef-driven venue, the summer season offers a more personal connection to the culinary art that defines Puerto Vallarta.