Biodiversity and Ecology in PV

A 40-kilometer extension of mountains, rivers, coastline and beaches, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most important places in Latin America for biodiversity, because it protects an impressive number of species – both flora and fauna on land and in the sea.

The Occidental Sierra Madre is an extraordinary place that provides shelter for not only mammals, reptiles and butterflies, but also 400 species of birds of different size and color and 300 types of orchids.
The climate plays a pivotal role in the diversity of the wildlife found here. The summer sun and rains in turn create a beautiful tropical canopy that covers the mountains and brings life to the jungle, enriching their color and the nutrients of the jungles in the mountains.

FLORA:

The vegetation is abundant and diverse. In this are one can find many types of trees: Chilte, Palo de Brasil, and Amapa; and produce tropical strong wood such as amapa, primavera, parota, cedar and walnut (all of which can be used to make furniture or canoes). Bougainvillea is found in several colors from red, purple, orange and white throughout the region, while rare orchids can be found in our humid jungle .

For exotic fruit lovers Vallarta offers coconut, macho banana, watermelon, pineapple, guamuchil, mango, guava, jacka fruit and avocado.

FAUNA:

Animals in the region include the white tailed deer, ocelot, badger, raccoon and jaguar, all found deep in the jungle cover. Believe it or not, we have squirrels too! The local reptile population is made up of green iguanas, thorny-tailed iguanas, and other large lizards, as well as crocodiles and snakes.
We recommend using caution when viewing these animals in their habitat.

The Bahía de Banderas and Pacific Ocean surrounding Puerto Vallarta is teeming with marine life that includes blue marlin, black marlin, snapper, red snapper, sailfish, tuna, and sea bass, making it an ideal for deep sea fishing.

At least 5 kinds of sea turtles can be found in Vallarta’s waters, all of them under threat of extinction – though local efforts to save the turtle are now part of the local culture. Sea turtle conservatories and release sites have been established from one end of Vallarta’s coastline to the other.
Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the bay and fare very friendly. Among the species are bottle-nose, spotted, and dusky.

Perhaps Vallarta’s most distinguished visitor is the humpback whale, which returns winter after winter to enjoy its warm waters. Lucky visitors may experience mother and calf playfully displaying an acrobatic show near boats and the occasional observer has even been witnessed an actual birth!

Don´t miss out on the aquatic and jungle adventures that Puerto Vallarta has in store for you.