Puerto Vallarta is a very popular vacation destination due to its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and authentic Mexican charm. Puerto Vallarta is situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast where the Sierra Madre mountains lush jungle meets the Banderas Bay shores. Visitors and residents alike absolutely adore the area’s stunning natural beauty. In addition, PV has some of the best restaurants, shopping, bars, and art galleries. Have you heard that every year the humpback whales travel to the warm waters of the Banderas Bay to mate and birth their babies? It is an amazing site to see. There are so many outdoor activities to do in Puerto Vallarta. Do you have a vacation planned to Puerto Vallarta? If you do, make sure you take the time to see some of the area’s best natural attractions in Puerto Vallarta. Read below to learn about what to do in Puerto Vallarta. 

Yelapa

If you want to experience authentic small town Mexico, then Yelapa is the place to visit. Yelapa is a small beach village that you can only get to by boat. In order to get there, you will have to go to Boca de Tomatlan which is about 20 minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. From there you will have to catch a water taxi/boat to Yelapa. The town only has about 1,500 residents, and this is one of the safest towns in Mexico. Electricity and phones weren’t in Yelapa until 2001, and it maintains a traditional and authentic feel that visitors really appreciate. In fact, many of the residents still fish, farm, and garden to maintain their daily lifestyle even today. If you want to get aactive, there is a stunning waterfall in Yelapa that is just a short hike inland from the beach. 

Las Animas and Quimixto

Next, two additional beach villages in Banderas Bay are Las Animas and Quimixto. These villages are close to one another, so you can walk to each of them once you get there. To get to these villages, you will need to hike from Boca de Tomatlan or you can also take a water taxi, and the fee is around $3-$4 dollars for each person. The pier at Las Animas is easy to get on and off, so everyone of all ages can go to this charming village. Both villages have stunning beaches that are perfect places to go swimming or snorkeling. Make sure you take the time to eat at the restaurants as they serve authentic Mexican dishes and fresh seafood that will really hit the spot. Also, Quimixto has a beautiful waterfall that is only a 30 minute walk from the beach, too. 

El Eden and Mismaloya

If you want to get off the beaten path, El Eden and Mismaloya are two tropical places in Banderas Bay to explore. The movie Predator was filmed in 1987 here. El Eden has plenty of natural beauty, and it is located just south from Mismaloya Beach. The Mismaloya river created natural pools in El Eden, and they are surrounded by the lush tropical greenery. If you want to escape the hot Mexican sun for the day, head to El Eden where you can swim in the natural water holes that are super refreshing. There is also a restaurant there where you can enjoy cool drinks and great food, too. 

Cuale River

In the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains is where the Cuale River is located. The Cuale River originates about 2,500 meters above sea level. From there, the Cuale River runs through the town of El Cuale, which is a small mining town, then it flows through the deep ravines until it makes its way to Puerto Vallarta. The river is 40 kilometers long, and it meets the Pacific Ocean in downtown. Downtown/El Centro and Old Town/Zona Romantica neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta are divided by the Cuale River. There, you can find locals fishing and swimming in the Cuale River underneath the Malecon Boardwalk bridge. You can also see many different bird species in this area, too. 

If you will be vacationing in Puerto Vallarta in the near future, then make sure you explore some of the natural attractions. The winter months are the perfect time to visit some of the swimming holes, because they have been replenished from the summer rains. If you need an all-inclusive vacation package, then contact Garza Blanca Resorts. The luxury resort is located south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on a private and pristine beach. They are operated by TAFER Hotels & Resorts which is known for their high-end developments. Beachfront suites are spacious, elegant, and finely furnished. Also, they have wonderful onsite amenities including multiple pools, great restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and more. Vacation club memberships are available for qualified travelers, too. Plus, COVID sanitation practices have been implemented to keep visitors safe. Contact Garza Blanca today to take advantage of special discounts on travel packages that won’t last forever.