PUERTO VALLARTA, JALISCO,– Set along the stunning coastline of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta’s breezy air, warm waters, surrounding mountains and tropical jungle draw hundreds of exciting species of birds to the destination year-round. Excellent local tour companies with knowledgeable, English-speaking guides offer private birding trips to untouched estuaries and other bird sanctuaries, where rare species sightings are common.
One of the most fascinating seabirds to be spotted in the Galapagos, the Blue-footed Booby Bird, is also present at Las Marietas, a small island located just a short boat ride away from Puerto Vallarta’s dock in the Marina. Named after the Spanish word “bobo,” meaning clown, the Blue-footed Booby Bird is known for its strange mating dance, dive-bombing hunting technique and cross-eyed appearance (its eyes are pointed forward). At the Marietas, they can be spotted resting on rocks near the shore.
Among the abundance of birds to be seen in Puerto Vallarta are the Boat-billed Heron, Potoos, Russet-crowned Mot Mot, Masked Tityra, the Squirrel Cuckoo, Inca Dove, Lilac-crowned Parrott, Dusky-capped Flycatcher and the Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, to name just a few.
For world-class bird watching day trips and private, multiple-day tours along the coast and throughout Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre mountains, contact Open-Air Expeditions at 011 52-322-222-3310, or send an email to openair@vivamexico.com. Access their website at www.vallartawhales.com.
Puerto Vallarta was selected by CONDE NAST TRAVELER readers as the eighth best destination in the world in their annual “Reader’s Choice Awards” in the November 2001 issue, as well as number one international destination because of the “remarkable amiability of the local folk.” Puerto Vallarta was the only destination in Mexico that made the list.
Located on the Western Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta’s charm remains largely undiscovered, along with its cobblestone streets, stunning beaches, plentiful marine life, lush Sierra Madre Mountains, exceptional restaurants, fine Gourmet Festival, new golf courses and vibrant art culture. For more information about Puerto Vallarta, call your travel agent or toll-free at 888-384-6822, or direct at (52) 322 22 41175; FAX: (52) 322 22 40915. Log on at www.visitpuertovallarta.com. |
