Birding Tours Puerto Vallarta, Bird Watching in Banderas Bay, Bahia de Banderas

The north bank of the Cuale River is where the founders of Puerto Vallarta first settled; past the main square is founder Guadalupe Sanchez’s home site, marked by a plaque on the wall. Cobblestone streets lead us to the part of town known as Gringo Gulch, along the river banks, where many of the houses that are or have been owned by Americans are found. They epitomize the architectural style that is characteristic to Puerto Vallarta. In those streets the old Puerto Vallarta romantic, dreamlike lifestyle can be experienced. The bridge across Zaragoza Street that used to connect Elizabeth Taylor’s and Richard Burton’s houses can still be seen.

Our tour continued south across Colonia Emiliano Zapata, also known as the Romantic Zone, which in recent years has become a commercial and gastronomic strip. On both sides of the street there are quaint shops and luxury boutiques offering handicrafts, exclusive clothing and jewelry designs and other luxury items.

On the Mismaloya road the scene changes; the town gives way to a residential zone, probably the most privileged in the destination, in the point where the mountains and the ocean meet.

In Conchas Chinas there are luxurious condominiums and villas, some of which have been featured in international magazines.

From some spots up high the magnificent Banderas Bay can be admired. It is one of the largest on the Pacific seaboard and one of the most beautiful in the world. Near the shore, the sea takes on shades of emerald that make it unique.

Further south, the landscape opens up and the beauty of the coast, sprinkled with hotels and condominiums, can be admired. Only a few minutes later, we arrived at El Nogalito. This is a hamlet on the creek’s banks, completely engulfed by the magnificent jungle. Suddenly one is immerse in a green universe.

Vegetation is exuberant, and it shelters numerous species of birds, many of them endemic to Mexico. Some of the trees are blooming, adding color notes to the landscape.

On the edge of the road, there are chilte trees showing scars that are reminiscent of the times when sap was collected to make chewing gum, the kind known as Talpa Chicle.

Past the hamlet, always by the creek, there is a restaurant where visitors can freshen up, rest, have lunch and enjoy the setting, in the shade of enormous trees and to the murmur of the creek.

The route continues south to Mismaloya, and along the way the view of the sea and the mountain is enjoyed.

In Mismaloya there is a panoramic point dominating the cove, with the sets of The Night of the Iguana on the opposite side and the activity on the beach, with people enjoying the sun and the sea.

Along an eastward street we made it to a tequila gallery, where an extensive collection of tequila bottles is on display, as well as some handicrafts, and tequila tastings are offered to visitors.

Artisan tequila is made with special care, and the result can be experienced as the agave nectar caresses your taste buds. Be it white, old or aged, a fine shot of tequila is a pleasure that speaks of pride to be Mexican and Jaliscan.

There were more attractions yet to be enjoyed. We returned to the van and rode towards Las Juntas y Los Veranos, by the way of Boca de Tomatlán, at the Los Horcones River inlet.

Boca is one of the places of unmatchable beauty that we enjoyed through the day. From the panoramic point by Le Kliff Restaurant, the view of the cove is fully appreciated along with the beaches lying farther south, accessible only by sea: Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa.

It is at this point that the road leaves the coast and heads to the mountains. Very soon, the forest turns into Tropical semi deciduous forest.

The road borders Los Horcones river and the air starts to feel cooler.

The forest is quite exuberant and the views are breathtaking. Upon arriving in Las Juntas y los Veranos we drove along a narrow street and enjoyed the rural scenery.

The village is located in a narrow valley. Along the road we passed by a couple of tequila distilleries, where the process of tequila making can be learned. We took a few minutes to admire the splendor of the jungle covered mountains bordering the river, and then we headed back.

We stopped at Chico’s Paradise restaurant on the banks of the Horcones river. This time of the year the level of the river rises and its might can be felt as it carves its course between enormous boulders. Here we enjoyed an excellent seafood meal, just the size of our big appetite.

The ride back to Puerto Vallarta was quite pleasant. The recent memories of all the experiences and sensations lived in such a short period of time filled my mind. Many moments came back to my mind and even today they linger still, and I do not believe they will leave any time soon. This tour created memories that will stay with me a for a long time.

This tour took me to new spots, and to visit familiar places that remind me of how lucky I am to live in this city. Gerardo’s Signature Tour offers a selection of the best places to satisfy the travelers’ interest; a four-hour tour that emphasizes town, sea or jungle, always with the visitor’s preferences in mind.