Get Your Feet Wet in Banderas Bay

Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful Mexican resort city that is situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahia de Banderas, which means luxury resorts and cultural and architectural wonders both in one fashionable place.

Many people book flights to Puerto Vallarta for the beaches, but there are of course, cultural reasons to visit. Here are some of them:

Bullfights: Even though Spain has banned bullfighting, that doesn’t mean you can’t catch a glimpse of that sport in Mexico, where they call it  “Corrida de Toros.” Puerto Vallarta bullfights begin traditionally at 5:00 p.m.

Whale Watching: Many people head to Alaska to spot humpback whales, but Banderas Bay is full of them. This is a good spot to visit during the late summer and early fall. Bring your binoculars.

Natural Attractions for Hiking: Puerto Vallarta is bordered by the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, and therefore is an excellent spot for hiking, climbing and spectacular ocean views too.

Museums in Puerto Vallarta: There are some can’t miss museums for the cultural historian that include the Museo de Rio Cuale (central Puerto Vallarta, featuring traditional Mexican arts and crafts and folklore); Manuel Lepe Museum (paintings by the artist); Huichol Museum (a museum devoted to one of the oldest tribes in Mexico).

Cultural Events: There are festivals and fun cultural activities that happen in Banderas Bay, all the time. From the Sea Turtle Preservation to events in the Botanical Gardens, you can find seasonal discoveries any time you visit.

Photo: Jesse.millan