To understand why there is such a diversity of animals in Puerto Vallarta, it is necessary to know its location, Puerto Vallarta is located halfway between Bahía de Banderas and is part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the local climate is tropical, which makes it a true paradise for flora and fauna. It is considered a very important habitat in America, since it protects and includes a large number of species.
The Sierra Madre Occidental is covered by a thick jungle that grows to the edge of the Pacific Ocean, making the towns and beaches located along the coast only accessible by sea. With an extension of 40 kilometers of mountains, rivers, coasts and beaches.
Flora
The vegetation is abundant and diverse. In this you can find many types of trees: chilte, brazilwood, and amapá, and the production of tropical solid wood such as spring, parota, cedar and walnut.
Bougainvillea is found in various colors from red, purple, orange and white throughout the region, while rare orchids can be found in our rainforest.
For lovers of exotic fruits, Vallarta offers coconut bananas, macho, watermelon, pineapple, guamúchil, mango, guava, Jacka fruit and avocado.
Vegetation is abundant and diverse in Vallarta, where most of the jungle is tropical dry forest.
The most common species that you will find in it are the capomo (Brosimum alicastrum), the habillo (Hura polyandra), the trompera (Cecropia obtusifolia) and several species of Ficus and Busera.
In addition to beautiful Palmas Cohune (Attalea cohune) and Coyul (Acrocomia mexicana), which when found in large concentrations transform the jungle into a palm grove.
Fauna
Animals in the region include white-tailed deer, ocelot, badger, raccoon and jaguar, all of which are found in the covered jungle. Believe it or not, we have squirrels.
The local reptile population consists of green iguanas, spiny-tailed iguanas, and other large lizards, as well as crocodiles and snakes.
There are more than 178 rare and exotic species of butterflies, scattered throughout the Sierra Madre.
Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean around Puerto Vallarta is teeming with marine life including blue marlin, black marlin, snapper, snapper, sailfish, tuna, and bass, making it ideal for deep sea fishing.
On the other hand the Marietas Islands and Los Arcos provides a home not only to exotic animal life but is also a sanctuary for a wide variety of marine and coral species. You will have a unique opportunity to observe 4 species of mammals, 90 species of birds and more than 100 species of fish.
At least five types of sea turtles they are found in the waters of Puerto Vallarta, all of them in danger of extinction, although local efforts to save the turtle are now part of the local culture.
Dolphins can be seen frolicking in the bay and very friendly. Among the species are bottlenose, speckled, and dusky.
Perhaps the most distinguished visitors to Vallarta is the Humpback Whale, which returns every winter season to enjoy its warm waters.
Lucky visitors can experience a display of the mother-calf acrobatic show near the boats, and the casual observer has even witnessed an actual birth.