Adventure tourism has rapidly won enthusiasts in recent years. Puerto Vallarta is a destination that offers an array of sports and adventure-packed activities since it's blessed with an ideal environment marked by privileged nature, sea, mountains and rivers. These are some of the most interesting options: Bicycle rides around town, mountains, lakes and the jungle; tours on 4x4 vehicles; horseback rides; trekking trails leading visitors up to gorgeous mountains and waterfalls (especially in the rainy season); mountain climbing, parachuting on the beach and the seawall; kayaking, and bike rentals, just to name but a few. As to the modalities that have caught on the most, bungee jumps for the boldest travelers are available over the Mismaloya and Canopo roads. Right now, there are three different places around town for the practice of this derring-do sport. WATER SPORTS: In a place like this, water sports are the name of the game. Most hotels are outfitted with facilities for water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, catamaran and yachting. Rides aboard banana boats and parasailing events are usually organized at the beach. Scuba diving is one of the most sought-after sports as travelers can take a closer look at gigantic devil rays, whales and other huge marine species, a day's delight for any underwater aficionado. The most interesting sites are Los Arcos, Marieta Islands and Caletas. And the best seasons come around in the summer and the fall when water visibility is at its best and seas are not choppy. For its part, snorkeling provides wet-behind-the-ears divers with a great chance to gaze at this astounding underwater scenery. A case in point is Los Arcos, a perfect natural reserve. Bahia de Banderas is also a perfect getaway for windsurfers, with over twenty sites. Besides, nearly all hotels offer windsurfing options. When it comes to fishing, Puerto Vallarta ranks among the finest places on the face of the earth for high-sea and sport fishing. Sailfish is the king of the seas around here, without making light of tunas, swordfish and dorados. A high-sea fishing tournament takes place in November. For further information, please click on www.fishvallarta.com.

GOLF

Little by little, golf is becoming one of Puerto Vallarta's biggest attractions, with better facilities and courses every year, some of them featuring spectacular views of the bay and the surrounding nature.

There are seven facilities now:

MARINA VALLARTA. It's located in the marina and near hotels there. This golf club has an 18-hole course designed by Joe Finger. A point worth mentioning is the breathtaking view of the bay and its natural obstacles. For more information, visit www.foremexico/marinagolf or send an e-mail to cgmv@pvnet.com.mx.

VISTA VALLARTA TOM WEISKOPF: This course shares facilities with the VISTA VALLARTA JACK NICKLAUS. Both places hosted the 2002 EMC World Golf Cup. It's an 18-hole course with gorgeous views. For more information, please click on: www.vistavallartagolf.com.

MAYAN PALACE: This place is increasingly becoming one of the most coveted facilities in town, primarily for its courses for all players and caddies. For further information, visit its website at www.mayanpalace.com.

PARADISE VILLAGE-EL TIGRE: This course was designed by a team of experts that has produced more than 200 golf courses around the world. It's penciled in as one of the most challenging courses in Mexico and a good one for all kinds of players. For more information, contact www.paradisemexico.com.

FOUR SEASONS: Perched on Punta Mita, this is a private course for guests and golf club members. The one thing that really makes a difference here is its 19th hole located on an island outside the beach boundaries and the course itself. Besides, it holds the Jack Nicklaus signature. For further information, please click on www.fourseason.com/puntamita. E-mail: concierge.pun@fourseasons.com.

FLAMINGOS: Located on the north side of the bay, approximately some nine miles north of the airport, this 18-hole golf course is open to the public, so no previous reservation is required. For more information, go to www.flamingosgolf.com.