Ecotourism or sustainable tourism is a modality that pursues development based on respect and protection of the environment and natural resources in each and every place.

This trend has spread all around the world and, here in Mexico, its importance is accruing with each passing day.The basic element as far as this travel field is concerned is that every single one of us should be responsible during our visits and guide our behavior in keeping with respect and protection toward the surroundings.

Given its geographical location and subtropical climate, Puerto Vallarta is blessed with numerous flora and wildlife species, let alone a natural scenery that clicks a discovery drive in everyone's mind.Here we have the possibility of choosing from either embarking on tours with professional companies or just doing the touring all by ourselves for this is a quiet and safe place that allows us to do so.

Among an array of choices,we can take a hike up in the mountains while gazing at a local vegetation marked by such trees as chiltle,brazil, dyewood, tampiciran, amapa and giant parotas;or maybe catch a glimpse at countless animal species like amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

There are a few coastal lagoons,like Estero del Salado,that can be kayaked down the canals that slither their way through the mangrove thickets.This is a paradise for birdwatchers as well,with plenty of species that nestle and feed themselves on the premises.Tailor-made tours for birdwatchers are also available.

The place is particularly beautiful in summer as soon as the Marine Turtle Protection Program goes into effect.Visitors may drop in on a nearby breeding ground and release baby turtles. If they get lucky, they can even make sight of a female turtle at the beach.

SPORTS AND ADVENTURE TOURISM

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 Canopy 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 soughtafter 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 wetbehind- 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 highsea fishing tournament takes place in November.For further information,click on

www.fishvallarta.com.