Why go
The scenery changes quickly beyond the beachfront. The hills hold a mix of native hardwoods and other trees, while the shore includes palms and fruit trees. El Salado is a distinct habitat where crocodiles have been recorded; it calls for a different kind of visit from a beach walk.
The full story
Around Puerto Vallarta, trees such as amapa, primavera, parota and cedar grow in the region, while palms and fruit trees are more familiar near the coast. Urban expansion has put pressure on a locally restricted oil palm. This variety reflects several adjoining environments rather than one uniform tropical forest. Birdlife ranges from parrots and macaws to pelicans and gulls, echoing the transition from wooded land to shoreline. Fish caught in the bay include dorado, sailfish and snapper. El Salado stands apart as a coastal estuary with crocodiles, and the Río Cuale is another wildlife corridor through the city. Look for each species in its own habitat, without counting on a sighting. The striking feature is how close these settings sit together: sea, river, wetland and mountain slopes surround the urban coast.