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Around Banderas Bay
 Beautiful Banderas Bay, one of the largest and deepest in the world, may be admired from many of the surrounding hills exuberant in lush vegetation. Located right at the mouth of the Bay, straddling both sides of the River Cuale lays a charming and picturesque little town with true Mexican spirit, Puerto Vallarta.
To the east, the jungle clad Sierra Madre Mountains, which quickly rise to over 8,000 feet, encircle and protect the town from the winds and regulate the semi-tropical and humid weather.
To the south the hills cascade towards the sea creating a rich palette that mixes the vivid green foliage with the deep blues of the water. At their feet nestle secluded coves and small fishing villages, many of which are still accessible only by sea.
But, to the north, the hills give way a little. Here you will find miles long stretches of golden sand beaches, rich plantations of papaya and mango and, tucked back along tumbling rivers and streams, small villages where life seems to move at a different pace. There are many different ways to explore the Bay.
The adventurous can hike or mountain bike in the hills, the romantic can choose to soar above it all in a multicolored hot air balloon, the inquisitive can explore the jungle, plantations, and hidden trails on horseback, by jeep safari, or in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.
And, of course, there are cruises! From luxurious privately chartered yachts to fun-filled "party boats" or an authentic Spanish galleon. Whether for the day or just to catch the magnificent Pacific sunsets, there is a cruise to suit everyone and it is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and magic of the Bay.
The Bay of Banderas is also home to a wide variety of aquatic life. Humpback whales come here to mate every year from December to March, and sea turtles nest on the beaches from May to October. Schools of dolphins and giant manta rays also inhabit these waters. The Bay and the Marietas Islands offer an amazing kaleidoscope of tropical fish, attracting snorkelers, scuba divers and sport fishermen alike.
But your exploring does not have to be limited just to the Bay, there are nearby archeological sites to visit as well. Close at hand, in the region of Ixtapa, studies have uncovered sites dating back to 400 B.C.
And, finally, Puerto Vallarta is less than a one-hour flight away from Guadalajara, the Pearl of Mexico, and Mexico City, which, with over 23 million inhabitants, is the world's largest city, and the site of truly spectacular Aztec ruins.
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