Best Nature photos in Puerto Vallarta

The best places for nature photography in Puerto Vallarta

Attention outdoor fans and lens enthusiasts! Puerto Vallarta offers you a wide variety of beautiful places to unleash your camera skills and capture the beauty of our natural environment.

Eco Tourism Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/eco-tourism-puerto-vallarta/

Bird Watching and Photography in Puerto Vallarta Riviera Nayarit https://promovisionpv.com/bird-watching-and-photography-in-puerto-vallarta-riviera-nayarit/

Puerto Vallarta is the ideal setting for people who love nature photography, whether they are beginners or professionals; from lush rain forests to stunning panoramic views of the Pacific coast.

Take advantage of this #NaturePhotographyDay to take your camera and go explore the following places where you can capture the essence of the natural wonders of Puerto Vallarta.

Nogalito Eco Park Puerto Vallarta https://promovisionpv.com/nogalito-eco-park-puerto-vallarta/

Los Arcos National Marine Park

Los Arcos National Marine Park is, without a doubt, a must-see for lovers of underwater photography. Located south of Puerto Vallarta, right in front of Mismaloya Beach, these iconic rock formations rise majestically above the crystalline waters of the Pacific Ocean. Also popularly known as “Los Arcos de Mismaloya”, they constitute a spectacular setting for your photographs.

The National Park is also a refuge and habitat for a variety of seabirds, such as booby birds, parakeets and pelicans. Colorful fish such as clown fish, puffer fish, manta rays and octopuses inhabit the reef zone at the bottom of the sea. So don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a photography safari through this natural paradise, whether from land or at sea.

Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint (belvedere)

Climb the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Downtown Puerto Vallarta and, in the background, the coastal strip of Banderas Bay. This viewpoint is one of the main attractions in Puerto Vallarta and offers an excellent reference point to capture beautiful sunsets and the natural landscape of the city.

Prepare your camera and, as the “golden hour” approaches, watch the sky become a living canvas of warm hues. The impressive contrast between the ocean, the mountains and, in the middle, the typical small town creates a unique composition for landscape photography. Going to the viewpoint early in the day or at dusk is a guarantee of unparalleled panoramic photographs.

Vallarta Botanical Garden

To disconnect and immerse yourself in a relaxing natural setting, there is no better option than visiting the Vallarta Botanical Garden. It is a paradise of almost 50 hectares, located just 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, towards Barra de Navidad. This prestigious enclave was named the third most beautiful among all botanical gardens in North America in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 by the English newspaper USA Today.

In the Vallarta Botanical Garden you will find a wide collection of endemic plants, exotic flowers and trees from the region. Get your camera ready to capture the fascinating colors and intricate details of the flora, while you walk the interpretive trails of the place. Approach with great care the delicate beauty of the orchids, palm groves and trees that are a refuge for tropical birds. Both the gardens and the Los Horcones River offer endless opportunities for macro photography experts.
Vallarta Botanical Garden

The Vallarta Botanical Garden has grown to become one of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s most important landmarks. https://promovisionpv.com/the-vallarta-botanical-garden-has-grown-to-become-one-of-puerto-vallarta-mexicos-most-important-landmarks/

Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00am-6:00pm (closed on Mondays)
Admission fee: $300.00 Pesos*
https://www.vbgardens.org/es/
Tel. +52 (322) 223-6182

*Important: Admission fee shown for informational purposes only. Prices are subject to change without notice. We recommend that you check rates and packages available directly on the Vallarta Botanical Garden website.
Estero El Salado State Park

Estero El Salado State Park is a 209-hectare ecosystem that connects the land to the sea. Its location is strategic because it is located a few minutes from Marina Vallarta and the North Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta. This Protected Natural Area is recognized for being the only urban estuary in Latin America. It recently reopened its doors to the general public after a two-year hiatus.

More than 130 species of birds, reptiles and mammals live in the Estero El Salado. Visitors can experience the biodiversity of the area on guided tours for children and adults, where it is possible to observe crocodiles, iguanas, herons, pelicans and other species in their natural habitat.

Estero El Salado State Park also offers various outdoor activities, such as bird watching, hiking trails, and free guided tours led by expert biologists. These visits allow you to learn about the different species of flora and fauna that inhabit the area, including: 134 species of birds, 46 species of plants, 29 species of mammals and 29 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Estero El Salado State Park

Free guided tours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm
Closed Sundays and Mondays | No admission fee
More information and reservations via Facebook: Estero El Salado | Vallarta Port

Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains

The Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range surrounding Puerto Vallarta gives you an extraordinary opportunity to capture the beauty of the natural landscape in all its splendor. Explore the trails that wind through the rainforest, find streams and waterfalls, observe birds and a diversity of fauna, and generally enjoy the impressive panoramic views of Puerto Vallarta and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The changing light and vegetation of the Sierra Madre Occidental make the mountains an ideal location for nature photography.

A fascinating option for an immersive, safe and informative wilderness adventure are hiking tours, led by local experts. Biologist Patasalada, for example, specializes in guided tours through the Puerto Vallarta rainforest. He tours some of the most beautiful places in the region in the company of the young biologist, hiker and conservationist Roberto Ornelas, while you will be able to identify and photograph the different species of flora and fauna that you observe during your tour.

The Eden

As its name indicates, El Edén is a small paradise for nature lovers. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, this ecotourism park is located in Mismaloya, about 15 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta. Visitors can enjoy refreshing waterfalls and natural pools, abundant local flora, and even various zip lines.

Through its trails of more than 1.5 kilometers you will have the opportunity to discover small hidden gems, ideal for nature photography. Don’t lose sight of the region’s endemic birds, colorful butterflies and abundant vegetation. Prepare your camera to capture the tropical atmosphere and the vibrant green tones awakened by the summer rains, which make El Edén a very attractive place for professional and amateur photographers alike.

El Edén de Vallarta Ecotourism Park

Monday to Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm
More information and reservations: +52 (322) 306-0541

We provide information and resources for visitors to Puerto Vallarta, areas of The Riviera Nayarit and other destinations in both states of Jalisco and Nayarit . You will find variety of content, including articles, blog posts, videos, photos, descriptions and interviews, all of which are designed to help visitors plan their trip, including attractions, restaurants, and events. https://promovisionpv.com/