Birds of Paradise: Mismaloya & Vallarta Botanical Garden Experience
Duration
7hr
Season
All year around
Groups
up to 8
Offered
Eng / Spa
Available days
December to March: 7 days/week (Except Christmas day and New Year)
April to November: 6 days/week (Closed on Mondays)
Tour Details
The southern region of Puerto Vallarta is where tropical deciduous forest meets the Pacific coast, creating a vibrant sanctuary for wildlife. This rich ecosystem is home to ferruginous pygmy owls, trogons, parakeets, woodpeckers, and chachalacas whose calls echo through the forest canopy.
Our journey begins along the coast at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, an iconic marine sanctuary where we observe brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, gulls, and herons soaring above dramatic granite formations.
We then continue inland toward the renowned Vallarta Botanical Garden, located approximately 1,300 feet above sea level beside the Horcones River. Dedicated to conservation, reforestation, and scientific research, the garden protects native agaves, cacti, magnolias, and orchids, while serving as an important refuge for species such as the Mexican hermit hummingbird.
Thanks to its thoughtful habitat design — including native food plants and bird feeders — the garden attracts yellow-winged caciques, San Blas jays, orioles, woodpeckers, and a remarkable variety of hummingbirds year-round. Peak hummingbird season runs from May through November.
This immersive experience blends coastal and highland ecosystems into one meaningful conservation journey — perfect for nature lovers seeking biodiversity and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
- Bird-specialized guide
- Binoculars and telescope available
- Personal bird checklist
- Identification materials
- Small groups (max 8 guests)
Includes
- A/C ground transportation
- Guided visit inside the Botanical Garden
- Continental breakfast
- Refreshments at the Garden restaurant
Not Included
- Admission to Vallarta Botanical Garden ($300 MXN per person – paid directly at the entrance as a conservation donation)
- Gratuities
- Lunch
Know Before You Book
Fitness Level: Moderately flexible. Some walking on natural trails and unpaved paths required.
- Children under 8 and pregnant women not allowed
- Not recommended for guests with back, neck, heart, or knee problems
- Children 8–11 must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Participants must be able to walk independently on natural terrain
Itinerary
6:30 am
6:30 AM – Marina Vallarta
Meet your guide at our Marina Vallarta office and depart for the south coast (alternative meeting points confirmed upon booking).
Mismaloya route
Enjoy a light continental breakfast while observing seabirds over the rock formations.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
Explore the Vanilla Path with your guide, admire lush vegetation, and observe birds at the feeders. Enjoy a light refreshment at the restaurant while completing your checklist.
2:00 PM – Return to Marina Vallarta
SUPPORTING CONSERVATION
In Ecotours de México we pride ourselves on offering excellent services on all our nature tours. To achieve this, we believe it is vital to protect the most important thing we have: our environment. Therefore, throughout our more than 25 years of experience, we have participated and supported different associations, campaigns and conservation projects, both local and national. Some of them are:
ECOBAC.
– We are the main sponsor of ECOBAC (Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC), a non-profit association that is responsible for the research and protection of humpback whales in Banderas Bay, as well as the diffusion of the NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010, federation standard for whale watching.
– We participate in the FIBB Catalog providing photographs of humpback whales for identification.
– ECOBAC and RABEN (Network of Assistance to Entangled Whales) are responsible for dealing with cases of whales entangled in fishing gear; Ecotours has supported these activities by providing boats and trained personnel for rescue maneuvers.
– Distribution of ecological and conservation information for environmental education.
– Find more information at www.whalephoto.org
Boca de Tomatlán Sea Turtle Camp.
– Each season, Ecotours de México makes a donation of various materials necessary for the correct management of the camp (tarpaulins, buckets, boxes, rakes, diggers, etc.)
– Also, donations of teaching materials with information about turtles have been made.
– Likewise, a donation is made per person in each of our visits during our tour “Encounter with Nature at the Sea Turtle Camp”.
The Green Macaw Sanctuary.
– In 2017, an artificial nest was donated for the project of protection, conservation and reproduction of the green macaw in Las Juntas and Los Veranos, Jalisco.
– Ecotours staff also supported the assembly of the donated artificial nest.
– Also, a donation is made per person in each of our visits to the sanctuary during the “Green Macaws Sanctuary” tour.
Campaigns to clean rivers and beaches.
– Ecotours has organized and participated in various local campaigns to clean the rivers and beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.
– In the same way, we clean the areas we visit in our tours.
Fishing Garbage Tournament at Marietas Islands.
– Ecotours has promoted and participated of the cleaning activities organized by CONANP (National Commission of Protected Natural Areas) and the National Park managers.
Distribution of organic products.
– To further support the care of our environment, at our shop we have biodegradable products (Newen organic soap, solid shampoo, handmade soaps), environment-riendly products (bamboo toothbrushes) and reusable products (aluminum bottles, mesh bags and jute bags).
We do this because we really care about Nature.
What to bring
Refillable water bottle (eco-friendly options available in our store with 10% discount), binoculars, comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, sun protection, and camera.
Cancellation Policies
- 36+ hours: 100% refund
- 24 hours: 50% refund
- Same day / No show / Late arrival: No refund
- Activities may change due to weather conditions
- Liability waiver required
- Tours are non-refundable once taken
Share Birds Watch Botanical Garden!
Birds Watch Botanical Garden
Imagine rows of majestic agaves reaching skyward, their spiky silhouettes contrasting with the gentle sway of towering cacti. Wander through fragrant groves of magnolias, their ivory blossoms exuding a delicate perfume. Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic realm of orchids, their exotic blooms a testament to nature’s artistry.
But the magic extends beyond the native. Here, exotic species from distant corners of the globe mingle harmoniously, their vibrant hues and captivating textures weaving a tapestry of botanical wonder.
The Vallarta Botanical Garden is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, to marvel at the tapestry of life, and to witness the unwavering dedication of those who strive to preserve it. Come, lose yourself in its vibrant embrace, and discover a sanctuary where beauty and conservation intertwine, definetly a chance to enjoy Birds Watch at Botanical Garden.
