Sierra del Vallejo / Cocodrilario el Cora/ Chocolate patio and Garden
Duration
7hr
Season
October - May
Groups
up to 8
Offered
Eng / Spa
Available days
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Sierra del Vallejo Tour Details
This tour offers a blend of nature, wildlife, and cultural learning, making it an excellent choice for those interested in conservation, birdwatching, and the rich traditions of Mexican chocolate. The combination of exploring a protected tropical forest, visiting a unique crocodile sanctuary, and indulging in a chocolate experience ensures a well-rounded and memorable day.
In the northern area of Banderas, This tropical forest is one of the best conserved forests of the Pacific coast. Thanks to the efforts of several civil associations, this was declared a protected natural area in 2004, allowing the conservation of its diversity of plants and animals. Birding you can expect t osee Elegant Trogon. Blue Buntin, Varied Bunting, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Lineated Woodpecker, Ivory-billed Woodcreeper, Military Macaw, Hummingbirds, Parrots, and raptors, Halks and Falcos. Also we visit the unique, Cocodrilario El cora is a fascinating wildlife Sactuary while supporting corservation and rehabilitate for cocodiles, next to the stuary ecosistem, Herons and wáter birds like green kingfisher, belted Kingfisher, Roseate Spoonbill, Orange-Breasted Bunting and more.
At the end we go to a new expirience Planeta Cacao is a great destination learning about the world of cocoa and Mexican Chocolate, history, process of cultivation in a nice patio and garden more bird like Rufous-bellied Chachalaca, Orange-fronted Parakeet, Cinnamon-rumped Seedeaater, Mexican Parrotlet. And ejoy a Delicious tasting of Chocolate.
Highlights
- Specialized Bird Guide
- Visit to a Natural Protected Area
- Support for a Wildlife Sanctuary (Crocodile)
- Artisanal Chocolate and Cocoa Experience:
- Small Group Experience
These highlights make the tour both educational and enjoyable, with a strong emphasis on nature conservation and local culture.
Includes
- Ground Transportation in Van with a/c
- Birdwatching Gear: Binoculars and a scope provided for enhanced birdwatching.
- Personal Bird List: A customized bird list to track the species you observe during the tour.
- Refreshments: Water for refill, soft drinks, and granola bars provided for your convenience.
- Continental Breakfast: Coffe, yogurt, sweet roll, fruit,
- Cocodrilario Entrance Fee .
- Chocolate Tasting: Experience a traditional chocolate drink, adding a cultural touch to the tour.
Know Before You Book
- Fitness Level: The tour is categorized as easy, with walks that are generally not difficult.
- Age Restrictions: Suitable for children under 12 years of age.
- Health Considerations: Not recommended for individuals with back, neck, heart, or knee problems.
- Accessibility: The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Walking Requirements: Participants need to be able to walk short distances on their own over natural or unpaved trails.
Departure and Meeting Points
630 am
- 6:30 AM: Depart from Marina Vallarta.
- 6:50 AM: Stop at Starbucks La Mega Flamingos.
- 7:15 AM: Stop at Paninos Plaza Los Amores Bucerias.
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.
Tour Details:
- Begin the tour by meeting with your guide and other birdwatchers at Marina Vallarta. Travel north on Federal Highway 200 to a small town in the Sierra de Vallejo.
- Spend a couple of hours birdwatching in the mountains.
- Return to Highway 200 and visit El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary for additional birdwatching.
- End the tour with a refreshing chocolate drink at Planeta Cacao in Tondoroque, Nayarit, where you will also complete your bird observation list.
Return:
- The tour concludes around 1:00 – 1:30 PM, with a return to Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, and Puerto Vallarta.
What to bring
Bring your refillable water bottle or purchase your bottle at cost with us and get 10% discount in our store. Check the Ecofriendly products Link section.
Binoculars, all-terrain shoes or tennis, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap), camera.
Cancellation Policies
- Cancellations 36 hrs in advance 100 % refund
- Cancellations 48 hrs in advance 50% refund
- Cancellations the day of tour, no shows or being late, No refund, forfeit the entire amount
- Activities may be changed due to weather conditions (hurricane, storm)
- All guests are required to sign a release of liability
- All tours are non-refundable once taken
Share This!
