Sierra Vallejo Birdwatching & Chocolate Experience

5.0 (32 reviews)6 hPuerto VallartaSightseeingCulture & historyFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 2:50 pm, 1 h 40 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 40 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in Puerto Vallarta20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
  3. 8:35 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 6 h. Latest sensible start: 9:15 am.
  4. 2:35 pm
    Tour ends15 min back to the pier
  5. 2:50 pm
    Back at the gangway1 h 40 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical Puerto Vallarta call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 6 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:35 am and be back at the gangway around 2:50 pm — 40 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 3:50 pm or later. On a short call (ship leaving by 2:00 pm) skip it or ask for the first departure.

The operator offers pickup, but the listed pickup points are hotels, not the cruise port. Choose "I will meet at the departure point" when booking and allow 15 min each way by taxi — that is what we counted above.

Among the 400 Puerto Vallarta shore excursions we track, this is one of the longer ones (the median runs 4 h); 86% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Puerto Vallarta call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Discover one of Puerto Vallarta's best-kept natural treasures on a small-group adventure to the Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve. Accompanied by a specialized birding guide, explore lush tropical forests in search of colorful species such as trogons, hummingbirds, parrots, macaws, and many other native birds.

Your journey continues with a visit to Planeta Cacao, where you'll discover the fascinating history of cacao and traditional Mexican chocolate. Stroll through beautiful gardens, enjoy more birdwatching opportunities, and finish your experience with a delicious tasting of authentic artisanal chocolate.

Perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and travelers looking to experience the natural beauty and local flavors of Puerto Vallarta beyond the beaches.

* Specialized Bird Guide

* Visit to a Natural Protected Area

* Artisanal Chocolate and Cocoa Experience:

* Small Group Experience

Max 8 per group English, Spanish

What's included

  • Travel insurance
  • coffee, sweet rolls, some fruit, juice, bottled water & granola bar
  • Check list and Field guides
  • Refreshments at Tuito on local restaurant
  • Telescope and binoculars available
  • Group transportation in van A/C to/from
  • Planeta Cacao (Chocolate Experience)

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Ecotours Vallarta
    Check in at the office
    20 minAdmission included
  2. 2
    Stop 2
    Explore lush tropical forests teeming with birdlife as your expert guide helps you spot a remarkable variety of species, including trogons, hummingbirds, parrots, woodpeckers, hawks, falcons, and regional specialties such as the Elegant Trogon, Military Macaw, Blue Bunting, Varied Bunting, and White-faced Magpie-Jay. With its exceptional biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and peaceful surroundings, the Sierra de Vallejo is one of the premier birdwatching destinations in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas
    3 h
  3. 3
    Stop 3
    Discover how authentic Mexican chocolate is made and enjoy a tasting of handcrafted chocolate. Experience the rich history and flavors of traditional Mexican chocolate through a guided tour and tasting.
    1 hAdmission included

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Located near the ramp at the end of calle proa, 1/2 block beyond the " 8 Tostadas" restaurant.
Located near the ramp at the end of calle proa, 1/2 block beyond the " 8 Tostadas" restaurant.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Fitness Level: The tour is categorized as easy, with walks that are generally not difficult.
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for children under 8 years of age.
  • Health Considerations: Not recommended for individuals with back, neck, heart, or knee problems.
  • Walking Requirements: Participants need to be able to walk short distances on their own over natural or unpaved trails.
  • Accessibility: The tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Traveler reviews

5.0
32 traveler reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
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Read all 32 reviews

Operated by ECOTOURS VALLARTA. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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