Rivera Cuale believes in sustainable development and responsible corporate citizenship and is doing its part to help raise awareness for the environment and educate and involve the community. We host workshops, events and river clean-ups that encourage community participation and environmental appreciation and hope that by working together, the natural resources of the area will remain clean and available for all to enjoy for generations to come.

For a fairly small city, Puerto Vallarta has a very developed community of not-for-profit organizations and charities. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, see new sights, learn about the culture and make a valuable contribution to the area in which you live. Whether you prefer to simply make donations, attend fundraisers, or roll your sleeves up and get out there, there are opportunities for every interest and your contribution is appreciated.

You can volunteer to work with children, people in need, animals, the environment, AIDS education and awareness, breast cancer, the Red Cross, and the list goes on. There are even opportunities to volunteer at places like the zoo and botanical gardens.

continue reading

Puerto Vallarta is also a haven for sporting and recreational activity. You may be surprised to learn just how much you can do here, whether you prefer a regular and rigorous exercise regime or something occasional and leisurely.

For self-directed recreation, walk or run along the Malecon in the fresh morning air, for some beginning-of-the-day-inspiration, or stroll the banks of the Cuale River, for some moments of peace and reflection. There are also two beaches very near to Rivera Cuale, Playa de Los Muertos and Playa Olas Altas that are great places to go for a walk and enjoy the view of Banderas Bay.

A block from Rivera Cuale is a newly built, community multi-purpose court where you can shoot some hoops or get some friends together for a soccer ("futbol") match, or maybe join in with one of the neighborhood matches and surprise them with your skill. You may even try introducing ball hockey there, which would really catch the attention of the locals. Across from the court is the colonia's plaza and park, with a pretty kiosk. Just down the road from there, is a little place that offers daily, drop-in spinning classes. Of course, at Rivera Cuale itself, you can work out in the fitness room and swimming pools if you like to stay close to home for your exercise, but there are also nearby gyms you can join - you can even get a personal trainer in Vallarta. In the evenings, there are uncountable nearby nightspots to go out dancing, if you enjoy that sort of recreation.

Puerto Vallarta is fast becoming a major tennis destination and has several tennis clubs with various types of courts to choose from: open, covered, clay, hard surface and carpet surface. Tennis classes, workshops and professionals are available to help with your game. There are resorts fairly close to Rivera Cuale where you can book some court time.There is a good-sized sports facility in Puerto Vallarta, just outside of Centro, generally referred to as the stadium. They have a great track open to the public and even offer fitness classes for a very low cost. There are soccer fields, a softball diamond and fronton courts. This fast-moving, two-person handball game will get your heart rate right up!

The stadium also hosts major professional sporting events from time to time, such as FIFA World Beach Soccer. Throughout Puerto Vallarta, sports enthusiasts can attend major events like World Championship Boxing, training rounds of Mexican Davis Cup tennis, Sidral Aga International Sports Classic, volleyball and golf tournaments, sailing regattas and fishing derbies. If you're a runner, consider participating in the yearly Puerto Vallarta International Half Marathon.

continue reading

There are also limitless opportunities for outdoor, guided recreation. You might want to go on a hiking, mountain biking, horseback or ATV tour in the surrounding mountains or do some zip-lining and repelling in the Sierra's canopy. For something more passive, consider a bird watching tour, visit a turtle camp and release baby Olive Ridley turtles into the sea, or safely observe crocodiles in their native habitat at the Cocodrilario El Cora, near Flamingos Golf Course.

If you love the water and all sports associated with it, you are in the right place. There are many operators in the area who will take you on a chartered fishing excursion, sailing, harbour cruise, hovercraft tour up the Ameca River, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, parasailing, kite boarding, wind surfing, swimming with dolphins, whale watching and more.

Puerto Vallarta is a destination for golf amateurs and professionals alike. With nine courses and another on the way, designed by names like Jack Nicklaus, there are options to challenge and inspire every player in some of the world's most beautiful scenery.

There is an excellent publication that comes out in Spanish and English every two weeks called the Bay Vallarta Guide. You can pick this up around town for free. It lists not only events around town, but all sorts of recreational activities and classes you can join, from art workshops to yoga and meditation, martial arts, dance and so much more.

continue reading