The Ameca River: Location and all you need to know

Considered one of the 100 most attractive birdwatching sites in Mexico, the Ameca River is a protected natural area. The north side of the bay is drier than the east and south sides. Here you will find lagoons, small rivers and streams, agricultural areas and coastal environments.

cuenca del rio ameca

Location of the Ameca River

The Ameca River is a river about 230 km long in western Mexico. It rises in the Bosque de la Primavera in Jalisco, 23 km west of the state capital Guadalajara, flows through the town of Ameca and then forms the border between Jalisco and Nayarit on its way to the Pacific Ocean (see article: Rio Severn).

mapa del rio ameca

Where it flows into Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Its main tributaries are the Ahuacatlán and the Amatlán de Cañas. The Ameca has been dammed north of the town of La Vega, Jalisco, forming a reservoir, Lago La Vega, which extends north to the town of Teuchitlán.

Fauna of the Ameca

On this tour we focus on the provinces of the city of Jalisco and the Ameca River. Jalisco is an agricultural city and the area is a semi-deciduous tropical forest, so we can see about 80 different species of birds (see article: Rio Teslin).

fauna del rio ameca

We then continue our journey to the Ameca River, one of the most beautiful coastal waters near the bay. It comprises more than 247 acres / 100 hectares of tidal flats surrounded by white mangroves.

The river is also the natural habitat of crocodiles, raccoons, coatimundis, turtles, many species of fish and shrimp, and an incredible variety of resident and migratory birds, including the Crested Caracara.

We invite you to explore the banks of the Ameca River, there are days when you can see an extraordinary variety of birds such as snowy egrets, white herons, tiger egrets (we call them tiger egrets), yellow-crowned night herons, blue herons, wood storks, whistling ducks, white and white-faced ibis, many yellow-winged caciques, great kiskadees and roseate spoonbills which are quite spectacular.

Tourism on the Ameca River

One of the most unique features of Puerto Vallarta is its bay; Banderas Bay, which runs along 100 miles of coastline, gracefully surrounded by mountains and dozens of beaches.

turismo en el rio ameca

The Bay of Banderas is divided politically between the states of Jalisco and Nayarit by the Ameca River, which flows into the bay. It is the largest and deepest river in Mexico, reaching a depth of 3,000 metres, and the second largest in North America.

The bright sunshine and crystal clear waters provide ideal conditions for a variety of water activities such as parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, sport fishing, underwater photography and much more.

Mexico is one of the five most biologically diverse countries in the world. This natural bay is so rich in marine life that visitors can discover it through the eco-tours that are offered, without a doubt the most impactful is the humpback whale watching tour, one of the most important is the sea turtle release programme that takes place just a few metres from the beach at sunset.

turismo en el rio ameca

Recreational activities include boat trips around the bay, where you can enjoy the sunset with its variety of orange, pink and purple colours, while watching the dolphins (permanent residents of Puerto Vallarta) up close.

You can discover paradisiacal beaches such as Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa, visit the Marietas Islands, swim with colourful schools of fish in the Los Arcos National Park Reserve or even enjoy a wonderful pirate show on a boat (see article: Rio Portugués).

The charm of Bandera Bay and the Hawaiian-like climate have led to the development of Puerto Vallarta, which has successfully met the expectations of today’s modern tourist.

Impact on the Ameca River

The nesting, swimming and recreation area for the area’s endemic species, including the river crocodile, has been severely impacted over the past year by the construction of local hotels along the banks of the Ameca River.

tala en el rio ameca

Witnessing the removal of rocks in an area designated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources as habitat for the river crocodile, a species protected under Mexican law.

Crocodile management experts are certain that many species have been affected. The federal environmental authorities will verify that an environmental impact report has been prepared and that the ongoing work complies with its terms.

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