In the midst of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant urban life lies a rare natural treasure: Estero El Salado, a protected mangrove ecosystem that coexists in remarkable harmony with the city around it. Designated as the only protected urban mangrove ecosystem in all of Latin America, El Salado stands as a powerful example of how nature and tourism development can thrive side by side.

This vital mangrove plays an essential environmental role, serving as the starting point of the marine food chain and providing refuge for an extraordinary range of biodiversity. El Salado is home to dozens of bird species, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and crustaceans, making it one of the most important natural habitats in the region and a living classroom for environmental education and scientific research.

Beyond its ecological richness, El Salado is a key protector of Puerto Vallarta itself. Its dense mangrove roots help prevent flooding, reduce storm impact, filter water before it reaches the ocean, and protect the beaches and ecosystems of Banderas Bay. The mangrove also contributes to climate regulation by capturing carbon, cooling the surrounding urban environment, and improving air quality for residents and visitors alike.

Declared a Natural Protected Area in 2000 and expanded in 2020, Estero El Salado reflects Puerto Vallarta’s long-term commitment to sustainability. Preserving this unique ecosystem is not only about protecting nature—it is about safeguarding the destination’s identity, resilience, and future. El Salado remains, quite literally, the green lung that gives life to Puerto Vallarta.