Table of Contents
- 1 Discover El Jorullo Eco Tourism Gem in Puerto Vallarta
Discover El Jorullo Eco Tourism Gem in Puerto Vallarta
Discover El Jorullo Eco Tourism Gem in Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta has long been celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, fabulous restaurants, warm beach weather, and thriving cultural scene—but what if you are looking for another reason to visit and discover Puerto Vallarta? Eco-tourism is one reason you may not equate with Puerto Vallarta. However you will be surprised to learn what the city has to offer LGBTQ+ travelers in eco-tourism travel.
Discover El Jorullo Eco Tourism Gem in Puerto Vallarta only 30 to 45 minutes from the Romantic Zone. El Jorullo historically was a remote Ejido village community embedded in the Sierra Madre mountains that is rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage. Now, thanks to recent infrastructure improvements, it’s becoming Puerto Vallarta’s next top eco-tourism destination.
🚗 New Road Opens El Jorullo
A new 4-kilometer access road, just completed in 2025, now connects the once-remote El Jorullo to Puerto Vallarta’s main travel routes. Prior to this, the area was accessible only via a rough, dusty road. Today, this improved infrastructure:
- Ensures safer, year-round access to the Sierra Madre Occidental
- Facilitates responsible travel and eco-tourism
- Enables delivery of healthcare, education, and local goods
This road doesn’t just improve transportation—it symbolizes a new chapter for rural tourism, inviting travelers to explore a remote community that blends biodiversity, culture, and sustainability.
🌿 Eco-Tourism Blossoms in El Jorullo
El Jorullo’s lush ecosystem is a haven for wildlife photographers, hikers, and conservation enthusiasts. From colorful birds to exotic orchids, the region offers a sensory feast. The new road enhances access to local eco-tourism operations like Canopy River, known for:
- Zip-lining through the jungle
- ATV and RZR tours
- Nature hiking and horseback riding
More importantly, these activities are run in partnership with the ejidatarios (local landowners), making El Jorullo a rare example of community-led ecotourism in Mexico.
🌊 Jorullo Bridge & Jorullo Point: World-Class Eco-Tourism Adventure
Towering 150 meters above the Cuale River, the Jorullo Bridge is recognized as the longest vehicular suspension bridge in the world. Spanning 470 meters and surrounded by rainforest and rugged cliffs, it’s a must-see attraction for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
Nearby, the newly opened Jorullo Point observation deck takes the experience even further:
- Glass-bottom floor for vertigo-inducing views
- Panoramic swing and drink bar for relaxing above the treetops
- 360° views of the Sierra Madre mountains, jungle canopy, and Pacific Ocean
This stunning viewpoint is accessible by vehicle, RZR, or on a scenic 2.5-hour jungle hike.
🏨 River Park Hotel: Stay in Sustainable Style
In early 2025, the River Park Hotel opened its doors within the Canopy El Jorullo complex. Designed with sustainability in mind, the hotel features:
- Locally sourced wood from fallen trees
- Solar-powered utilities
- 34 rooms nestled in the forest canopy
- Employment for over 150 local youth
Guests can enjoy proximity to all eco-adventure activities while staying in harmony with nature.
🌺 Ecological & Social Benefits
Beyond adventure, the El Jorullo project supports:
- Local economic revitalization
- Empowerment of women and youth in tourism
- Conservation of endemic species like jaguars and macaws
The shift also supports sustainable farming and forest preservation, with partnerships from the University of Guadalajara and CONAFOR.
🌱 Why El Jorullo Matters to Puerto Vallarta’s Eco-Tourism Future
As eco-conscious travel continues to grow globally, El Jorullo stands out as a model for low-impact, high-experience tourism. For LGBTQ+ travelers seeking outdoor adventures beyond the Zona Romántica, it offers:
- A scenic escape into nature
- Safe and guided excursions
- Opportunities to give back through community-based travel
Explore More Eco Tourism
- Book a tour: Canopy River
- Stay at River Park Hotel
- Map it: El Jorullo, Jalisco (approx. 25 km southeast of Zona Romántica)
- Stay tuned for more Puerto Vallarta eco tourism things to do like the proposed new route to Marias Islands.
GAYPV Travel Tip:
On your next trip discover El Jorullo Eco Tourism Gem in Puerto Vallarta for LGBTQ+ travelers and nationals with a twist: adrenaline, community, and conservation.
For more Puerto Vallarta eco tourism adventures and travel for the LGBTQ+ community visit the GAYPV’s eco-tourism guide here!
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
