Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The International Friendship Club (IFC) has been taking Puerto Vallarta visitors and locals on IFC Home Tours for over 25 years. In 2012, the IFC created a special tour to the Botanical Gardens and the Puerto Vallarta Zoo, and this escorted, adventuresome tour has been gaining popularity ever since.

The 2013-2014 season of these very interesting and fun tours, which support the International Friendship Club's Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other charitable programs, is now underway. So put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to enjoy a fun-filled day of discovery, while giving a helping hand to the less fortunate in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.

IFC Puerto Vallarta Home Tours
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, departing at 10:30 am

Every Tuesday and Wednesday through April 9, 2014, you'll travel in comfort on an air-conditioned tour bus while enjoying an entertaining narrative by friendly tour guides who'll take you on a guided tour of four unique Puerto Vallarta homes, ranging from small, traditional style casas to multi-million dollar beachfront condos and villas. Tours last approximately 3 hours. No tours Christmas or New Year's week.

IFC Home Tours cost $450 pesos and depart at 10:30 am from Sea Monkey Restaurant, located on the beach at Aquiles Serdán. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10:30 am departure. Advance tickets are available online via PayPal at ifctoursforvallarta.com, or in Mexican pesos at the International Friendship Club (on the corner of Calle Libertad and Miramar in Colonia El Centro,) from 9 am to 2 pm Monday-Friday. On tour days, tickets go on sale at 9 am (subject to availability, cash only) at Sea Monkey Restaurant, situated on the beach at Aquiles Serdan, just south of Molino de Agua condominiums in Colonia Emiliano Zapata.

IFC Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Zoo Tours
Thursdays, departing at 10:00 am

Join us on Thursdays for a day of fun and beauty as the IFC's friendly and knowledgeable tour volunteers take you on a fascinating tour of both the Puerto Vallarta Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned tour bus along the picturesque South Shore highway with its lovely bay views as we head to our destinations. Tours last approximately 6 hours. No tours Christmas or New Year's week.

IFC Botanical Gardens & Zoo Tours cost $450 pesos and depart at 10:30 am from Sea Monkey Restaurant, located on the beach at Aquiles Serdán. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10 am departure. Tickets cost $450 pesos adults/$250 for children 10 & under, and may be purchased in advance online at ifctoursforvallarta.com, or in Mexican pesos at the International Friendship Club during office hours. On tour days, tickets go on sale at 9 am (subject to availability, cash only) at the IFC welcome desk at Sea Monkey Restaurant.

All of these tours are accomplished by volunteer club members who are dedicated to supporting the IFC's Cleft Palate Surgery program and the IFC's donations to other charitable programs including: Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Clinic (for those with injuries and disabilities), Salvation Army, IFC Rice and Beans Program, R.I.S.E. (local orphanage), Pasitos de Luz (day care for young children with disabilities), Becas Vallarta (scholarship programs for economically challenged bright students)

The IFC encourages everyone taking these tours to wear good walking shoes, bring a bottle of water and remember to bring your camera!