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Monster Trucks Coming to Puerto Vallarta March 3
Banderas News Team
 On March 3 Puerto Vallarta will host a charity event featuring one of the most popular extreme sports in the world - Monster Trucks. This adrenaline filled day of excitement will help support Busca un Amigo, a non-profit charity that helps underprivileged children with cerebral palsy.
13th San Pancho Music Festival Schedule Announced
Chris Parsons
 The performance schedule has been announced for the 13th annual San Pancho Music Festival to be held Friday, Feb. 22nd through Sunday, the 24th at the Plaza del Sol in Nayarit. Because of the gracious contributions of the performing artists, there is no charge to the public.
Flower and Garden Show at Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Stephen Clay
 Organizers and volunteers at Vallarta Botanical Gardens are busy preparing for the 2013 Flower and Garden Show to be held this Friday, February 22nd through March 3rd. Many of the Gardens’ celebrated native and exotic flower collections will be in peak bloom during the event.
Saving Mexico's National Symbol - The Aguila Real
Tim Johnson
 The Aguila Real, or golden eagle, is the powerful national symbol in Mexico, but the avian predator is an endangered species. A release was sent out noting that there are only 81 known pairs of the raptors left in Mexico, with habitats in 13 of the nation's 31 states.
Fire-God Figure Found at Mexico's Pyramid of the Sun
Daniel Hernandez
 A sculpture of the fire god Huehueteotl was discovered at the top of the 'Pyramid of the Sun' in Teotihuacan, Mexico. Excavations are ongoing, but the discovery suggests that a temple at the top of the pyramid was used to perform ritual offerings to the fire god.
Nikon's Birding Adventures Films 1st Show in San Blas
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 The natural diversity of the Bahía de Banderas is now being showcased on tv! James Currie, host of the American TV show 'Nikon's Birding Adventures' which is broadcast to millions of homes through cable, was recently in San Blas to record their first birding show in Mexico.
It's Time for Mexico to Become a World Tourism Power
Presidencia de La Repulica
 During his presentation of Mexico's National Tourism Policy in Nayarit this week, President Peña Nieto said that 'in order to bring the world to Mexico,' the actions of the Federal Government will focus on creating a safe environment for travelers in the country.
Gala Vallarta 20th Anniversary Opened with a Bang!
Nacho Cadena
 While the 20th edition of Gala Vallarta was focused on strengthen trade relations between wholesale travel agencies and Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit area hotels, it was the opening night party on the new Los Muertos Pier that has everyone talking.
Puerto Vallarta's First Annual Bougainvillea Festival
Suzanne Kirkpatrick
 The PV Garden Club, in order to promote the beauty of our city and encourage its growth, proudly announces the launch of the first Puerto Vallarta Bougainvillea Festival to be held May 17th - 24th. Scheduled to coincide with Restaurant Week, May will be a month to remember!
13th Annual San Pancho Music Festival Feb. 22-24th
Chris Parsons
 The 13th annual San Pancho Music Festival will be held Friday, February 22nd through Sunday, February 24th at the Plaza del Sol in San Francisco, Nayarit, Mexico. And, as always, because of the gracious contributions of the performing artists, there is no charge to the public.
Skydiving in Riviera Nayarit: 'Beach Boogie 2013'
Luis Domínguez
 There's a feeling of adventure spreading around Riviera Nayarit that has caught the attention of skydivers from around the world. From February 14th - 24th, they will participate in 'Beach Boogie 2013,' and there will be numerous colorful and exciting events happening daily!
5 Amazing Eco-friendly Hotels to Enjoy in Mexico
Journey Mexico
 Green-friendly and chic, ecotourism is a growing industry around the world and many resort destinations in Mexico have made the eco-friendly switch. The country’s beautiful, varied, natural landscape provides the perfect background for the discriminating ecotourist.
2nd Annual Puerto Vallarta Bird Festival March 7-10
Patrick Harrison
 Whether you are a hard core birder who realizes 'Audubon' refers to the French-American ornithologist, naturalist and painter, or just like to watch our feathered friends and think Audubon is a German highway, you are sure to enjoy the 2nd Annual Vallarta Bird Festival.
Eye-Popping Footage of Whale Encounter in Mexico
NBC News
 Gillian Panasweicz from Prescott, Arizona was capturing stunning footage of whales while vacationing in the Sea of Cortez when she saw a boat racing towards the marina crash into one of the whales. The whale did not seem to be injured and even breached in front of them!
International Friendship Club Adds Two New Tours
Janie Albright Blank
 The IFC has added two new tours to compliment their immensely popular 'Home Tours' that have been thrilling attendees for over 25 years. The well received Bo-Zo tour has been brought back this year and they have recently added the North Shore Beach Club Tour!
'ArteCareyes Film & Art' Festival on the Costalegre
Banderas News Team
 The ArteCareyes Film & Arts Festival will be celebrating only its third year but it is recognized as one of the most exciting cultural events in Mexico. Being held at Casas Careyes on the Costalegre Feb. 27th - March 3rd, you will not want to miss this avant-garde affair!
Sunshine May Reduce the Risk of Developing Arthritis
BBC News Health
 According to US researchers living in a sunnier climate may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. A study of more than 200,000 women, published in the journal 'Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases,' suggested a link between sunlight and the development of the disease.
Learn Vallarta Begins Walking Tours in French!
Sandra Cesca
 To answer the many requests from French-speaking visitors, Learn Vallarta will be offering two of their tours in French: Architecture and History of Gringo Gulch and Southside City Walk - on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during the month of February.
Habitat Destruction Stresses Out Mexican Monkeys
April Flowers
 Because of human disturbance to its habitat, the endangered Mexican howler monkey is consuming more leaves and less fruit, forcing them to invest much more time foraging for nutrition. Hormone analysis reveals that this is leading them to incresed stress levels.
'Superior' Day Tour Goes to La Peñita Market
Astrid van Dam
 Superior Tours Vallarta introduces a new every Thursday tour that leaves from their office in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, with pick ups at Walmart and Bucerias that give you the opportunity to shop at the La Peñita market and explore Guayabitos, Sayulita, and the Riviera Nayarit.
Exploring the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts of Mexico
Lonely Planet
 When people think of Mexico, many see golden sand, blue water, and green palms. Hundreds of beaches fit this bill: some near empty with a few palm-thatched eateries and cabañas, others are busy urban retreats. Here are some of the best on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Riviera Nayarit Gets Ready for Gala Vallarta 2013
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 Riviera Nayarit will host 'Gala Vallarta 2013,' the most important business platform for hotels located in here and around the Banderas Bay area. The event will take place on Feb. 6th - 9th, and will bring together 74 wholesale agencies and tour operators in our destination.
'Mishka' to Perform at 2013 Punta Sayulita SUP Classic
PRWeb.com
 The Punta Sayulita resort community and presenting sponsor, The Riviera Nayarit Tourism Board, are pleased to announce the 4th Annual Punta Sayulita Classic. The event will be held March 8-10 in the beautiful, seaside village of Sayulita, Mexico, 40 minutes north of Vallarta.
Mexican Fishing Vessels Killing Endangered Sea Turtles
Jason Koebler
 According to officials, fishing boats from Mexico killed at least 438 endangered sea turtles in July and August 2012. Mexico is one of 10 countries whose fishing vessels haven't all complied with multinational agreements to use fishing nets that are safer for sea turtles.
2013 Bucerias Street Festival and Chalk Walk Jan. 23-25
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 Bucerías will be infused with color from January 23rd - 25th during its upcoming Street Festival. The festival will include the Chalk Walk, the Taste of Riviera Nayarit, and the Handcrafts Fair - three simultaneous events for the enjoyment of all of its visitors.
TripAdvisor Awards Superior Tours Vallarta 5 Stars
BanderasNews.com
 Superior Tours Vallarta, Old Town's full service travel agent, recently received the highest qualification (5 stars) by Tripadvisor. 'We have worked really hard and are extremely satisfied to receive this qualification,' owner Astrid van Dam says.
2nd Charro Vallarta National Tournament Starts Jan. 31
Diego Sancho
 The II Charro Vallarta National Tournament will take place from January 31st - February 3rd, with daily competitions and traditional events. The event will feature the best Charro Associations in the country, making this a true celebration of Mexico and its traditions.
Puerto Vallarta's Second Tunnel Now Open
Lorena Sonrisas
 On January 6th the second tunnel on Puerto Vallarta's Luis Donaldo Colosio Highway (Libramiento) was opened to traffic, although its inauguration will be delayed until work on the old tunnel is completed. At this time, the new tunnel is handling traffic from both directions.
The Gardens Are in Bloom! Photo Expo at VBG
Stephen Clay
 At 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 9th, Mike Laking’s first international solo show 'The Gardens Are in Bloom!' will open at Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The art will remain on show for the month January: Monday - Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Travelers Numbers Up This Holiday Season
Presidency of the Republic
 Mexico's Tourism Secretary estimates that, during this Christmas - New Year holiday season, 11 million travelers (approximately 10.2 million domestic travelers and 817,000 international tourists,) will visit Mexico's tourist destinations between December 20-January 6th.
Four Local Hotels Make Condé Nast Gold List
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 For the last 19 years Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most prestigious publications in the travel industry, has held its Reader's Choice Survey - ranking properties throughout the world. For 2013, the editorial has chosen four properties in Riviera Nayarit for its Gold List.
2013 'El Famoso' Horseshoe Tournament
Jimmy Howell
 The 15th Annual - 6th Memorial 'El Famoso' Horseshoe Tourney will be held Feb. 9, 2013 at David’s Palapa in Rincón de Guayabitos. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Breast Cancer Walk and Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue. Join us for a great time for a great cause.
PV Sculpture Walks Take the Holidays Off
BanderasNews.com
 The weekly Vallarta Malecón Sculpture Walks, created and conducted by Galería Pacifico owner Gary Thompson, will not be held on the upcoming holiday Tuesdays, December 25, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Walks will resume on Tuesday, January 8 and will continue through mid-April.
Puerto Vallarta: Beachy Chic Meets Colonial Charm
Dawna L. Robertson
 Had it not been for the torrid affair of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of 'The Night of the Iguana,' the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Vallarta could have remained low profile – but for just a bit longer, as it merely expedited the inevitable.
Xihuacan, Mexico: The Tourists Are Coming
Bob Schulman
 A short drive from western Mexico's mega-resort at Ixtapa, there's a tiny village that is soon going to be seeing a lot of tourists. It's called Xihuacan and the big attraction there is an immense, 3,000 year old archeological site being excavated just outside the village.
VBG Event Calender Includes 'End of the World' Party
Stephen Clay
 Join us at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens on Dec. 21st for our 'End of the World' party as we wait to see which - if any - of the theories behind the end of the Mayan calendar proves correct! If it's the 'End of Days,' wouldn't you like to go out looking at our beautiful scenery?
Walking PV's Southside with Learn Vallarta
Sandra Cesca
 One of the joys of living in Puerto Vallarta is that I get to take folks on walks around town to show them sights, sounds, and smells they may not find on their own. I also get to share stories, history, and little-known facts about this most interesting Mexican town.
Save Money by Turning Loonies into Pesos
Greg Gazin
 If you are a Canadian traveling to Mexico, you might not need to rush out and get US dollars before you leave home. While smaller US bills are widely accepted, Mexico’s official currency is the peso, so there are better ways to get a bang for you buck, or should I say, loonie.
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