I sure wish we had had skool.com when we moved to Puerto Vallarta 22 years ago! It would have made our life so much easier, lot’s of good info. Keep it up!

If you were anywhere near downtown this week, you probably felt it — Puerto Vallarta turned a January tradition into a city-wide celebration. The Mega Rosca de Reyes stretched nearly two kilometers along the Malecón, from the lighthouse all the way to the Muelle de los Muertos, drawing around 18,000 people to share bread, hot chocolate, music, and a true community moment. Locals, expats, and visitors all mixed together, walking the route, chatting with strangers, and waiting to see who would find one of the tiny figurines hidden inside the rosca. For many longtime residents, it was a familiar ritual done on a massive scale. For newer expats, it was one of those rare “this is why I live here” moments — no invitation needed, just show up and join in. City officials framed the event around hope, unity, and Vallarta’s positive energy, and honestly, that vibe was easy to feel. Kids took photos with the Three Kings, families lingered instead of rushing, and the whole thing felt welcoming and very human. It’s a reminder that life here isn’t just beaches and sunsets — it’s shared traditions that pull everyone into the same story. ✨ For expats especially: events like this are one of the easiest ways to feel connected. You don’t have to know every custom perfectly — just being present is enough. 👉 Did you go? Or was this your first time hearing about Rosca de Reyes? What local traditions have helped you feel more at home in Vallarta?

When most people think of Puerto Vallarta, they think beaches, sunsets, and cocktails by the ocean. What many don’t realize is that there’s a living wetland right in the middle of the city — quietly doing essential work that helps Vallarta function. Estero El Salado sits near the hotel zone, surrounded by traffic and development, yet the moment you step inside, everything changes. The noise drops, the air feels different, and suddenly you’re surrounded by mangroves, birds, and winding water channels. This isn’t just a pretty nature spot — it’s critical infrastructure. 🌱 Why it matters - Mangroves filter runoff and improve water quality - The wetland helps absorb floodwaters during heavy rains - It stores “blue carbon,” helping with long-term climate resilience - It supports an incredible amount of wildlife inside an urban area 🦜 Wildlife, not a zoo Estero El Salado is a functioning habitat, not a curated attraction. Birdlife is especially rich, with over a hundred species recorded over time. Iguanas, crabs, raccoons, and even crocodiles live here — not for show, but because this is their space. 🌍 Protected, but under pressure The estuary was officially protected in 2000, which helped preserve it as Vallarta expanded. Still, being located inside the city brings challenges: pollution, runoff, trash after storms, and constant development pressure. Its survival depends on continued care, awareness, and respect from the community. 🚶‍♂️ How to experience it For expats, this place can be a real reset — especially if Vallarta starts to feel like the same loop of beaches and busy areas. It’s also a great spot to take visitors who want to see something different. If you go: - Keep your distance from wildlife - Stay quiet and move slowly - Respect that this is a habitat, not entertainment - Guided tours are often the best way to understand what you’re seeing Estero El Salado doesn’t perform for tourists. It simply exists — quietly holding part of the city together.