Queens of the Urban Landscape: Iguanas in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit display an unmistakable presence on their streets and in their green spaces: enormous green iguanas that have merged with the urban landscape, offering memorable moments every time they are spotted.

Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) can measure up to two meters long. They have scaly skin—usually green with black stripes on their tails—which turns reddish during mating season. Despite their imposing size, they are completely peaceful: herbivorous, arboreal, and solitary, they rest in the treetops in the sun. They need to reach between 28°C and 35°C (82°F and 95°F) to “operate” normally and integrate into the city’s morning rhythm.

WHERE TO SPOT THEM IN THEIR URBAN HABITA

1. ESTERO EL SALADO (PUERTO VALLARTA)
An ecological gem in the city, declared a protected area, with mangroves, diverse fauna, and numerous reptiles, including the green iguana. Among the mangrove branches, it is clear how, at dawn, iguanas take advantage of the sun’s rays. They can be observed in the treetops near the bridge, feeding and soaking up the natural warmth.

2. CUALE RIVER BRIDGE AND THE TREES ON CUALE RIVER ISLAND
The canopies of the oak and ceiba trees that flank the Cuale River bridge are a natural refuge for these reptiles. Large specimens, in orange or golden hues, peek out from above, sometimes falling with a resounding “plop” into the river or onto the ground, only to scurry away with agility.

3. THE IGUANA TREE, SAYULITA (RIVIERA NAYARIT)
Right at the entrance of the Tukari restaurant, in a large guamúchil tree, there is an informal sanctuary known as “The Iguana Tree.” An estimated 50 iguanas live in its branches, carefully protected and fed by the local community.

A SHARED LIFE, BETWEEN THE URBAN AND THE WILD
Iguanas adapt to our environment, preferring areas with dense vegetation near water. They live peacefully and are an attraction for those visiting the region. They are diurnal and very social: they love the sun, care little about people, but are cautious and agile when fleeing any perceived threat.

RESPONSIBLE OBSERVATION
It is ideal to maintain your distance, respect their space, and avoid feeding or harming them.

These iguanas are not just urban reptiles; they are part of a living landscape that blends the wild with the urban. Admiring them in their natural environment—in mangroves and treetops—connects us with the biodiversity of Vallarta · Nayarit.