A PUERTO VALLARTA GETAWAY
By The Trip Sisters
Are you looking for a nice getaway? With all the cold weather we experience this time of year, especially when you live in the Chicagoland area like Catie and I do, it’s nice to escape to a warm, tropical paradise. If you are looking to get away, then look no further than Puerto Vallarta! My sister Catie and I recently returned from a trip to this beautiful Mexican coastal city and are here to tell you all about our stay.
Located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a city with a diverse ecosystem and a growing population that is known for its vibrant culture. Whether you are exploring the jungle, relaxing at the beach, or taking in the local cuisine, there are boundless opportunities for you and your friends to have fun.
One of the most important parts of any trip is finding the right place to stay. If you are planning to visit Puerto Vallarta then there are no better places to stay than Villa Premiere Hotel and Buenaventura Grand Hotel. We found both places to be excellent and offer a variety of amenities.
When you first arrive at the Villa Premiere Hotel, make sure to start your trip off right and take advantage of their 5-minute welcome massage, which will definitely make you want to check out their Mind & Soul Spa. Villa Premiere also features in-room aromatherapy and a personal concierge, all available to help you relax. Catie and I also made sure to take advantage of the Exquisite All-Inclusive Gourmet plan which gives unlimited access to 3 a la carte restaurants, premium beverages, 24 hour room service, and an in-suite mini bar. It will definitely help fulfill your needs.
Buenaventura Grand also offers their own all-inclusive plan as well, which features food and beverages from both the buffet and a la carte restaurants and bars, 24 hour room service, an in-suite mini bar, and themed nights. For an extra charge, you can also experience a private dinner. Buenaventura Grand also offers free bike rentals, beach volleyball, dance classes, cooking classes, an adults-only pool and a spa. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The beauty of this city is captured none more perfectly than in the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens, made up of over 28 acres, is the perfect place to relax and unwind as you stroll through some of the 10 different trails. The garden, which is open to everyone contains more than 20 species of birds native to the area. You may even come across a jaguar! But our favorite part of the garden was the Bridge of Dreams. Here, visitors cross the bridge with their eyes closed and whatever they dream, the dream will come true. Now you may be wondering what it was that we dreamed about, but if we told you, it may not come true!
To really appreciate the local culture, check out some of the many art pieces and galleries that line the coast of Puerto Vallarta. While taking a stroll throughout the city, not only will you take in the sites and sounds of the city, but you will also see beautiful pieces of local artwork. And don’t forget to checkout some of the local galleries with a Puerto Vallarta Art Walk. My sister and I loved stopping in at the Galeria Colectika. Here we got to enjoy these amazing works of art while learning about the people who made them. We love being able to broaden our horizons and there is no better way than to appreciate all the art that Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
And speaking of art, be sure to checkout what’s being made in the local kitchens. One of the best ways to experience all the delicious local cuisine is by taking a food tour. With so many taco stands available in Puerto Vallarta, it’s hard to know which ones to visit. That’s what makes having a guided tour so great! With Vallarta Food Tours, your guide will help you navigate through the streets to find the best dishes around while also allowing you to take in some of the sites. Be sure to save room for dessert at the end of the tour as you will visit La Casa Del Dulce, a candy shop that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.
Perhaps you would like to learn how to cook your own authentic Mexican cuisine. If that’s the case, then look no further than Gaby’s Restaurant. Classes begin by visiting a local market where you will select locally grown food that you will be cooking with. You’ll make handmade tortillas, grind fresh salsa with a molcajete, and sizzle up some delicious fajitas. And to top it off, don’t forget to try one of the signatures of Puerto Vallarta’s, tequila! This was definitely one of Colleen’s favorite activities as she doesn’t often get to cook with her sister!
However, if you are looking for a different kind of fun, head over to Canopy River. Located in the mountains of Jalisco, Canopy River offers guests the chance to experience ATV rides, ziplining, river tours, and mules rides. We decided to take advantage of the ATV rides and cross the world famous Jorullo Bridge. This bridge, which is 470 meters long, hangs 150 meters above the Rio Cuale River in the heart of the jungle. While the view was stunning, Colleen’s heart was racing, as it’s not for those with a fear of heights. But luckily for Colleen, she brought her secret weapon, Catie, who helped encourage her to overcome her fear. And we’re glad she did because the view was certainly worth it. And to top it all off, we got to visit El Salto Waterfall where we cooled down with a dip and enjoyed diving into the water from nearby rocks.
And if that isn’t enough excitement for you, be sure to visit Las Caletas, presented by Vallarta Adventures. Whether you are looking to interact with some dolphins or sea lions, take in whale watching, or maybe try your hand at scuba diving, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Vallarta Adventures. One of the great things about Vallarta Adventures is their dedication to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. By visiting Vallarta Adventures you can help support these animals while also getting to interact with them. But that’s not all! If you are up for a thrill, take in the beautiful coastal scenery while parasailing. Catie once again talked Colleen into tackling her fears and stepping out of her comfort zone but we’re glad she did because it was a wonderful way to take in this beautiful tropical paradise.
As you can see, there is so much fun to be had when visiting Puerto Vallarta. From exploring the jungle to the city streets, you are bound to find something you’ll love. We hope you enjoyed hearing about the Trip Sisters’ stay and wish you the best as you plan your next great getaway!