One of our favorite hidden gems and less traveled city in Mexico is Puerto Vallarta located in the state of Jalisco. Most tourists choose Cancun as their destination and while Cancun has beautiful clear water, Puerto Vallarta is full of terrain and adventure. Dominated by three of Mexico’s biggest mountain ranges – the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Sierra Madre del Sur and a volcanic range that stretches east-west creating gorges, canyons and plateaus.
I recently stayed with a large group at the Grand Velas Resort just north of central Puerto. We worked with Vallarta Adventures to setup excursion options for our guests and highly recommend them. The first activity started with a trip to the mountains. To get there we flew across the bay by speed boat and then hopped into the heart of the Sierra Madre in Unimog trucks. We then mounted a mule for a steady trek into the sub-tropical forest. Once we got to the top we rappelled down a waterfall, hiked through the jungle, rode exhilarating zip lines. It was amazing and all our guests raved about it for days.
A few of our guests chose to go deep sea fishing and returned back with several caught Mahi. The resort cooked it up and they enjoyed it poolside. Others golfed at Vista Vallarta, the championship Jack Nicklaus & Weiskopf course.
Most of us enjoyed the #1 rated dinner show in Puerto Vallarta, Rhythms of the Night – SAVIA. Conceived of, written and directed by Gilles Ste-Croix, co-creator of Cirque du Soleil, it is a celebration of spectacular acrobatic skill, vibrant dance, amazing costumes and Ste-Croix’s breathtaking interpretation of the Aztec creation story.
If you choose to venture to Puerto Vallarta you must eat at La Langosta Feliz (Happy Lobster). The views from the restaurant are overlooking the city with a beautiful backdrop of mountains. I always ask to sit on the rooftop, but if it’s closed reserve a seat by the windows with views of the mountain side. The menu has a lot to offer including some of the biggest and best seafood platters. You’ll be shocked when you see the size of the lobsters. Go visit PV!
