OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at Las Caletas, a paradisical resort that is only accessible by boat. The former home of movie director John Huston – who discovered Puerto Vallarta while filming “The Night of the Iguana” there in 1963 – Las Caletas has been expanded to include amenities such as an indulgent spa and a fine restaurant. Even so, this exclusive private property has remained remote and wild as it is tucked away on a long stretch of beach backed by precipitous cliffs and dense jungle. Although you will be free to do whatever you wish at the resort, you might explore the forest on a guided nature walk, ease into a hammock with a good book, bask in the sun, kayak and snorkel just offshore, and join a mezcal tasting and Mexican cooking class. There is no end to the possibilities as the only scheduled event is a bountiful buffet lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Las Caletas, a resort that can only be reached by boat.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the sea, kayaking and most anything else you wish.
• Join a mezcal tasting, learn to make authentic margaritas and participate in a cooking class.
• Savor a buffet lunch of international dishes and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the wilds of Canopy River Park in a 4x4 ATV and then toast the adventure with a tequila tasting. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will hop into a 4-person Polaris RZR and take the wheel or ride as a passenger. Either way, it will be a nonstop thrill as you zip down the dirt trails that crisscross the rainforest that blankets the Sierra Madre Occidental, a volcanically formed mountain range. At one point, you will cross the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge with nothing below but dense jungle and the winding Cuale River. Feel free to pause for photos of the extraordinary natural beauty. Once you catch your breath and return to the base camp, you can relive your ATV adventure while taking part in a tasting of local tequilas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Zip through the mountains and rainforest in a 4 person 4X4 ATV built for rugged terrain.
• Drive across the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge.
• Participate in a tequila-tasting class back at the base camp.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed-toes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours luxuriating however you please at the Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta, an extraordinary resort overlooking the sea. It won’t take long to reach this 4-star slice of paradise, which will allow you all the more time to enjoy the generous amenities. As soon as you arrive, the concierge will present an overview of the property so you can maximize your time. Feel free to head straight to the beach and stretch out in a lounge chair. Beach umbrellas are also available if you would rather lie in the shade. If you prefer freshwater to saltwater, it will be comforting to know that the resort has four swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool on the rooftop with a bar serving drinks and sushi right there. This beach escape also includes a sumptuous buffet – one exclusively for adults, the other for families – and the use of single and double kayaks if you are feeling adventurous.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the waterfront Krystal Grand Puerto Vallarta resort.
• Spend hours at the beach, swimming in the pools, kayaking and doing most anything else.
• Savor a traditional Mexican buffet lunch and enjoy the open bar.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This excursion combines the charm of both the old and new Mexico. Begin with a drive through the Marina Vallarta area and a stop at the small village’s local church. Continue to Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area for a first-hand look at the manufacturing process of tequila and some free time to explore the grounds of this working hacienda. A short shopping stop will be made on the way into the center of Puerto Vallarta where you can walk along the popular Malecon, visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and see Old Town City Hall, while taking in fantastic views of the waterfront and the charm of the cobblestone streets. You may choose to stay in town on your own or return to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Draw inspiration by visiting two art galleries in Old Town and express your own creativity by painting a ceramic tile in a hands-on class at a mountain retreat. While browsing the acclaimed Isela Mariscal Gallery, you will see an impressive collection of colorful works by Mexican artists that include the talented gallery owner herself. The pieces in the Dante Gallery are more eclectic and showcase paintings and sculptures by dozens of Mexican and international artists. The experience of wandering about both galleries is meant to stimulate your creativity, which you will be encouraged to express at La Dulce Vista. In this serene setting in the mountains, you can’t help but feel creative. All the materials needed to paint a traditional Mexican tile will be provided at the hacienda. Just add your personal touch to make a memorable souvenir. Snacks and wine will be served to complement the experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse two esteemed art galleries in Puerto Vallarta’s atmospheric Old Town.
• See works from local Mexican artists and international painters and sculptors.
• Express your own creativity at a Mexican tile-painting workshop at a mountain retreat.
• Keep your tile as a souvenir and reminder of Mexico’s artistic heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join a hands-on cooking class at a retreat in the mountains and enjoy the authentic Mexican dishes that you have prepared for lunch. You will first explore Old Town, also known as El Centro, where you can stroll the seaside malecón boardwalk, explore the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and shop for a bit. You will be fully immersed in the local culture by the time you reach La Dulce Vista, the venue for your cooking class. The chef will guide you through the step-by-step preparation of tangy sauces such as salsa de molcajete – made with charred tomatoes, hot peppers and garlic – and entreés that will likely include pork tostadas and chicken enchiladas. The margaritas will be flowing freely as a warm-up to the tequila tasting. Expect to sample an array of spirits such as white tequila, an amber añejo tequila and a caramel-flavored reposado aged in whiskey barrels.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Roll up your sleeves and participate in a hands-on cooking class at a mountain retreat.
• Learn to prepare traditional Mexican sauces, dips and main dishes from scratch.
• Savor your freshly made concoctions for lunch along with unlimited margaritas.
• Discover the finer points of tequila during a tasting.
• Stroll the malecón boardwalk and visit an iconic church in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Sabal Playa Beach Club, an exclusive resort that overlooks an absolutely gorgeous stretch of sand. It won’t take long to reach the club, which allows all the more time to enjoy the amenities. You might bask in the sun on a lounge chair as the waves gently lap at the shore. Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean. Walk along the coast without a care in the world or do most anything else that you find relaxing. There is plenty of shade under the coconut palms and beach umbrellas if you prefer that setting. You are also welcome to enjoy the infinity pool that overlooks the sea. Other options include dining on your own in the open air restaurant or even poolside, and taking advantage of the ocean kayaks and paddleboards. Everything imaginable is at your fingertips to ensure that your time at Sabal Playa Beach Club is carefree and immensely pleasurable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Relax in complete comfort at the exclusive Sabal Playa Beach Club.
• Take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean and the infinity pool.
• Lounge around the beach, poolside and in the shaded grassy areas.
• Enjoy access to the restaurants and watersports such as kayaks and paddleboards.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed-toes.

OVERVIEW

Browse the exclusive marina that has transformed coastal Puerto Vallarta and then head to a hacienda in the countryside for an entertaining class in piñata-making. A monumental sculpture of a humpback whale and calf – which a Mexican artist created to symbolize the importance of family – will be among the first sights you see in Marina Vallarta. You will also discover that there is more to this luxurious setting than yachts as you wander about the upscale shops and galleries. Art is also the focus of the experience at the hacienda, where you will learn step by step how to make a piñata, a handicraft that in Mexico dates to the 16th century. Whether traditional or contemporary, the designs of these vibrant icons filled with candy and treats are often highly symbolic. Following the workshop, you will enjoy lunch and time to shop for ceramics and folk art that the indigenous Huichol people created.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how the luxurious Marina Vallarta has transformed Puerto Vallarta’s coast.
• Explore the marina shops and see the iconic seaside humpback whale sculpture.
• Participate in a hands-on piñata-making workshop at a rural hacienda.
• Enjoy lunch at the hacienda and shop for traditional folk art.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover all the color, charm, and excitement of Puerto Vallarta when you board your air-conditioned coach and settle in for a relaxing sightseeing. Experience the ride along the main highway to the beautiful Old Town. Known for its varied architecture, sparkling beaches, and festive atmosphere, that welcomes you with an easy mix of historic sights and natural beauty. Enjoy the Malecón, a mile-long walkway along the expansive coastline of Banderas Bay. Keep an eye out for the famous Seahorse statue by artist Rafael Zamarripa. Continue past the Palacio Municipal and the main plaza with its cobblestone streets and red-tile roofs as you head to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe before continuing your drive toward the vibrant hotel strip.

From a distance, you can view the villa-dotted hillside enclave called Gringo Gulch, where many of the rich and famous have their homes. Take in the breathtaking view from Olas Altas, one of the most popular beaches and well known as the Zona Romantica and Conchas Chinas, famous for its dramatic vistas and architecture. Then we´re going to head to a traditional Mexican market for a complimentary margarita and free time to browse the Huichol art, artisanal candies, tequila, and silver handcrafts. If you like, you can stay in town longer and make your own way back to ship by taxi ride or local bus.

Board your open-air vehicle and leave the city behind as you head to the Sierra Madre Mountains where your hiking tour awaits.

This half day excursion offers nature lovers and thrill seekers the opportunity to enjoy a day in the jungle!

We will hike for about 45 minutes. Along the trail, your guide will explain about the great diversity of local plants and tropical trees. The trail leads to spectacular views for your selfie photos. Once you arrive to “La Dulce Vista” Villa situated 984 ft. above sea level you will have time to play volleyball, soak up the sun while lying in the hammocks, sunbeds or simply sit in the jacuzzi or swimming pool as you cool off with unlimited drinks. Enjoy an open- air patio BBQ lunch. End your fun and relaxing day with a drive on an open- air vehicle through the lush mountains as you head back to your ship.

Discover Puerto Vallarta´s charming Downtown and Oldtown districts with the help of your friendly, bilingual guide. You´ll ride in air conditioned comfort to the center of downtown where you´ll have a chance to stroll the length of our Malecon (seawall) to see our collection of sculptures by local and international artists.

You´ll visit the main square, where your guide will take you through the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and keep you entertained and informed along the way. Enjoy a stroll down the Cuale River Island's colorful garden pathway. Re-board the coach briefly to ride to our refreshment/restroom and shopping stop. Complimentary beverages are offered as well as free tequila tastings, as you shop or observe the local artists at work. Afterward, we'll make the short walk to Vallarta's newest attraction, Mosaic Park, which has become one of the most impressive collections of urban art, anywhere. The entire area shimmers and sparkles with Mexican themes, covering everything from the columns to the benches. We'll spend about 40 minutes there, before returning directly to the ship.

Would you like to enjoy a day of authentic Mexican fun? At Hacienda Dona Engracia, there’s a real Mexican Fiesta waiting for you, with colors, displays, contests and more. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of the hacienda and tequila factory, with free tequila samples. During lunch you’ll be entertained with music, displays of dancing horses, a traditional Mexican folkloric ballet and of course, typical Mexican food. After the party there will be time for some contests, prizes and fun.

Then you’ll head to the downtown area for a city tour and some shopping in the heart of Puerto Vallarta. Passing through the charming downtown area you’ll see the famous waterfront Malecon, the ever popular statues and the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral before you head back to your ship. See you at the Mexican Fiesta!