Rewind Mexico’s Pacific Coast 500 years and you’ll find its pulse beats in a different place than today. Back in the 16th century, the mountain city of San Sebastian was the centre of the region’s attention. The city was the crux of western Mexico’s mining industry and 20,000 people called the place home. Today the population has tapered to 1,000, but even though the people left, the landmarks remain. You can visit the church, which was originally built in the 16th century. And you’ll see all the different sized doors around the main plaza, which were created so different classes could enter buildings through alternative entrances. While you’re in the San Sebastian area, you’ll also visit a coffee producer. You’ll see the coffee trees and learn the secrets to the perfect roast. You’ll also have time to visit a tequila producer. Set among cacti gardens and agave fields, El Parral has a ranch-like feel to it. As well as making premium gold tequila, the ranch’s owner uses his creative licence to make chocolate and amaretto-flavoured tequila.
All aboard the Marigalante for an evening of fun, frolics and swashbuckling fun. You'll watch an exciting pirate show, dancing, games and acrobats and tuck into a sumptuous dinner with and open bar serving national drinks. For extra special dining in an exclusive area, you can upgrade to the Captains deck. You'll get a bandana to get you in the mood too. See you there, me hearties. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point.
Discover real Mexico on the historic cobbled streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Walk along the beachside promenade, seeing the sand sculptures and stopping at the quaint bars of this city before visiting the church. And at the lovers' zone, you can try what might be the best Daiquiri in town. You'll get a map to help to help you explore, and discount vouchers to use in the local shops. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point.
This trip's for the adventurers. Fly over the tree canopy on zip lines. Feel the adrenaline on the rappelling activity. Cool off on a rafting trip. Then hike though the jungle and across hanging bridges. Lunch and tequila tasting is included. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point.
The Lion King meets the New York City Ballet in this piece of theatre. It takes place on a stage in the middle of the jungle, in a part of the Pacific Coast where there are no roads. You’ll sail over here on a catamaran. There’ll be a bar onboard, so you can sip margaritas and rum punch as you cut a course through the waves. When you reach land, you’ll follow the jungle pathways to a thatched restaurant close to the open-air theatre. There’s no electric light here – everything is illuminated by 2,500 tea candles and tiki torches. Your dinner will be served buffet-style. Follow the smell of smouldering charcoal to the steak section, spoon fresh salsa and salad onto your plate, and taste the fresh prawns with the chilli kick. When your plates have been cleared, you’ll head into the theatre, where acrobats and dancers will tell the stories of Mexico’s ancient civilisations. If you see performance parallels with the Cirque du Soleil it’s for good reason – the choreographer from Saltimbanco and Alegria has just started training the Rhythms of the Night dancers.
This romantic evening is exclusively for couples. Boarding a luxury boat, you'll sail out to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point.
Most of the beachside hotels on the Bay of Banderas put the Marieta Islands in your eye-line. And, uninhabited on the horizon, they capture curiosity easily. On this trip, you’ll get to indulge that curiosity. You’ll sail over to the islands on a catamaran and, when your captain drops anchor, you’ll be given an arsenal of ways to explore. Climb into a kayak or plunge into the sea with a snorkel and fins. The waters that surround the islands are protected as a national park, which has allowed a unique marine ecosystem to develop over the years. Turtles, dolphins and rays are common sightings in the deep blue here. Above the water, a huge number of migratory birds, such as blue-footed boobies, have become the satellites of the islands. Lunch will be served on board the catamaran. Later, there will be chance to swim into the secret beach that’s hidden inside one of the islands.
Las Caletas has a lost world look about it. This jungle-backed beach can only be accessed by boat and its soundtrack is one of waterfalls and Macaw calls. When you arrive, you can please yourself. To take five, or more, head straight to the coconut seller’s stall on the far beach. He’ll pour the water into a glass for you and prepare the flesh with chilli flakes and lime. Then, take your tropical elevenses to one of the hammocks that swing in the shade by the side of the sand. If you’d rather be active, borrow a snorkel and go in search of rainbow angels and pacific angels, or try to master a paddleboard. While you’re here, there are a few things you can pay a bit more to do. Follow the mountain trail to the jungle spa and book in for a massage. Or get into a wet suit and try power snorkelling. Lunch will be served in the restaurant by the sand. Top your plate with the likes of tacos, fresh salad and guacamole, and sit down to eat as the waves break on the rocks close to your seat.
On this trip you’ll blaze a trail into parts of the Sierra Madre Mountains that have swerved tourism. You’ll travel on a Unimog – a 4x4 vehicle with elite off-road abilities – so you can reach places where you’re more likely to see iguana tracks than tyre marks. Your first stop will be the Botanical Gardens. This conservation area is both pantry and medicine cabinet. You’ll find endemic leaves here, like hoja santa, which locals use to cook fish en papillote, and aloe vera, which can be used in sunburn remedies. From here, you’ll move on to the village of El Tuito. The name translates as The Place of the Gods, but you’re more likely to find artisans here than deities. You’ll visit one, a local cheese-maker, who produces panella and requeson cheese. You’ll also see a tortilleria, a family-run business where 100 tortillas are made every minute. Turning further off the beaten track, you’ll start to make your way to a hacienda. En route, you’ll stop to see some ancient petroglyphs that were carved into the rock hundreds of years ago. Etched dots point to water and ‘s’ shapes stand for infinity. At the hacienda, you’ll see how raicilla is made. This firewater is created in a similar way to tequila. There’ll be time for a traditional Mexican lunch of tacos and salad before your return to the coast.
This tailor-made programme gives you a complete dolphin experience, including a full swim, hug, boogie push, free time and more. After you've spent time with the dolphins, you'll set sail on a luxury yacht for a relaxing cruise. This popular day out is one you shouldn't miss. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point.
More than just an encounter with dolphins, on this trip you'll get up close and personal with these loveable creatures. Enjoy a hug, a kiss, a dance and a special ride. Exclusive to TUI UK, this Bronze Dolphin programme will give you an extended interaction with these incredible mammals. There are local pick-up points and your Holiday Advisor can tell you the easiest and cheapest way to get to the pick-up point
Puerto Vallarta sorprende por algo más que sus hermosas playas. Sus alrededores están repletos de pintorescos y coloridos pueblos en los que se mantiene viva la tradición. Únete a un tour que te llevará a recorrer estas aldeas remotas y con el que te adentrarás en Sierra Madre a bordo de un vehículo 4x4. Un equipo de excepcionales guías te acompañará en tu eco aventura, proporcionándote interesantes explicaciones sobre el ecosistema de la zona y la historia de México.
DESTACAMOS:
* Diviértete explorando Sierra Madre en un 4x4
* Prueba auténtica comida mexicana
* Descubre la belleza de la selva tropical y relájate frente al mar
Comienza el viaje escapando del bullicio de la ciudad. Subido a un 4x4, entrarás en el corazón de la selva tropical por caminos únicamente transitables para estos vehículos. Disfruta del contacto directo con la naturaleza y de la emoción de atravesar riachuelos montañosos sin mojarte. Además, tendrás tiempo de explorar la maravillosa fauna y flora con el apoyo de comentarios educativos del guía.
Más tarde, visitarás un auténtico hogar mexicano donde podrás degustar exquisitas tortillas de maíz recién hechas y tacos, mientras aprendes algo más sobre el cultivo y elaboración de estos alimentos así como el estilo de vida de estas comunidades típicas.
Antes de finalizar el tour, harás una parada para el almuerzo frente a la playa. Saborea una deliciosa barbacoa y relájate antes de emprender el camino de regreso con barra libre a tu disposición.
Today, you’ll get to know the seaside town of Sayulita. It’s often nicknamed the ‘crown jewel’ of the Riviera Nyarit, and it was a peaceful fishing village right up until the Nineties, before surf-lovers discovered its waves. Once you arrive at the golden sands that front the little town, you’ll be given one of three coupons. One gives you a restaurant discount, another gets you money off a beachfront full body massage, and the last one gives you a discount on a surfing or paddle boarding lesson. When you’re not redeeming your coupon, you’ve got free roam of the place, giving you the chance to relax on the beach, take a dip in the sea, or make friends with the locals.
Banderas Bay and the surrounding area offer divers of all levels a unique and diverse dive experience. From inviting arches surrounded by tropical fish to steep walls with turtles and rays, you can find it all. As the only PADI- recognized 5-Star dive center in the Puerto Vallarta area. Vallarta Adventures has a worldwide reputation for exceptional service for divers of all levels.
Fácil, divertido y muy intuitivo. El Flyboard ha llegado para quedarse y promete emociones fuertes, ¿te lo vas a perder?
DESTACAMOS:
* Siente cómo corre la adrenalina por tu cuerpo desde el primer segundo en que se eleva tu tabla
* Sólo requiere un poco de equilibrio
* Incluye todo el material necesario y la supervisión de instructores profesionales
Prueba un nuevo deporte que ha revolucionado el entretenimiento en el mundo acuático. Súbete a una tabla de Flyboard y muévete como un delfín dentro y fuera del agua al ser propulsado a través de una manguera por la fuerza que genera una moto acuática en movimiento.
No necesitas experiencia, tan sólo debes preocuparte de mantener el equilibrio, y eso se consigue en sólo unos minutos. Aprende a desplazarte, girar o realizar alucinantes piruetas acompañado de un instructor, que velará por garantizar tu seguridad. Tras una breve explicación inicial, contarás con los conocimientos necesarios para volar sobre el agua como un superhéroe. ¡La diversión está 100% asegurada!