Mexico



Well better late then never right!!!  It has been a month since we returned from our trip to Puerto Vallarta but I still wanted to share about our amazing trip.  As many of you may know Brad and I go on 2 big vacations a year, 1 in May for our anniversary and one in October.  We like to travel these two times as it is the off season and we usually don't have to deal with lots of crowds.  We have been on a United States binge so thought we would venture out of the country for our October trip this year.  Brad and I both have been to Mexico on many different occasions and 2 together.  We never have been to Puerto Vallarta so thought we would try the Pacific side of Mexico.

We had an absolutely amazing time staying a the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta.  It was an all exclusive hotel meaning all things (drinks, food, room) were included.  The weather was amazing with no rain and the temperatures in the 90's.  We relaxed a lot by the pool, watched the waves and just had a great time.  Some our our highlights included:

 

City Tour and Tequila factory: This was a nice way to see the City and hear about the history.  The tequila factory was great and interesting to see where all my tequila comes from for my margaritas.  They had many different flavors that they infused.  My favorite by far was the almond.  By the end of the tasting all of us were having a great time (wink, wink)!!



Wild Tour: This was an action packed day with many activities. They started by picking us up at the marina where we proceeded to the jungle on a speed boat.  Once we reached the private beach we walked though an indigenous town to get on horses for a nice ride through the jungle.  The trail we took with the horses was pretty advanced and including going up steep terrain and through rivers.  Once we got the top there was a beautiful waterfall that we got to eat lunch at.  After lunch we were able to cliff dive off the water fall into the water. We then rode the horses back to the beach and got back on our speed boat.  We made a pit stop for some snorkeling.  There was not a lot to see but what we saw was very neat.  There were sea urchins, star fish, puffer fish and even an eel.  After this we went to a very private beach to have an amazing traditional Mexican feast.  We were able to walk the beach and enjoy the quite, I could have stayed there forever.  It was a busy day but each part was absolutely amazing.

Rhythms of the Night: We loaded a catamaran to go to the  private island.  Once there we watched an amazing show that depicted a mystical transformation in time.  It was a very touching great performance.  Afterwards we had a nice dinner before getting back on the boat and heading back to the marina.



Deep Sea Fishing: To be honest here only one of us had fun, the other one of us was sick the WHOLE 8 hours.  Brad had a blast, I would have been happy if I wasn't so sea sick.  We did have a good day though and caught 12 Mahi-Mahi total for the boat. We didn't see any Marlin even though it was Marlin season.

Turtle Release:  This was by far one of my all time favorite excursions that Brad and I have ever done.  We were very lucky that we were in Mexico when all of the baby turtles were hatching.  Brad and I along with a guide went to a private beach and released over 160 baby Olive sea turtles.  It brought me to tears seeing them go into the surf and swimming away.  It was AMAZING!!! We also were able to witness an absolutely gorgeous sun set as the turtles entered into the water.  I could have stayed and watched and released the turtles forever.  There were many special procedures we had to follow so the turtles knew the beach that we were freeing them from.  In 40 years from now the female turtles will return to the beach to lay their own eggs.  The issue that got me the most was that only 10 in a 100 babies will make it to adult hood.  That just broke my heart :(  I would highly recommend this excursion to everyone if you are there at the right time.



All in all the whole week was amazing and a great way to rejuvenate after a busy summer.  Brad and I both agreed the Caribbean and the Pacific side are very different but both are beautiful and have a lot to offer.  We will definitely be returning there in the future.  Please enjoy the photos!!!