TheJourneyofBethB

I was reclining on a lounger in the sand, watching the waves roll in, drinking a Pina Colada, and trying on jewelry when it occurred to me. It was my best vacation ever! Where else can you drink, eat, and shop, while lying in the sun by the beach without even getting off your butt? This is just one of the many things I love about beautiful Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Here are some other things to see and do while you are there.

Shopping

I spent about $150 on a bunch of amazing silver jewelry that I didn’t need. I Bought an enormous opal ring for about $15 USD. I then proceeded to buy matching earrings, a toe ring and bracelet. It would have cost 5 times as much in the U.S.  Local vendors, selling everything from t-shirts to wood carving to jewelry, wander by all day long. But don’t worry, if you don’t want to buy anything they will leave you and your cocktail to relax in the sun.

Adventures

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta. I’ve been going to PV for years and I’ve done just about everything on the list. I’ve rode ATVs through the dessert. You get dirty but it’s a lot of fun! I’ve been snorkeling in the gorgeous blue water of Yelapa and Majahuitas, and I’ve tried parasailing. You can also rent jet skis, kayaks and enjoy other types of fun water sports. Another thing I really enjoyed was the horseback ride up to the waterfall in Yelapa. The horses are a little old and slow, but it’s a fun activity and a great way to experience real Mexican culture.

The one tour I would avoid is called the tropical tour. We got it for free as part of our timeshare presentation. It was so bad that we left the tour part way through. I think they just take you to places that give the tour companies a commission on sales. As a result, our tour included a “silver factory” that had jewelry more expensive than jewelry available at home. After that they took us to a Tequila factory. That might have been fun but we hadn’t had any food or water for hours. Lunch is at the end of the tour for some strange reason.  The only interesting part was seeing an old church built in 1903. It was beautiful, but you could go there on your own without being held captive in other tourist spots that are uninteresting and overpriced.

Culture

We were there during their annual Holy celebration, which basically takes place during the week before Easter. The town square was full of celebrations and performances. We watched one particular dance that was extraordinary. The women wore colorful full skirts that made giant circles as they danced and the men danced alongside of them with giant machetes. It was very entertaining, and free!

Rhythms of the Night

My friend Kristina surprised me by buying us tickets to the Rhythms of the Night Show for my birthday.  I didn’t know what to expect but it blew our minds! Not only was the boat cruise out to the show fun, but we also got free drinks, a delicious buffet dinner and a show that was better than any Circa Solei show I have ever seen! It was so amazing that I may do an entire blog just about that event. It moved me to tears and left our jaws gaping open. The performers were hot, sensual and exotic. The stage set and live music were very primal, and the acrobatics absolutely stunning! On the way back the cruise staff entertained us with more live performances that made us laugh hysterically. It was the perfect evening and a great way to end our trip.