Flying on an early morning flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona to Puerto Vallarta Airport went pretty smoothly with a hosted American Airlines aisle seat. Mind you, international flights call for a two hour arrival buffer time although it makes no sense as you can check in online and just find your gate fast especially with TSA pre-check but airlines haven’t caught up yet I guess. Also, try not to check your luggage. You really don’t need all that stuff you packed, trust me. I’ll make a basic bitch carry on travel bag blog post soon, I promise.
Much like the Cabo San Lucas airport except bigger, the Puerto Vallarta Airport is buzzing with energy once you pop out the exit past all the timeshare hagglers who used to make a pretty penny off of clueless tourists. If you want to snag an Uber or Lyft, you have to walk about a mile away to arrange a pickup as they are banned from all the many transportation options right outside the exit. I was a sweaty Betty as soon as that humidity kicked in as this Phoenician is not used to the moisture anymore. So once we wrangled up some other journalists whose flights were not delayed, we were off on an adventure with one of the largest press trips any of us have ever attended.
After arriving in the Bay of Banderas, we headed on an extended golf cart to lunch at La Cantina at mega resort Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. One by one our full group of 17 people slowly trickled in looking a little dazed and confused and I was happy that I am not the only one who can’t sleep the night before a press trip! I immediately vibed with so many people in this group, it was uncanny. But with similar backgrounds in journalism, it felt like familia real fast. We delved in immediately and pretty sure I ate my weight in guacamole right off the bat!
This place was a photographer’s dream at Vidanta.Lunch at La Cantina was much needed as we were all hungry from travel.A peaceful pond with the Buddha beckoning me to relax at La Cantina at Vidanta.Day of the Dead inspired artwork at La Cantina at Vidanta.Mosey on up and grab you a saddle but don’t fall off at La Cantina at Vidanta.The guacamole that filled my soul and stomach at La Cantina at Vidanta.Shrimp fajitas for the win at La Cantina at Vidanta.Some ceviche and fresh tuna at La Cantina at Vidanta, everything was so fresh.Soon we were wandering around, loosely following our fearless leader but getting lost at Vidanta which let me capture these amazing images.The architecture at Vidanta feels very surreal and other-worldly at Vidanta.Loving these alien-looking light fixtures at Vidanta.We found our crew at one of the many front desks at Vidanta and were soon whisked away back to the van for our first official adventure.
Full from lunch, we were off to the surf capital of Riviera Nayarit, part the Magical Towns of Mexico, Sayulita. It is a busy little bohemian art community that resonated well with my soul. Lots of American and Canadian expats blending right in and already well-acclimated to Mexico on their scooters and golf carts. Mixing with locals in a very laid-back atmosphere, it was a sleepy scene with a bit of drizzle from the sky to add to the ambiance. You should wear water shoes in the ocean as there is a bit of trash however it doesn’t kill the vibe. Enjoy some snacks floating by on carts and a beer or cocktail in your hand from the beach bar (hold the ice and only drink bottled water unless you’re feeling lucky). Whale and dolphin sightings are popular here as well as a more chill nightlife. Huichol Indians display their colorful art in the plaza in the heart of town and I’m pinching myself for not buying some. TripAdvisor named Sayulita a “charming fishing village” and it’s on the Best Places to Visit 2023 so you know it’s legit! We were set free to explore on our own and I enjoyed meeting some locals including some huge iguanas.
Welcome to surf town Sayulita in Nayarit, Mexico.Thatched roofs at a beachy bar in Sayulita.The street scene in Sayulita.Artwork abounded in Sayulita.This is what I wish I would have bought in Sayulita, it matches my boho vibes perfectly. Carry pesos for any small town visits.Art is part of the culture with so many murals in Sayulita.The ocean was calling my name at Sayulita.Looking back from the beach in Sayulita.To your left, a beach bar where you can hunker down and relax in Sayulita.A very common scene in Sayulita including a random dog, snacks and haggling on the beach.More of the sky in Sayulita. The doggo is now helping to dig a hole.And all the candy your sweet tooth may crave in Sayulita.To the right, a local cleans up some trash so the beach is more habitable in Sayulita and leaves a little pile for later disposal.Down another street in Sayulita there are beach vendors.Back to exploring away from the beach in Sayulita. I didn’t feel scared at all, just blended in minus my Nikon and phone.Wondering what kind of treatments this Nirvanna spa offers in Sayulita.Murals abound in Sayulita even on buildings.I made a fast friend who directed me to the huge iguanas in the trees in Sayulita. His two homies appeared after this, loving the drizzling rain.My new friend who makes beautiful crystal jewelry in Sayulita and sent me home with a tiny crystal.Up the hill there were some abandoned places which I was itching to explore in Sayulita. This was a hobby of mine in my Philly days.In case you need a place to stay like a local in Sayulita. Yahoo email address is old school!The architecture with all its smooth curves and rounded edges in Sayulita.Scooters were the preferred transportation as the roads were narrow and slim in Sayulita.Right outside of a boutique in Sayulita. With all the rain, the cactus are flourishing.One of my crew alerted me to this mezcal tasting in Sayulita.My favorites in Sayulita.On our way back to the van, this funky turtle in Sayulita.
Visitors can also enjoy browsing the fine art galleries and stylish colorful shops with clothing, handicrafts, decorative items, handmade cosmetics and jewelry. There are also several beachfront restaurants and cafes, luxurious villas, small hotels and spas.
Once we were loaded up in the van and ready to go, it was back to Vidanta to check in and head straight to dinner. Located between the Pacific Ocean and Sierra Madre Mountains, Vidanta is like a Mexican Disneyland (you heard it here first). With nine miles of Ewok-style walkways, one mile of beach, 27+ pools, over 38 bars and restaurants and 2,700+ rooms within five tower hotels. As if that wasn’t enough, they were building more rooms as we drove in and finishing an amusement park set to open in the winter. We stayed in the Grand Luxxe III and book-ended the press trip with a stay the first night and last night with the Visit Nayarit tourism board. The adventure begins with being whisked away by a well designed golf-cart shuttle system from parking to your lobby where you are given a fashionable wristband that allows you access to your room and lets staff know you are legit.
My huge room in Vidanta, don’t judge these photos as I had about 10 minutes to shoot and get to dinner and no daylight!His and hers sinks in the bathroom at Vidanta.A shower and separate, hidden toilet at Vidanta.The bathtub at Vidanta that we all loved with all the human soup ingredients!The beds at Vidanta were soft, fluffy and engulfed you into restful sleep.Before you knew it, it was time for dinner at Vidanta and we went on our golf cart ride to another tower.I loved the artwork here at Vidanta.Amazing colors in the lobby at Vidanta.Tres Aromas for dinner at Vidanta.Stunning history inspired mural at Vidanta. Do you recognize anyone?Starting out with an amuse bouche mole at Tres Aromas in Vidanta.Somehow I got the cow tongue at Tres Aromas in Vidanta which I did try and it didn’t taste me back.But I liked this much better at Tres Aromas in Vidanta, the sauce was perfection.My stomach could barely fit this chicken in at Vidanta.And a fancy flan style dessert at Tres Aromas in Vidanta, it was such a whirlwind as we were all beat.
Dinner that night at Tres Aromas was delicious even though we were all too pooped to party and I tried lengua de vaca (cow tongue) for the first time. Breakfasts were a huge, fresh buffet full of anything your heart desires including breakfast sushi, the coffee was excellent, the rooms were ice cold, big luxurious bath tubs, beds like a fluffy marshmallow and views on the balcony to die for. I only wish we had more time to play! Guess I’ll have to return to ride the ferris wheel… shucks!
I was greeted by this delicious view in the morning at Vidanta.And after breakfast and feeling revived again, I met this hawk and we exchanged noises just hanging out waiting for his master at Vidanta.He had his eyes on me!The walkways at Vidanta were all wooden and intertwined with signs pointing in every direction and music playing at Vidanta. A runner or morning walker’s paradise!
That morning we were packed up and ready to head to Jala, a Spanish-influenced town at the base of El Ceboruco Volcano. We made a couple of quick stops and one of them, this field of agave plants.
The nine states where it is legal to make mezcal are Durango, Guerrero, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.First we stopped for a quick by Mexican time lunch in the cobblestone streets of Jala, Mexico.This place was a mom and pop place for sure in Jala, Mexico.I enjoyed the open air garden space in Jala, Mexico.Pork to share in Jala, Mexico. After our bellies were full, it was time to explore!
We started the Jala adventure officially with a hike to El Salto Waterfall where an adorable puppy who we lovingly named Taco adopted our group as we played in the water followed by impromptu modeling photoshoots. We even encountered wild horses running past us unbothered like something out of a movie. The water was clean, clear, crisp and fresh and nature was recharging all of us. Four miles from Jala, this Mexican waterfall springs to life during the rainy season from June to September from a height of nearly 100 feet.
Horses that were fenced in at the entrance to El Salto Waterfall.Not the meaty, beefy horses we are used to in the USA at El Salto Waterfall.The wobbly bridge at El Salto Waterfall was not made for looking graceful while crossing. Our friend Dan from Ottawa Life Magazine looks on.Everything was so lush and green at El Salto Waterfall.We all stopped in our tracks as wild horses just ran past us at El Salto Waterfall.And then another just flew right past me at El Salto Waterfall.My first view of El Salto Waterfall as I climbed up and to the left then scampered down the rocks.Nature is gorgeous at El Salto Waterfall!As I got a little closer at El Salto Waterfall.Our puppy mascot Taco from our El Salto Waterfall experience. We all fell in love!Hiking back from our fun in the sun at El Salto Waterfall was very pretty as well especially after a cool off.The sky was also showing off a little at El Salto Waterfall.
After getting recharged in nature, it was time to check into Nukari Quinta Boutique, a 5-star hotel in the heart of Jala, Mexico. I’m just now learning about an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub (which I would have jumped in if I’d known but we were on the move), garden, shared lounge, terrace, room service, a 24-hour front desk, continental and American breakfast and more in this curated space.
Very nondescript from the outside at Nukari Quinta Boutique. But the hints of bright orange beckon you inside.Outside was looking like rain at Nukari Quinta Boutique.Once a lifeguard, I knew what these grumbling clouds meant at Nukari Quinta Boutique.The entrance to Nukari Quinta Boutique in Jala, Mexico is stunning.The courtyard is equally eye-catching at Nukari Quinta Boutique.A fake owl swings around in circles to keep the real deal away at Nukari Quinta Boutique.The enclosed walkways at Nukari Quinta Boutique and eatery on the first floor.Checking into my room with some time to play was a rare opportunity to explore at Nukari Quinta Boutique.I had a nice hot bath in this tub before dinner at Nukari Quinta Boutique.And of course a shower if that is more your speed at Nukari Quinta Boutique.I loved the colors at Nukari Quinta Boutique and the four poster bed.
Nukari Quinta Boutique has European stype air-conditioned rooms with wifi and private bathrooms. The property provides room service, a 24-hour front desk and organizing tours for guests. At the hotel, all rooms have a closet. Each room is equipped with a safety deposit box and some feature mountain views. Guest rooms in Nukari Quinta Boutique are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Continental and American breakfast options are available daily at the accommodation. Nukari Quinta Boutique offers 5-star accommodations with a hot tub. The nearest airport is Tepic Airport, 43 miles from the hotel.
Before I got ready for dinner, I was all energized from nature so ran around exploring in Jala, Mexico.
Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is adorned with pink and green stone with ionic and Corinthian columns inside. I was lucky to capture the priest doing his thing during a service happening.
A priest walks down through the pews of his devoted followers in Jala, Mexico. The Catholic religion is the largest in Mexico.A close-up of the stained glass in Jala, Mexico.A statue with a worn off name in Jala, Mexico.A fenced off space in Jala, Mexico ripe for exploring if I could climb the fence legally!A street scene in Jala, Mexico. An older man yelled something to me about my shorts being too short (I think) but that was the extent of it… I ignored him. I only wish I knew more Spanish so I could say enjoy the show ha!The very top of the church in the back in Jala, Mexico.
Located at the bottom of El Ceboruco Volcano, Jala is the perfect example of a Spanish-influenced town engulfed by nature. Wandering the cobblestone streets in itself is fun. The historic center of Jala is a vibe, particularly the streets of Mexico, Zaragoza, and Hidalgo, all of which have been given historical heritage designations by the government.
Soon we were taking another walkabout before dinner, optional in Jala, Mexico. We enjoyed these blue columns at night with Haley.Our mini tour guides who adopted us in Jala, Mexico. They were adorable and much like the Mexican culture, the boys are fearless and the culture allows them to roam free and safe.Art blowing in the wind in Jala, Mexico.We went inside and poked around this open air museum which was also dog friendly in Jala, Mexico.I liked this fairy wooden art work in Jala, Mexico.We stopped by the Pharmacie on the way back because I was curious as ozempic is all the rage right now in Jala, Mexico. They did not have it there but in larger cities, this is the price in pesos about 17 to the American $1 at this time.Soon we were back to the hotel for dinner at the namesake restaurant.
The namesake rooftop restaurant, Nukari, was our picturesque place for dinner that night. That evening was the most flavorful, delicious and festive dinner on top of the rooftop. Some of the crew met up for happy hour and enjoyed tasting their way through the cocktail menu. I was still doing dry July kick so opted for a hibiscus tea that was sweet and addicting.
The most fresh fish salad with guac to start at Nukari Quinta Boutique.Delicious sushi with fresh veggies at Nukari Quinta Boutique.Street tacos at Nukari Quinta Boutique, each bite was outstanding.Meaty pork goodness just fell apart at Nukari Quinta Boutique.Sizzling steak on a slab, is there anything better at Nukari Quinta Boutique.The best grilled shrimp at Nukari Quinta Boutique.Mango ice cream for dessert at Nukari Quinta Boutique. Everything was so delicious! This was one of my favorite foodie throwdowns of the trip.
We all frolicked, full and happy until bedtime (or beyond for some) and awoke to a heavy downpour while we loaded up the van for the next stop from the Hoteles Boutique de México. It was a long, stressful drive to our boat as traffic was snarled, we got a bit lost and had some slightly sick and super sleepy campers. But we made it in the nick of time to the dock for the 3 day 2 night adventure on Islas Marías, the former prison island now eco-friendly tourist destination. That’s a whole separate post and experience, it’s jam-packed with bright and dark tourism. But for now we’ll resume to when we returned to San Blas, where we left from!
Arriving back in San Blas, we were more rested and in good spirits ready for the next adventure and our last full day in Mexico. San Blas port plays a vital role in maritime operations, transportation and is the hub of maritime communication to the Islas Marías. We foresee a lot of growth happening in the future here as tourism and military merge together and the area keeps expanding.
Fresh from the boat, we drove straight to El Estero Restaurant in San Blas.Not just a restaurant, it is a whole beach destination in San Blas.We all celebrated with some Piña coladas and/or margaritas in San Blas. It was tasty!A master with the knife, this gentleman was in charge of oysters fresh from the ocean in San Blas.I slurped down one of these with some lime juice squeezed on top – just in case in San Blas.Our table of badass journalists in San Blas. I miss all of these humans!This was some of the best skirt steak I’ve ever had in San Blas.And as if we weren’t full enough, a platter of fish arrived in San Blas!
Now that we were stuffed like little piggies (and I had multiple Mexican cokes with cane sugar rocket fuel), we were off for another boat adventure however this time a lot more rustic. It was time to explore the mangroves! The boat ride through the mangroves showcases the nocturnal wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. Amidst the mangrove tunnels of the La Tovara tour, we saw so many birds, baby birds in a nest hungry for food, reptiles and more. The sunset time creates an air of mystery, as the only source of light is the moon and stars, accompanied by the intriguing touch of the most iconic myths and legends of San Blas.
We were deep in the jungle now in San Blas.Our fearless tour guide beckons for us to get inside the boat in San Blas. The sun shirt was a good idea especially during the hot daytime!Super cool roots in the mangroves in San Blas.We spotted the elusive Gringo in the mangroves who always says safety comes first in San Blas.And we popped out to these glorious views in San Blas.I tasted this anonilla fruit fresh picked from the boat in San Blas. It tasted like soap.This guy legit posed for us in San Blas and some amazing images were captured!Slightly eerie photo in San Blas.The only place you will get these views in San Blas is on a boat in this protected space.We were all loving these views in San Blas.The sun was setting fast in San Blas.There’s a swimming hole and restaurant at the very end of the swamp with a gated in area to keep the crocs out in San Blas. We didn’t see any except a baby during our visit.On the other boat, my new amigo Don Viajes poses for a picture.Pink hues started coming through in San Blas as we sped back.Birds perch perfectly in San Blas with the sunset and moon poking out.These huts were made for a movie in San Blas and are unoccupied.After our boat ride zooming back, this baby crocodile looks kind of cute in San Blas.His little face would only bite one finger off in San Blas.Mad respect to nature and the arts in San Blas.The last night in Nayarit, Mexico and we were back to Vidanta with these views in the morning.My room was on a different side this time at Vidanta.You can see the ski lift style rides in this mega resort if you look close enough… until next time Vidanta!
The next morning we were up and at ’em (kind of) for our delicious buffet breakfast and goodbyes. I got a little time zone mixed up when I realized I had no time to hightail it to the front of the hotel for our golf cart ride back to the van to the airport. When I finally checked in, I legit was crying after leaving while making my first post with time and wifi available because somehow Visit Nayarit pulled off the largest, most familia press trip ever! It was also a subtle reminder from the universe that my people are journalists and to keep moving forward. Until next time, amigos. Gracias!
