owa

Hi, I've been researching tours for our first trip to PV at Christmas. We are a family of 10 (ages 10-64). Has anyone heard of Tony Sanchez and his 14 person van? Can anyone comment on Vallarta Adventure Cruise Tours to Los Caletas? Or, Tango Tours to the north of PV. Or, Canopy Tours by Los veranos? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on any other types of tours. Since it is Christmas, do I for example, need to book online ahead of time? Thanks

jreed

try www.puertovallartascene.com,those guys on that board know everything about PV.If thats not the right web address then google "puerto vallarta scene message boards".They can answer anything you want to know and probably know Tony Sanchez too.

owa

Thanks Jreed. I'll give that a try.

brink

hi-
I did the Las Caletas boat trip... it was great. I think it ran about $65/person, but we thoroughly enjoyed the lunch, beach time, snorkelling and kayaking they provided when you got there.

As for other activities... I also did the 'swim with dolphins' (which I only agreed to b/c my cousin was dying to do it) What a waste of money.

The one thing I'd highly recommend is the traditional Mexican Fiesta. There are several, but it's relatively inexpensive (around $30/person) and it's decent food--- a show-- much interaction for kids, etc. You might also check with some of the larger hotels... I know places like the Sheraton also have a traditional fiest-like event.

Hope that helps.
Have fun.

PS: I'd definitiely book ahead since it's the holidays. I was there in June and had a tough time getting reservations b/c we waited to far into the week.

owa

Dear Brink, Thanks for your reply. The fiesta

owa

Sorry, accidently hit the post button. I will definitely look into the Fiesta . Thanks again.

jreed

Try the whale watching tour w/Vallarta Adventures its really good.Also Rhythims Of The Night Tour for a cruise,food,drinks and great show.We went to yelapa,it was OK if you want a day at the beach but Id rather just stay at the beach near my hotel nxt time.Where are you staying?You might try renting a 5 bedrm casa.We rented a two bedrm that had personal pool,houseboy and cook.Its the only way to go from now on for us.I think we used www.boutiquevillas.com.Probably be cheaper too.

owa

Dear jreed, Thanks again for the great ideas. I took your advice and posted on the board you suggested. Waiting for answers. We are staying at Casa Claudia as we wanted to try something other than an all inclusive. Small place, and to my surprise, rates do not change over Christmas. We are so excited. Food sounds wonderful. Thanks again. Owa

owa

Suze, If you are reading this, could you respond. You have been there so many time. Ever at Christmas? I'd really like to hear more about Mexican Fiesta celebrations at Christmas. We have been to Mexico before at Christmas, and sometimes it didn't seem like Christmas. This would a nice touch.

lvitaly

I have done Las Caletas on several occassions and have always had a great experience.Vallarta Adventure's is a very proffessional tour company who has this trip dialed in. You will take an hour boat ride to the island. They really entertain you on the way. They sing and dance and serve everyone Margaritas. Once you arrive, you are directed to their outdoor seating for a spectacular homemade lunch. After, you are directed to the private beach which you share only with your group on the boat. You can swim, snorkle, kayak or just laze in a hammock. They have massuses available for a fee. My mother just loved it and at the time she was 64 years old. Point being, it is for all age groups.

owa

It looks like Los Caletas is a must. Will definitely do that one. Is the grandmother speaking when I ask "is the canopy tour safe?" I'm sure the grandchildren would love it. Thanks everyone for taking the time to help me. Keep them coming. Owa

MaxieM

My wife and I have taken the Rhythm of the Night tour through Vallarta Adventures and had a great time. Party on the boat on the way to the dinner, have dinner on the beach, watch a nice live show, and have fun on the boat ride back. The dinner and show take place at a house/estate that was owned by John Huston.

pacificjane

I am a travel agent in Los Angeles and stayed in PV a month ago doing hotel inspections. You should get a big discount with a group of that size. I, personally, was bored with the Calitas trip. Food ok, lots of flys, water was very murky, look out for jellyfish. On the good side, my massage was wonderful and book yours on the boat trip over.
I've heard nothing but good things about the canopy tours. What hotel are you staying at - I saw 12 of them when I was there last month.

suze

Hola Owa... So sorry just now spotted your question to me posted 8/24.

Yes I have been in Puerto Vallarta several times at Christmas. It is a festive time in town, with lots of ornaments, creche scene in the zocolo, fake trees decorated in the stores and restaurants, large star shaped pinatas. You see people doing their Christmas shopping, buying pre-wrapped empty boxes at the pharmacy, single Christmas cards at various shops.

BUT really the big celebration in December is earlier in the month. From the 1st-12th, with the 12th being the biggest day is The Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe. There are large processions in the streets each night, floats, drum and bugle corps, civic groups, kids dance groups, food booths, etc.

Christmas Eve is more the night of celebration and going to mass at the cathedral is the only special thing I know to do. I am not aware of any "fiesta" associated with the day. Christmas Day itself is very quiet with families spending time together at home.

I know there is a tradition of posada (going door to door like Mary & Joseph) but I've seen that mostly to be in street parties, like one block roped off from traffic and music being played, young people dancing, etc. in a local neighborhood.

suze

For owa... A couple more thoughts- that's great you have a reservation at Casa Claudia. I've heard only good things! And so much nicer than a typical (i.e., you could be anywhere) regular large resort property.

As you may have gathered from other posts of mine, I'm don't have experience with tours, althought Vallarta Adventures company seems to receive positive reviews.

On the topic of fiestas, I have never seen a true local one offered or advertised. The shows at the hotels are definitely made for tourists (not that there's anything wrong with that, but they are not a local event). I know there is one popular fiesta down on the southside of town (because I've seen people lined up for it in the evening), I believe called Iguana or something like that.

Sometimes you can see music or dance for free, on the stage at the south end of The Malecon in El Centro (just across from the cathedral) under The Arches, especially on weekend evenings. Ask the staff at your hotel, I'm guessing being a small local establishment they would also be a good resource to guide you to the best of local activities.

owa

We just returned last night from the Turks and Caicos so I didn't see the recent replies until today. Thanks for the information. Owa

Carolred

We went to San Sebastian del Ouste with PV adventures last Feb. and were so impressed with the quality of the company. We would book with then again in a heartbeat, esp. the 'Off-the-beaten-track" tours. We went on a noname boat trip with another company it was nice but not as professional. You get what you pay for.

Glad to see you are not doing the AI thing. To me you really don't experience Mexico or PV (or any country for that matter) at an AI.

michelleholley

Hello,
We have been to PV several times. My sig other and our toddler have been 2 times, I have been with my entire family and then with friends over the past 10 years. The first time I went we stayed at the LaJolla De MisMalloya (sp) out of town 30 mins south and was an all inclusive. The public beach there is really fun and we have been back as recent as last year. The next time was with friends and stayed at at The Sheridan. Fun time. Loved it. Next stayed at Puerta De Luna across from Villa Del Plamar. It is a Best Western-Mexican style and a very lovely little hotel. V nice people and service. We loved the pool and staff. No restaurant or bar, so went across to Vella Del Palmar and used their facilities for free. Was after the hurricane in 2002 and was wonderful. We did the Los Arcos cruise and horse riding in to the waterfall with our baby of 9 mos. Was fun! Last year stayed at Villa Del Palmar and loved the pool and service and people there. Great room. Good prices, with 2 free nights. We did the Rhythm of the Nights cruise and was very impressed. Beautiful show and wonderful visuals. We used a sitter at our hotel and cruised w/o our 18 mo old this time. We went to a really neat restaurant way up in the hills called Las Carmelitas, recommended by our hotel staff. The view was incredible. You could see the entire coast of PV. A little scary getting there up a gravel and rutted steep road, but safe. Food was good. We rented a car one day and went out to the north to Punta De Mita, Mita Point. Winderful beach and restaurants and bars. One had a pool, with beach access and a bar/restaurant where we could swim and rinse off the sand. Food superb! It was also a motel, but very small and we would never stay there, just a great day trip. Buses to P De Mita also. Very cheap. Take care and have a great time!
Michelle

michelleholley

Oh, sorry we traveled in November and stayed just into Dec. Stayed for 2 weeks last two times. Weather is great.

owa

Thanks everyone. My main goal is to keep the grandchildren busy and happy. As I mentioned, we just got back from the Turks & Caicos, and I would never take the grandchildren there as they would be too bored. Sounds like we won't have a problem in PV, and I will book some of these tours soon. Owa