Our First Trip Out Of The Country Together!
We love to travel! And Jason loves to plan! So, after we had been together around six months, Jason invited me to go to Puerto Vallarta with him. I’m less of a risk taker than he is, so I talked to my family about it and checked out the US State Department’s travel security advisories in Mexico. While some areas were under a level three, Jalisco was only a level two at the time. I did a bit of research and felt comfortable, so Jason planned our trip. This was my first trip out of the U.S. Sit back and relax because this trip was full of adventures and if you are interested in traveling to Puerto Vallarta, you’ll want to read about them all.
After a really early morning, connecting flights and a few airport cocktails, we arrived at the Guadalajara International Airport. I was a little anxious since neither of us spoke the language, but I was quickly put at ease. Jason had booked our trip through a travel agency, so there was always someone available to help us navigate the language and our way around. We were greeted outside the airport and our transportation to the resort was arranged for us. The resort was only a short 10 minute ride.
Once we arrived at Sunscape Puerto Vallarta, we were greeted with cocktails by a very friendly and welcoming staff. Since we arrived prior to our check in time, they arranged for our bags to be delivered to our suite and gave us access to the full resort while we waited. There was also a representative assigned to us during our stay at the resort. Once our room was ready, the rep informed us that our bags would be delivered soon and we were given our room key. I was pleasantly surprised! Jason hadn’t told me that he had reserved the top floor suite with a balcony! It was a gorgeous view overlooking the Banderas Bay, beach and pool area. Didn’t I tell you that he loves planning? We spent the first afternoon and evening at the resort, enjoying unlimited all-inclusive beverages, meals and snacks.
There were multiple options for dining, including an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, food truck, cafe, grill and a buffet. Jason eats a carnivorous diet and I only consume plant based foods, so the buffet was perfect for both of us, and by far our favorite. There was a salad bar with numerous options, suiting both of our lifestyles. There was a hot buffet, which always served at least one type of soup and a pasta. There was almost always a different kind of nachos, tacos, or burritos type meal, but also more American style foods too. The buffet also served breakfast and of course unlimited Mimosas. Because I’m an iced latte girl, I had to visit the coffee bar everyday but sometimes we splurged on calories and had the pastries too. The buffet is pretty casual and laid back, but we did dress up a little on two occasions and had dinner at both the Mexican and Italian restaurants. The atmospheres were very relaxed and romantic but we still preferred the buffet.
The resort beach was ok, but there were a lot of families with children and beach vendors that constantly approached. The view was gorgeous but the water at the resort was full of jellyfish, so we avoided the water. Instead of spending another day at the resort pool, which was also super nice, we opted for a day of adventure. Jason booked an All Terrain Safari tour with Vallarta Adventures. First, we had to take a Unimog up into the mountains. That was a pretty rough ride to say the least. Nevertheless, it was through some beautiful terrain. I don’t recommend it for anyone with neck or back issues, as it’s quite bumpy. The Unimog ride took around an hour and a half to get up into the mountains.
Once we got up into the mountains, we arrived at a protected reserve. The grounds were absolutely beautiful and high in the mountains, but we couldn’t feel it until we started off on our adventures. Once we checked in, we were given bags to put all of our belongings in so that they could be locked away. Next we were given helmets and bandanas for our faces and then taken to the UTVs. We were given our instructions and harnessed into our seats. Once we were all geared up and ready, we were taken out into the mountains by two guides. The route to the course took us by farms and homes until we reached higher into the mountains. The terrain was rough, dry and dusty. We were so far up the mountains and so far from the city that I was feeling a little anxious. Well, until our adventures began!
Jason is a speed freak, so there was a lot of screaming on my part. But it wasn’t scary, just exciting! We rode through narrow mountain trails, down dusty and rocky paths, across tree roots and stumps and through water. The trails were so dusty at times that it was nearly impossible to see the route. At one point, the couple in front of us hit a rocky mountain wall and had to abandon their UTV. Jason was happy that they had to get into a different UTV behind us because they were too slow for his liking. Once we approached the water, Jason told me to hold on. I didn’t hesitate! I know his thrill for adventure. We rocked and bumped and tipped and tilted through the water. By the time we had reached the other side, we were soaked and covered in mud! Who knew that getting that dirty would be so much fun?
The tour included a hike through a wooded area and across a suspended rope bridge to a natural spring with a waterfall. Along the path, there was ripe fruit that we tasted and bugs of all sorts. The guides had us carry walking sticks in case we needed them. I was afraid to ask what we might need them for, but assumed it was for use like a cane, while waking through the terrain. Once we got higher into the mountains with the UTVs, the terrain turned to lush green foliage and trees. It was something magnificent to see. The guide asked if we wanted to dive into the spring. I didn’t inherit the extreme adventure gene, so I declined but Jason was all in, so we continued on.
The rocks were slick and slippery. I’m sure we probably both slipped and fell at least once. The guides explained that they were in dry season, so the water was low, but deep enough in the center for Jason to jump into from the cliff. Yeah, no thanks. But Jason went for it. What he neglected to learn beforehand was that the water temperature was cold. He made his way to the top of the cliff, but not after slipping multiple times from the slimy moss. I elected to sit at the bottom and take pictures. In he went, and up he jumped! The water was freezing, so he was out pretty quick, with no second takes. Once we were out of the spring, it was time to hike back to the UTVs and head back to the farm.
When we arrived back from our mountain hike and UTV adventure, we were given our personal belongings and invited to explore the area. There was a small taco stand that also served liquor. We opted for the strawberry-banana daquiris and empanadas with nachos, guacamole and pico. They even made me a vegan option. We both enjoyed the authentic food and beverages. Then it was time to catch the Unimog back to the city. That proved to be an adventure in itself. I neglected to mention that we had to make a few stops on the way there, up the mountain, during the excursion and on the way back, all because a couple needed to hit the potty or the convenience store at least every 45 minutes and the gentleman also lost his phone, holding us up at least another 45 minutes. This was the same couple that wrecked and broke their UTV! Talk about high maintenance!
After our UTV adventure tour, Jason decided that we needed more adventures, so he planned more awesome excursions with Vallarta Adventures. We took a boat out to a few of the islands with the intention of snorkeling at Marietas Islands, but it was jellyfish season, so we could only go in one area for a short time. It didn’t matter because the boat ride alone was worth it! The staff put on an entertaining show on the boat and provided unlimited beverages. We saw some whales and toured several of the outer islands. It was very scenic and beautiful.
There was so much to see, so many beautiful islands, birds and nature! There were so many jellyfish in some areas that we weren’t able to get into the water. And when we were finally able to go snorkeling, we weren’t allowed to say out long.
We saw a whale and her calf, but they were too quick to catch on camera. We were only able to catch their tails. We would look in one direction and have the camera ready and someone would shout that they were on the other side of the boat. It was a spectacle to see!
After 2 days of adventures away from the resort, we needed a day to chill and rest up because Jason had another excursion planned for the following day. We tried to sit at the pool bar, but there were so many unsupervised children sitting on and jumping off of the barstools, that we opted to chill on the pool deck instead. We loved this resort but if you go, just be prepared and aware that this resort is family friendly. After a day in the sun and listening to children all day, he planned a quiet, romantic beach dinner. We were greeted by a personal wait staff and served unlimited cocktails. He opted for white wine, but I’m a Prosecco girl. We were then served a four course meal and they even prepared something vegan for me! I’m not sure, but I think Jason was trying to impress me. What do you think? He didn’t have to, because I’m not a materialistic girl and the deal was already sealed way back in the Keys, but don’t tell him that.
Another day, another adventure! We were off to Majahuitas Beach for a day of exploring and relaxing. This island was definitely set up for romance! Everywhere we turned, there were little private spaces to chill. We opted for the ginormous hammock struck up between and hanging from several trees. The island was lush with bright green foliage and different palm trees and flowers. The water and sand were the most beautiful I had ever seen. We kayaked along the beach, strolled through the island, chilled and cat-napped in various places, and we were served a delicious buffet lunch, before heading back to the boat which took us back to our resort.
Our final adventure came the following day. We took a scenic sunset cruise across Banderas Bay, on the southern coast of Jalisco for an extraordinary live show and a romantic dinner. When we arrived, we were greeted by costumed creatures and escorted down a gorgeous trail to a huge amphitheater like nothing we’d ever seen. The grounds and surroundings were breathtaking. There were lights strung through the trees and lanterns lighting the path. Bamboo was abundant. We were seated in an outdoor type of arena within a jungle like atmosphere. There were costumed creatures throughout the trees and upon the rocks. Once the performance started, the creatures came down from their perches and were intertwined within the ancestral storytelling.
There was everything within this one production. It was magnificent, funny, emotional, exciting and exhilarating all at the same time. There’s just no way to accurately describe it. You’ll have to go and see it for yourself. The production basically tells a story, with talented entertainers.
After the production, we were asked to follow the paths through the rainforest to the dining area where we were greeted by a professional wait staff and entertainers. After a beverage service of champagne and wine, we were served a gourmet three course meal prepared by a renowned chef. We were surrounded by soft lighting, the ocean, dancers, acrobats and musicians. The scene changed from a bright sunset, to colorful hues above the water, while waves lapped the rocks surrounding our seaside table. After dinner, we were encouraged to explore the island again, before heading back to our resort. After another exploration through the jungle, we waited in the hammock for our boat to arrive.
Back at the resort, it was time to pack for our departure. The following morning, our personal concierge scheduled our travel back to the airport and handled our luggage. It was a wonderful trip. Everyone was welcoming and inviting. The accommodations were awesome; very comfortable and inviting, with great views! The excursions were well planned and full of adventure! We would visit Puerto Vallarta again.
Disclosure… we were in the process of writing this blog before the unsettling events unfolded in February 2026, but we never felt threatened, unsafe or uncomfortable while we were there in 2025. The resort felt very secure and operated with advanced security protocols. Even our excursions felt very safe, but were scheduled through the resort. Always schedule through reliable travel agencies and check State Department Travel Advisories.
You can view our accommodations, adventures & excursions below.
Happy travels!
Val