Use my suggestions to have a unique adventure to Puerto Vallarta & nearby Colonial Towns to experience the real culture & flavors of Mexico!
Puerto Vallarta Backroad Adventures
Suggestions for a 10 nights/11 days
Back Road Adventure with John (or on your own)
“For people with a spirit of adventure who love nature & would like to experience the real culture & flavors of Mexico.”
Offered November – May ( best weather )
DAY 1 Puerto Vallarta
Depart SFO on Alaska or United non-stop (3.5 hours) to Puerto Vallarta or whatever city your coming from.
Greeted by John & private transport from the airport to Hotel Vallarta Shores. After a refreshing dip in the ocean, pool or Jacuzzi , we’ll have a Sunset Dinner on the famous Malecon.
DAY 2 Puerto Vallarta
Mexican style breakfast followed by time to swim & relax on our private beach & pool.
In the afternoon, John will give a casual tour of some of his favorite places of interest with a light lunch.
Today’s sunset hour will feature John’s famous guacamole & jumbo shrimp cocktail.Overnight Hotel Vallarta Shores .
DAY 3 Puerto Vallarta & Yelapa
Mexican style breakfast followed by our all day adventure via 1 hour boat ride to the remote coastal village of Yelapa. Your choice to relax on the Yelapa beach or for those anxious to stretch your legs, join John for a leisurely one hour hike following the Tuito River to his favorite swimming hole & waterfall. A mid afternoon seafood lunch/dinner on the Yelapa beach, then sunset boat ride back to P.V. NOTE an included alternative is a trip to the Botanical Gardens near PV. Overnight at Hotel Vallarta Shores.
DAY 4 Talpa de Allende
Mexican style breakfast followed by our Private Van back road adventure to Talpa de Allende to experience the real culture & flavors of Mexico. Our transportation will take us up and over the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. After checking into our Hotel Real Posada we’ll enjoy lunch in the Molino Rojo Restaurant followed by a walking tour of Talpa’s points of interest. A highlight of this town is a sunset dinner overlooking the famous Cathedral & Plaza at the La Burrita Café.
DAY 5 Talpa de Allende
Breakfast at the Patio Restaurant followed by an excursion through the countryside to the 80 year old unique hand made adobe brick factory. Returning to Talpa for a light lunch at the Gaeta Restaurant, followed by some time to purchase some handicrafts or leather goods at the Mercado Principal. Our sunset Dinner tonight will be at the Casa Grande Restaurant overlooking the town & valley. After dinner John has a special treat. A visit to one of the oldest & still active horse shoe factories in Mexico that still uses 18 century equipment. Take a few home to share some good luck with friends. Overnight at Hotel Real Posada
DAY 6 Mascota
After breakfast at the Patio Restaurant in Talpa, we’ll take a short 45 minute ride to our next back roads town of Mascota. After checking into the Mason San Jose Hotel, we’ll have a pick me up of any style of coffee, at the famous Napoli Café followed by a local tour with John. Then a visit to the towns locals hangout the Dos Agave’s Pub. Dinner will be at the Tapango Restaurant. Overnight at Mason San Jose Hotel.
DAY 7 Mascota
After breakfast at the Casa de Mi Abuela Restaurant, we’ll take a safari style transport to a remote moonshine “Raicilla” factory & visit the 350 year old silver mining town of Navidad with a visit to the 76 year old local carpenter who doesn’t use nails.
Returning to Mascota to have the experience of ringing the bell of the 250 year old church that can be heard 5 miles away. Dinner at the Alameda Restaurant with the Ex President of Mascota. Overnight at Mason San Jose Hotel.
DAY 8 San Sebastian del Oeste
After breakfast at the Casa de Mi Abuela, we’ll travel back in time to the 450 year old silver mining village of San Sebastian del Oeste. Upon arrival we’ll have a tour of the organic coffee plantation before checking into our 300 year old Hotel del Puente. We’ll visit the local silversmith & stretch our legs with a 1 mile hike to the abandon silver mine. Dinner overlooking the Plaza then off to bed.
DAY 9 San Pancho
Rosters get up early in San Sebastian & so will we. After breakfast at the Paradise Restaurant ,we’re off to San Pancho to relax on the beach & reminisce about your back road adventures . Dinner at Maria’s Restaurant. Overnight the Bungalow Hotel
DAY 10 San Pancho
After breakfast at Maria’s Restaurant we’ll relax on my favorite beach. Today’s mid day snack will be a local Marlin ceviche at the La Perla Beach Side Restaurant.(Additional & Optional whale watching or fishing). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Bungalow Hotel .
DAY 11 (Home or choose to extend your vacation)
After breakfast at Maria’s. For those coming from the Bay Area, you’ll have the morning to relax on the beach, until departing San Pancho at 2:30 pm to catch your return Alaska or United Airlines flight to SFO.
“Join us to experienced the real culture & flavors of Mexico & secrets of its backroads”
DETAILS for Small groups of 6-8 persons
This suggested itinerary is for 10 nights/ 11 days(Excluding airfare on Alaska or United)
$1,850 per person based in double occupancy (Single Supplement $ 2,100) includes all accommodations, land transfers, meals & gratuities, tours by John , plus Backroads Safari Shirt
(Minimum of 6 & maximum of 8 travelers for this itinerary)
NOTE: A deposit of $ 500 per person is required to confirm your space.( Space Limited)
Payable to: Puerto Vallarta Backroads, 269 Scenic Rd. ,Fairfax ,CA 94930
Fully refundable, if canceled by 60 days prior to departure or cancellation fee of $450, if canceled after.
AIRFARES on Alaska ( limited seats at reduced prices on Alaska)
Non Stop #373 Departs SFO at 1:40 pm arrives PV at 7:15 pm (3.5 hour flight)
Non Stop #1239 Departs PV at 4:45 pm arrives SFO at 6:44 pm ( 3.5 hour flight)
Total Round Trip $ 590 – $700 pp depending on the days of travel.
(or choose your airline for these dates or stay longer)
“All you have to do is relax,have Fun & keep breathing”
Any questions or possible dates you’d like to join us , please just send your reply via Email: WHCalendars@yahoo.com or call me. (415) 331-0100 in US/Canada or 388-105-0786 in Mexico
John Benus,Trip Leader