SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Destination: Puerto Vallarta | Mexico | North America

Traveled: September 2009

Strategy: This was a much needed trip for rest and relaxation. We planned to take advantage of the all inclusive amenities at our resort.

Accommodation: Dreams Resort and Spa

Adventures: Sea Turtle Release, Jungle Trek, World's Largest Palapa

Memorable Moment:  Releasing baby sea turtles into the ocean at sunset!

Takeaways: 1) You can specify the type of liquor you want in your cocktail at all inclusive resorts. Top shelf please! 2) The iguanas will eat flowers. You can feed them if you are brave enough. 3) Manta rays swim along the shore in the mornings. 4) Reapply sunscreen often.

Foodstuff: Corona is one of the local beers. Tequila is popular. Coca-Cola Light is not quite the same as Diet Coke. We discovered taquitos and had our fill of pineapple, guacamole, and nachos.

Restaurant Picks:
Dinner:: Le Kliff Restaurant and Bar

Recommendations: 1) After you get through customs at the airport, RUN through the "shark tank" to the taxi stand in the main lobby. The time share and tour representatives in this area are ruthless. 2) There is no need to exchange money from the USD. Bring $1 and $5 bills for tipping. 3) The various resort restaurants have dress codes in the evening. Men should bring a pair of pants and a collared shirt. Ladies, bring a dress or two! 4) Pack sunscreen or be prepared to spend a small fortune on it. 5) Bring water shoes for any planned excursions.

^^ baby sea turtle release! ^^

Next Time: We still need to check out the town! We'll stroll along El Malecón, visit the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe), and look for the Caballeo del Mar (Seahorse Statue). We are counting down the days until we visit again. Hasta la vista, Puerto Vallarta!

Helpful Reads:

The Packing List for an All-Inclusive Vacation to Mexico
In & Out of the Puerto Vallarta Airport