Puerto Vallarta Wasn’t What We Expected. It Was Better.
Written by Benton
When most people picture Mexico, they think white sand and all-inclusive resorts. Puerto Vallarta is a little different, and that’s exactly why we liked it.
The beaches aren’t the postcard-perfect white sand you’ll find in other parts of the country. What Puerto Vallarta does have is mountains, adventure, solid food, and its own personality. Our spring break turned into one of those trips we’ll keep talking about for a long time.
The Zipline Adventure We Didn’t See Coming
We only could take pictures before or after zip lining and snagged this shot!
If one thing surprised all of us, it was the zipline tour.
I booked it thinking we’d do a couple of lines, snap some photos, and call it a day. I was way off.
It was zip line after zip line. Some were high enough that you really felt how far you were above the ground. Some were fast. Others gave you time to look out over the mountains.
The first one was short, which helped everyone settle in. All of us were a little nervous at the start, especially the kids. To my surprise, every one of them did every single line.
We paid for the company pictures!
The guides were great with the kids. On some of the longer ones, a guide would ride with them so they felt more comfortable. By the end of the day the nerves were gone. They were asking which one was next.
Then came the part I really didn’t expect. Halfway through, we climbed onto donkeys that carried us back up the mountain so we could keep going. That was a first for us.
Out of everything we did in Puerto Vallarta, this is the experience I think we’ll remember the most.
Puerto Vallarta sunsets were the BEST
Day at Marival Distinct
We also spent time at Marival Distinct. It’s one of the nicest family resorts we’ve stayed at.
The best infinity pool!
Our two-bedroom suite felt more like a house than a hotel room. There was plenty of space, and right outside the back door was a swim-up waterway that connected around the property. The kids thought that was about as cool as it gets.
Even though it’s family-friendly, it never felt loud or crowded. There are multiple pools spread out, so you can always find a quieter spot if you want one.
One of the biggest hits with our middle daughter, Joyanna, was the beach cabana. I may have created a problem for myself. She now thinks every beach vacation should include a private cabana.
View from the back of the 2-bedroom swim out suite
The staff took good care of us. They brought drinks and food throughout the day. What stood out most was how they treated the kids. They even asked what beach toys they wanted and brought them out so the kids could play while we relaxed.
The beach itself isn’t the prettiest you’ll ever see, but the service, the rooms, and the overall experience more than make up for it.
Catamaran ride at Marival Distinct
While we were there we took a catamaran ride from the beach. One of the coolest moments was when dolphins started swimming alongside the boat. The adults thought it was amazing. Our middle daughter wasn’t quite as impressed. She was convinced the dolphins were a little too close for comfort.
Dreams Vallarta Bay
We split our stay with Dreams Vallarta Bay. It wasn’t as luxurious as Marival Distinct, but it served a different purpose.
Dreams and Secrets Vallarta Bay shared a property but was split in the middle!
The property is large enough that you never feel packed in. One thing I liked is how they designed it for both families and adults. There’s a family side and an adults-only side. If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s a smart setup. Families with kids can stay on one side while adults who want quieter surroundings stay on the other. Kids are even allowed over for the wedding ceremony itself before heading back.
Entry to both
One of my favorite memories from Dreams wasn’t something we planned. Early in the mornings we’d step out onto our balcony with coffee and look out over the ocean. Even though whale season was winding down, we still spotted whales from our room. Watching them in the distance while the rest of the resort was just waking up is something I won’t forget.
Don’t Skip the Street Food
One thing I always try to do when we travel is get away from the resort and eat where the locals eat. Our street food tour was a good way to do that.
I’ve done a food tour in Italy before, and that’s a tough one to top, but Puerto Vallarta had some memorable stops. The standout for me was the birria tacos. They were made with lamb instead of beef, and they were easily my favorite thing I ate on the trip. If you only have time for one local food in Puerto Vallarta, make it birria tacos.
Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta surprised us. It isn’t all about perfect beaches. It’s about adventure, good food, mountain views, and making memories together.
From flying through the mountains on those long zip lines to watching whales from the balcony and spending an afternoon in a beach cabana, this trip gave our family a little bit of everything.
If you ask my kids what they remember most, I’m pretty sure they’ll say the zip lines. Or maybe the cabana.
