I’ve been to Mexico for vacation a handful of times. It’s always an amazing trip: Eastern coast of Mexico, all-inclusive resort, lounging by the beach or the pool, maybe a snorkeling excursion, and fabulous food and drinks. Last month, I was hosted in Riviera Nayarit, tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico-and this vacation was anything but typical. Although Reflect Resorts Krystal Grand Nuevo Vallarta was a fabulous resort with amazing food, views, pools and beach, what we experienced outside the resort grounds was incredible. Join our adventure:
The roads were dusty, kicking up the dust and covering us in dirt and grime. The military-style truck was loud and fast and rocking causing me to reach for my handle to steady myself. There were butterflies bumping around in my belly from excitement. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but I surely couldn’t wait to find out! That’s what if feels like when you are a guest of Vallarta Adventures. This isn’t a regular old tour-this is an incomparable interactive tour. We launched into a scavenger hunt-style tour of this region of Mexico. We explored local villages, shopped in local stores and purchased groceries. We ground our own nixtamal to make our own corn tortillas, we gave back to the local community by taking lunch to local workers on the side of the road. We listened to our guide, Gabriel and his master storytelling skills. Sharing with us the history and culture of this region of Mexico with such love that you couldn’t help but be sucked into his legends. We followed him through the forest and into the mountains watching him care for the wildlife as he taught us about each insect, animal and plant (some even poisonous). Vallarta Adventures gives back to the land it tours by maintaining the trails and looking out for the wildlife. Even though we were hot and tired, finishing the day on a serene beach being served an amazing meal of authentic Aztec Soup, grilled meat and vegetables, fresh tortillas, and hibiscus tea prepared and served by our guides. There were several times during this adventure that I wished my boys were with me. They would have really loved this-and probably wouldn’t have even realized it was educational.
On day two of our Riviera Nayarit adventure, we headed back out with Vallarta Adventures. This tour was a little more sophisticated. We traded our military-style off-road vehicles for air-conditioned buses. Our first stop was the village of San Pancho, where we visited Entre Amigos-quite possibly my favorite spot in Riviera Nayarit. Entre Amigos is a non-profit community center that serves the children of San Pancho. It gives them the opportunity to learn skills using recycled materials. Skills like sewing using recycled fabric that has been donated, making items out of glass bottles, screen printing, in addition to sports, dance, and typical educational skills. Giving these children a chance to participate in this program gives them a head start in their educational journey. The amazing thing is that they are able to see their results. One of the children who has gone through the program many years ago is now one of the directors of the program and her children come to the center. The items the create either support local businesses in San Pancho, or are sold in their ‘Galleria’ or little shop and proceeds are invested back into the center. When visiting San Pancho, your family can actually volunteer and work with the children learning the skills and give back to them. Vallarta Adventures also donates items on Entre Amigos’ wish list using a portion of each ticket purchase.
Further proving their love of country, after leaving Entre Amigos, we headed into the town center of San Pancho with Vallarta Adventures and planted 20 trees-giving back to the earth, the community, and leaving a little mark on the town. My boys would have loved Entre Amigos, learning new skills and getting dirty planting trees. Exploring the gorgeous, clean streets with their vibrant murals Stopping at the "Candy Store" a roadside stand featuring freshly cut jackfruit, handmade treats and candies and more was not only an opportunity to taste some local sweets but again a chance to support the local economy in this small town. You couldn't help but notice the pride the guides had in introducing us to their fellow community members.
Off to Sayulita, the local surfing town where we enjoyed making our own mole and guacamole for lunch at the Beach Club. Once again, our guides engaged us in an entertaining hands-on learning environment which had many of us ready to head home and try out our new recipes…but only after enjoying an afternoon relaxing on another breathtaking beach. Are you seeing a theme? Beach Vibes! The shopping in this little surfing town was exquisite. From handmade gifts and toys to upscale surf shops and boutiques.
I can't wait to return to Riviera Nayarit for a vacation with my whole family and explore more. Check out the video below to experience the beauty yourself:
I received product, compensation and/or was hosted in exchange for this review. As always, opinions are 100% my own.
