Things to do in Jalisco
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Mismaloya: Bioluminescence Kayak & SUP to Los ArcosYou paddle your own kayak or SUP from Mismaloya beach to Los Arcos Marine Park at night, moving through glowing water created by bioluminescence. The silence and your own effort make it feel like a real encounter, not a tour. You return to hot chocolate and a campfire, with free photos and transport included. Plan for a moderate paddle — the physical effort is what makes the glow feel earned.Is it for me?Right for travelers who want to experience bioluminescence actively rather than passively, and who can paddle a kayak or SUP with moderate effort. The physical exertion is what makes the glow feel like something you've earned, not just observed.
Chocolate Workshop Bean to Bar in Puerto VallartaA hands-on chocolate workshop in Puerto Vallarta's city center where you learn the bean-to-bar process from expert chocolatiers, roasting and grinding raw cocoa beans into authentic Mexican chocolate that you take home. The two-hour class includes cocoa beans, chocolate, toppings, an apron and hat, and a guide who walks you through the history of cacao among the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs.Is it for me?Book this for a morning or afternoon when you want to step away from the beach and make something with your hands—the two-hour format fits between other plans, and you leave with chocolate instead of just a memory of the place.
Edenva Puerto Vallarta: 13 zip lines & hanging bridgesYou get a full day at Edenva Ecotourist Park with access to all activities — thirteen zip lines, hanging bridges, river swimming, hiking trails, and a restaurant — at your own pace. Private transport from Puerto Vallarta is included, and you can move between activities without a guide or fixed schedule. Plan for a moderate level of walking and climbing, which is what lets you cover the whole park in one day.Is it for me?Right for families or mixed-age groups who want options rather than a fixed itinerary — the pass lets everyone do different things at the same time. Expect moderate walking and climbing to reach the zip line platforms and trails; that's what makes covering the whole park in one day possible.
Guadalajara: Guachimontones Pyramids & Tequila Distillery TourYou drive south from Guadalajara to walk through Guachimontones' 2,000-year-old circular pyramids and underground irrigation systems, then move into Tequila town's colonial streets and a working distillery where you taste different varieties. Water and snacks are included, and small-group pacing means you're not rushing between stops. A certified guide handles the history and production details, so you absorb the region without arranging transport or timing yourself.Is it for me?Book this if you want the main archaeological and tequila production stops in one day without arranging your own transport or timing between sites — the small-group format and certified guide mean you move at a pace that lets you absorb the history and craftsmanship without feeling rushed.
Puerto Vallarta: Horseback Riding & Waterfall Trek Sierra MadreYou ride through Sierra Madre foothills, cross hanging bridges to a waterfall where you swim, then return to the ranch to prepare and eat a Mexican lunch with an open bar. Pickup from designated points outside Puerto Vallarta is included, along with the guide and all drinks. Plan for a full morning and early afternoon out of the city.Is it for me?Right for riders who want a full Sierra Madre experience in one morning without arranging transport or lunch — the horseback riding, waterfall swim, and meal you help prepare are all handled. Expect a few hours out of the city with some walking and climbing mixed into the riding, which is what makes the waterfall and the swim possible.
Puerto Vallarta: Taco Bike Tour, Old Town & Beach DrinksYou’ll cycle through Puerto Vallarta’s neighborhoods with a local guide, tasting jalapeño seafood tacos and steak at legendary stands, pausing at colorful landmarks like El Malecon and Old Town. Expect laughter over language slips, ocean breezes on your face, and a beachside drink as you watch the sun dip low — it’s more than just food or cycling.
ATV & RZR mountain driving Puerto Vallarta: 4 hoursA 4-hour ATV or RZR driving experience in the Sierra Madre foothills near Puerto Vallarta where you pilot your own vehicle (or ride as a passenger) through terraced trails to Mirador La Joyita viewpoint, the village of Los Llanitos, and natural mountain pools. Small groups keep the pace personalized; safety equipment, tequila tasting and a meal of handmade tortillas and salsa are included. Drivers must hold a valid license; passengers aged 16+ may drive with an adult present.Is it for me?Book this if you want to drive yourself rather than sit as a passenger on a guided tour—the machine and the terrain are yours to navigate, and the small-group format means the guide adjusts to your pace instead of keeping to a fixed schedule.
Puerto Vallarta Whale-Watching Tour: Small-Group HumpbackA small-group whale-watching tour in Puerto Vallarta takes you out into Bahia de Banderas on a boat with a bathroom, guided by a biologist, ecologist or naturalist who teaches you how to observe humpbacks responsibly without disturbing them. The tour runs 3.5 hours, includes soft beverages and lunch, and operates December through March. Minimum group size applies; if not met, you'll receive a refund or date change.Is it for me?Book this tour if you're in Puerto Vallarta December through March and want to watch humpback whales without the crowds of a large commercial boat—the small group and the guide's expertise mean you'll see the animals behaving naturally, not reacting to dozens of people competing for a view.
Puerto Vallarta: Canopy Zipline Tour with River Swim & TequilaYou’ll fly high above Puerto Vallarta’s jungles on 19 ziplines with local guides cheering you on, then cool off swimming in natural river pools or relaxing by the water. Lunch is served riverside with tropical drinks and a tequila tasting included. It’s loud, messy fun—and somehow exactly what you need.
San Sebastian del Oeste: Coffee Farm, Silver Workshop & Walking TourYou’ll wander San Sebastian del Oeste’s cobbled lanes with a local guide, peek inside a silversmith’s shop, sample fresh coffee at an organic farm, and share lunch in the village square. Expect slow rhythms, mountain air, and small moments that stick with you long after you leave.
Puerto Vallarta: ATV & RZR Sierra Madre Tour with Tequila TastingYou’ll ride ATVs or RZRs from Puerto Vallarta into the Sierra Madre mountains with local guides leading the way. Expect muddy trails, mountain views, lunch by a river at Rancho mi Abuelo (with time to swim), plus a guided tequila tasting at Tequilera Vallejo before heading back.
Puerto Vallarta: Pitillal Food Tour & 8 TastingsYou walk through Pitillal's neighborhood streets with a small group and a local foodie guide, stopping at eight family-run eateries to taste carnitas, seafood tostadas, tamales, birria and regional dishes. The tour lasts 3.5 hours, includes all tastings, and keeps the group to ten people so you're not lost in a crowd. You finish knowing how Puerto Vallarta actually eats, not how it's marketed.Is it for me?Book this if you want to eat like a local in Puerto Vallarta without navigating language, finding the right spots, or figuring out what to order — the guide handles all three, and the small group size means you're not following a flag through a crowd.
Puerto Vallarta: Banderas Bay Waterfalls, Snorkeling & Jungle HikeYou’ll hike jungle trails to hidden waterfalls near Banderas Bay, swim in cool natural pools, snorkel among colorful fish at Los Arcos with your local guide, and relax on quiet beaches with fresh drinks in hand. Expect laughter, real conversation, and those small moments that stick with you long after you leave.
Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Sailing Tour with Open Bar & LunchYou’ll sail across Banderas Bay on a luxury yacht with an attentive local crew, enjoying premium open bar drinks and fresh deli-style lunch as you relax or try snorkeling and paddleboarding. Watch for dolphins near the boat and soak up mountain views from deck cushions—this day is all about slowing down and feeling connected to Puerto Vallarta’s sea air.
ATV and Zip Lining in Puerto Vallarta: Sierra Madre AdventureAn ATV and zip-lining combo activity in Puerto Vallarta where you operate the four-wheeler through colonial town streets and mountain trails, then zip-line between treetops before a mule ride back down the canyon. The activity runs 4 hours with a live guide in English or Spanish, helmet provided, and photos of the ATV portion included. Minimum age is 6; drivers must hold a valid license. You choose between a single ATV (one person per machine) or a double ATV (two people sharing one vehicle).Is it for me?Book the single ATV if you want to ride solo and control your own machine; choose the double ATV if you're traveling with one other person and want to share the cost and the experience. Either way, you're operating the vehicle yourself on the trails, not sitting as a passenger—that's what sets this apart from a guided tour where someone else drives.
Puerto Vallarta: Cirque du Soleil LÚDŌ & Gourmet DinnerYou get a gourmet dinner timed to a 75-minute Cirque du Soleil production in a custom-built aquatic theater, with acrobats performing in and above water from a 360-degree perspective. Theater access, all taxes, and parking are included. Arrive an hour early, expect high-volume sound and strobe effects, and know this is a VidantaWorld resort experience, not a walk-up ticket.Is it for me?Book this if you're staying at a VidantaWorld resort and want a high-production theatrical experience that combines fine dining with acrobatics — the custom-built aquatic stage and immersive format are what make this different from a traditional Cirque show, and the gourmet dinner timing removes the need to eat separately.
Horseback Riding & Tequila Tasting near Puerto VallartaThis horseback riding activity near Puerto Vallarta takes you on a 25-minute drive to Hacienda Dona Engracia, where you're matched with a horse suited to your ability and ride along the Mascota River through local countryside. If river conditions permit, you swim with your horse; afterward, you head to La Dulce Vista to taste four artisanal tequilas made in small batches (Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and Pink Tequila), then eat a traditional Mexican lunch with unlimited margaritas. The full experience runs about five hours and includes a guide who speaks English or Spanish, bottled water, and transportation by white bus from your meeting point.Is it for me?Five hours is the full day commitment, which leaves room for other activities in the morning or evening but not a second major outing—book this if you want a single immersive experience that combines riding, water, and food without splitting your day.
Puerto Vallarta: Parasailing Adventure & Beach Takeoff ViewsYou’ll feel nerves turn into pure thrill as you lift off from Puerto Vallarta’s main beach, guided by locals who know every detail. Soar above city rooftops and mountain edges during your 8–10 minute flight, then land softly back on warm sand with your pulse still racing. This isn’t just another view — it’s something you’ll carry home long after your feet touch down.
Guadalajara: José Cuervo Distillery & Agave Fields TourYou're picked up from your Guadalajara hotel and driven to the agave fields, where a jimador explains the plant and harvest. Then you tour La Rojeña distillery, see the production process, and taste four tequilas. Lunch and free time in the town of Tequila follow, with shopping at local markets. Hotel drop-off concludes the day by late afternoon.Is it for me?A good fit if you want to understand tequila from the plant up, not just taste it in a bar — the agave field visit is what makes the distillery tasting actually stick. Plan for a full day with two hours of driving, which is what lets you see both the source and the process in one trip.
Chocolate Workshop in Puerto Vallarta: Make & Taste CacaoA chocolate-making workshop at Planeta Cacao, a cacao garden in rural El Tondoroque near Puerto Vallarta, where you spend 90 minutes learning the craft from cultivation through grinding, tasting cacao drinks and mesoamerican cookies as you work. The guide teaches in English or Spanish, and children from age 5 are welcome. You leave with handmade chocolate you made yourself.Is it for me?The workshop includes the hands-on chocolate-making itself — you're not watching a demonstration but working through the craft from bean to finished bar — which means you leave with something you made and the knowledge of how it came together, not just a taste and a story.
