Puerto Vallarta: Hot Springs Day Trip & Beach Massage BBQ

Summary

Soaking in mountain springs near Puerto Vallarta with grill and massage

You’ll step out of Puerto Vallarta for a full day soaking in Nuevo Ixtlan’s natural hot springs, picking fruit at a local market, sharing Mexican BBQ under tall trees, and finishing with a massage by Bucerias beach. Expect laughter with your guide, fresh flavors, and quiet moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already rumbling out of Puerto Vallarta before I’d finished my coffee, windows down, air still cool from the night. Our guide (Miguel—he insists you call him that) had this habit of waving at every roadside vendor as we wound through little villages. At the market stop, he nudged us toward a stall with mangoes so ripe they left sticky juice on my fingers. I tried to ask for guanábana in Spanish—got a laugh from the fruit lady and Miguel both. That’s how the day started: not rushed, just kind of rolling along with whatever happened.

The drive up to Nuevo Ixtlan felt like climbing into another world—green everywhere, air getting lighter and somehow sweeter. The hot springs weren’t crowded; actually, it was mostly just us and some locals who nodded but didn’t say much. When I slid into the water, it was warm but not too hot—like someone had left the bath running just right. Sunlight came through the trees in patches and there was this faint smell of earth and woodsmoke from somewhere nearby. Miguel grilled steak and chicken while we floated around; tortillas warmed on the edge of the grill, and his salsa had real heat (I might’ve overdone it). We ate sitting on low benches, dripping dry in our swimsuits.

I didn’t expect to feel so loose after all that—maybe it was the food or maybe just being away from city noise for once. On the way back toward Puerto Vallarta we stopped at Bucerias where a massage table waited right by the sand. The therapist worked quietly while gulls squabbled overhead and waves kept breaking close enough to taste salt in the air. I’m not really a “massage person” but honestly? I could’ve stayed there another hour easy.

Even now when things get busy at home I remember that stretch of road through mango groves, or how Miguel whistled along to old ranchera songs on the radio. It wasn’t perfect—my Spanish is still terrible—but something about that day sticks with me anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot springs, market, BBQ, and massage

• Pick up from convenient location
• Visit local market for fresh ingredients
• Travel through nature and small villages
• Swim in warm thermal springs
• Enjoy Mexican BBQ grill
• Visit surprises before returning
• Stop at Bucerias for beach massage
• Relax with beachfront view

Top questions

How long is the drive from Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Ixtlan hot springs?

It takes about 1–1.5 hours each way by private transport from Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Ixtlan.

Is lunch included on this hot springs day trip?

Yes, a Mexican BBQ grill lunch is included with steak, chicken, vegetables, tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

The experience includes private transportation with convenient pickup arrangements in Puerto Vallarta.

Are massages part of this Puerto Vallarta hot springs tour?

Yes—a professional therapist gives you a beachfront massage in Bucerias before returning to Puerto Vallarta.

Can you choose which fruits to try at the market?

You can explore the local market yourself and pick different types of local fruit to taste during the tour.

Is this day trip suitable for people with mobility issues?

No—it’s not recommended for travelers who have difficulty walking or moving easily.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Puerto Vallarta to Nuevo Ixtlan’s hot springs and back; all entry fees; shopping at a local market for fresh fruit; a Mexican BBQ grill lunch with steak, chicken, grilled veggies, tortillas, guacamole and salsa; plus a professional beachfront massage in Bucerias before heading home.