"Exploring the Relaxing Hot Springs and Thermal Pools Near Puerto Vallarta: A Must-Do Excursion"

Looking for a unique experience in Puerto Vallarta? How about a small-group tour to the serene hot springs of Nuevo Ixtlan Aguas Termales? Nestled about an hour and a half northwest of Puerto Vallarta, this family-run gem remains undiscovered by many tourists. 

I celebrated my birthday here in 2022 and had an incredible time. Now, I'm returning with my sister and her friend, eager for another unforgettable adventure.

Our journey begins around 08:00 in the morning, with a convenient pickup from a designated location. While most tours start from Sam’s Club in Puerto Vallarta, we were pleasantly surprised when Tony, the owner, arranged a pickup closer to our hotel in Nuevo Vallarta. 

Traveling in a comfortable van with air-conditioning, our group of eleven, including our friendly driver and tour guide Sergio, embarked on our adventure. Along the way, we picked up one more couple in Bucerias before heading to our first stop: the quaint town of San Juan de Abajo. 

In San Juan de Abajo, we explored a local market, helping Sergio select fresh fruits and vegetables for our upcoming lunch. 

We then visited a tortilla factory, where Sergio enlightened us on the art of tortilla-making. The taste of the freshly made tortillas lingered in our mouths, truly a culinary delight!  

 After a brief stop and bathroom break, we continued our journey to the Thermal Hot Springs, passing through picturesque villages and learning about the region's local fruit and history.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by several pools of thermal mineral water, shaded by towering trees. Assigned our own pools, we luxuriated in the soothing warmth, adjusting the water temperature to our liking.  

Sergio treated us to his homemade lemonade and presented us with a plate of beautifully sliced fresh fruits to savor while soaking in the mineral-rich waters. We were also offered clay masks for a rejuvenating experience.   

Gettin our Clay Masks…. 

As if that weren't enough, Sergio prepared a delicious lunch of grilled chicken and beef, accompanied by vegetables, fruits, guacamole, and salsa—an absolute feast! 

We noticed this little bird as we finished our lunch..

After lunch, we headed back to Bucerias for a beachside massage, the perfect way to unwind. Spending two hours in Bucerias, half of our group enjoyed massages while the other half explored and shopped, then swapped places. It was the ideal ending to our day—an experience we'll cherish forever.

This excursion offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation, making it an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Puerto Vallarta. I'm already planning my return in January, eager to embark on this tour once again!  

Little treats given to us by Sergio before our excursion completed.

To book this excursion you can follow this link. Shaded Hot Spring, Massage, and Mex Grill in Puerto Vallarta.