A visit to Puerto Vallarta and the 5 interesting options not to be given a miss

Who hasn’t said, at one time or another, “What I wouldn’t give for a couple of hours all to myself.” You maybe didn’t expect it when you moved into your villa rental Puerto Vallarta, but it seems that today is the day. The kids insisted on spending the day on the beach, the spouse/significant other/BFF headed for the golf course. And there you are, looking for something to do all by yourself.

Time - the greatest gift

This is not a crisis – in fact, it’s a bit of a gift. You know there are half a dozen things you have been wanting to do, but your traveling companions said, “No! We’re absolutely not going to the ______ (insert your vacation wish here)!” So nuts to those guys; this is your day. Here’s a list to consider, from the soothing to the extreme.

• Get a massage. It’s something everyone should do at least once in a lifetime, and Puerto Vallarta may be the place. You’ll find several talented masseurs who work at reasonable rates. Venus Sunshine Massage and Spa gets high marks from their clients. And the staff at Yin-Yang will visit you in your villa rental Puerto Vallarta. 

• Visit Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to learn something about local culture and history, no matter what the others say (“Oh, man, not another museum. . .”) This is it - your chance to take some time, roam around, ask questions, and experience the soothing atmosphere of the church’s whitewashed walls and gilt-edged altar. 

• Ride a horse in the rain forest. Rancho el Charro offers a series of rides lasting anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire day. If you’re feeling especially daring, choose one of their so-called “Wild Rides.” 

• The bullfights aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but then neither is tea. Some people may object to particular activity, but there is no denying that it is part of the local color and culture. If you have a free Wednesday night, and you have the taste for it, can a night at the fights, Puerto Vallarta style, at La Paloma bullring in Marina Vallarta. 

• Sing karaoke. Some readers may say that this particular adventure does not belong at the extreme end of a “to do” list; if you’ve never stood in front of a crowd with a microphone in your hand, you just don’t know. Whatever you do, though, don’t let the kids see – or hear – this one!