Jalisco

The final leg of the Mexico trip was a stay in Jalisco. After all the busy sightseeing in Mexico City and El Chepo Barrancas, hanging out in the warm sun and listening to the waves was a balm. 

We've been wanting to stay in Yolapa ever since our son came back with rave reviews. A boat ride from the pier at PV, it is a sleepy beach town. Very laid back. No cars, but ATVs, on cobblestone streets. We decided to spoil ourselves with accommodations right on the beach. The balcony was huge and the sound of the waves played all day and night. There was a bit of a river as well, with lots of different birds splashing in: brown pelicans, black storks, blue herons, laughing gulls, white egrets, frigates and black-necked stilt birds.  We did explore  the trails a bit, enjoying views of the waterfall, fishing boats, and village square. Our favourite restaurant was Abuelos, with its open-air ambience and live musicians. 

We divided our stay between Yolapa and Peurto Vallarta. In PV, we stayed in Zona Romantica. Our hotel didn't have much of a view, but it did have the perfect location. In the city’s main square, Plaza de Armas, perfectly situated between the Malecon, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and the Arches at the Malecon amphitheater. 

We also spent a few hours on the water in a small boat whale watching tour, see humpbacks sound and mothers with their calves. Our last night, we spoiled ourselves with a table on beach and a serenade from an excellent mariachi band. 

Two weeks later there were troubles with the cartels. The bustling Square, and the OXO we shopped at, became the scene of vehicles lit on fire and smoke rising, with tourists asked to shelter in place. So glad we missed that action!