**Macaroni Kid Folsom - El Dorado Hills was hosted for this press trip to Riviera Nayarit however, all opinions and statements are my own.
I learned much about Mexico from stories of my parents' youth, watching Mexican channels, and from the customs and traditions that my parents instilled. Despite this, Mexico always felt like a distant cousin. One I might never meet, know well, or even be welcomed by.
With the growing drug war and violence in Juarez, across the border from my hometown, I honestly lost the desire and the hope to visit Mexico. That is until Macaroni Kid presented the perfect opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. A risk to challenge my cultural identity. A risk to venture a Mexico I viewed as a dangerous destination. I did not expect the rich cultural experience and extreme pride I would feel after visiting Riviera Nayarit with 45 other Macaroni Kid publishers.
Riviera Nayarit is a 200-mile stretch of coastline on the western coast of Mexico just north of Puerto Vallarta sharing along Banderas Bay. I flew through Southwest Airlines arriving at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
After a painless customs inspection, I proceeded as instructed to the pickup area outside the terminal. Private transportation had been arranged through Comfortours Sayulita, who greeted a group of us with a friendly sign and refreshing ice cold scented towels. This transportation service was very professional and welcoming, thus making me feel extremely safe.
On the way to our hotel, we saw a caravan of armed soldiers drive by us. Alarming at first, but we were reassured that it was completely safe and normal. The driver told us that soldiers inspect and secure the lush Sierra Madre mountains that surround the area.
A Family-Friendly Resort
We stayed at the Reflect Krystal Grand Hotel Nuevo Vallarta, a beautiful family-friendly all-inclusive resort. It boasts spacious new rooms with a fridge stocked with drinks, a dining table, a roomy bathroom, a balcony overlooking the pools, and many more amenities. Family entertainment, games, and wellness classes are offered every day at the resort as well.
I had never experienced an all-inclusive resort. I was like a kid in a candy shop ready to try every restaurant on the premises. I had an amazing salmon dish and a tampiqueña dish (flank steak) at The Grill. I also enjoyed spring rolls, sushi, a pork green curry, and fried ice cream at AYAMI. Yes in a single meal!
I loved the convenient café ideal for caffeine addicts, the open buffet for a quick bite, and the poolside Surfos Bar which served American fare poolside. All included with your stay! This is amazing for a family with kids who are constantly hungry but never eat a full meal!
You will find a small rooftop soaking pool, shallow pools right outside of the first-floor hotel rooms, a large family pool, an adult pool, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. I could have soaked in the infinity pool enjoying the view for hours.
The lukewarm water and sandy beaches of Banderas Bay are excellent for building sand castles or water games. You can even score an hour long massage on the beach for $25. Of course, you also have massage options at the Reflect Krystal Grand spa.
There are banana boats and jet-ski vendors on the beach. You can also walk down the beach and explore the quaint town of Bucerías.
An Eye-Opening Cultural Adventure
Our days were packed with cultural excursions. Macaroni Kid publishers loaded onto yellow Mercedes trucks for a wild off-road adventure on the rough terrain into San José Del Valle. Through a fun scavenger hunt, Vallarta Adventures guides exposed us to the local culture with a few socio-economic lessons. We learned that $3 were sufficient to purchase ingredients to make guacamole and tortillas, which could easily cost us $10-15 in the states. We serviced a car at a gas station, learning that $4+ buys you only 1 liter of gas. Did you know that the minimum wage in Mexico is $5 a day?
We learned that some land is publicly divided for the purpose of growing vegetation, with no owner to the deed to the land. We hiked the lush rainforest learning about the local environmental conservation efforts. Did you know termites only create nests on live trees? Termites are also a great source of protein if you are ever in need of food.
At a farm owned by a sweet humble lady, Tia Sarita, we ground nixtamal and were taught to press and cook tortillas. We made tacos for local firemen. We had our share and these were the only and best vegetarian tacos I've ever had. I realized meat is a luxury there and far from being a necessity.
In a town named San Francisco (best known as San Pancho), we found a community focused on the conservation the region’s birds, sea turtles, and jaguars. Entre Amigos is their community center aimed at empowering the community from children to adults through education and entrepreneurial training. It is also the epicenter of the town's recycling efforts and has an extensive materials reuse program providing an excellent volunteer opportunity for families looking to incorporate service into their vacation. The town's collaborative spirit is part of each resident's being. It is simply a beautiful thing to witness.
I hope to one day return with my family and visit the Circo De Los Niños, a children's circus established by local residents Gilles Ste. Croix (and his wife Monique Voyer), one of the co-founders of Cirque du Soleil. This establishment has the purpose of empowering local children physically and artistically.
This experience truly made my heart swell up with pride and my eyes fill with tears. I am so proud to come from a culture of individuals who make the best out of dire circumstances. I am proud to have a connection to people who ban together making environmental and economic advancements despite their third world limitations. I felt safe. I felt welcome. I felt at home.
The Beach Experience
Local beaches are filled with beach clubs that offer delicious food, restrooms, lounge chairs, and equipment rentals. We visited Frente Al Punto in Sayulita, a town known for its surfing and bohemian vibe. We enjoyed a delicious lunch there to the tune of African beats. Just a short walk away, there is a large shopping section where one can purchase the beautiful beaded jewelry and crafts from the indigenous Huichol or Wixáritari community that lives in the Sierra Madre mountains of Nayarit.
A Family Friendly Vacation Destination
Riviera Nayarit offers a rich cultural learning experience which Vallarta Adventures can facilitate. They also offer other fun seaside and adrenaline rush adventures to match your family needs. You can also incorporate volunteer work at Entre Amigos or with an animal conservation organization as part of your vacation.
The food is excellent. With tourism being the region’s main industry, restaurants offer a diverse ethnic selection, many people are bilingual, and you’ll find many first world comforts. Book Riviera Nayarit for your next family vacation!
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