Volcanic Hot Springs, Foot Massage, Tequila & Mex BBQ

Relaxation comes with a tequila chaser. This five-hour outing takes you from Puerto Vallarta into the hills for volcanic hot springs, a Mexican BBQ lunch, a tequila tasting, and a 15-minute foot massage by the pool. I like the mix of quiet nature and lively hosting, especially the tequila sessions with Izzy and the cocktail instruction led by Erik. I also like that the group is capped at 10 people, which should keep the day more personal.

The main drawback is the transport. You ride in an open-concept public bus without air-conditioning, and the road can be bumpy. The hot springs come straight from the volcano, so the operator cannot set the water temperature. If you need a carefully controlled spa visit, this is not quite that. If you want a relaxed outing with a rough edge and plenty of personality, it has strong appeal.

Key Details at a Glance

• Hot springs with a natural temperature: The water comes directly from the volcano, so temperatures can vary.
• Small group size: A maximum of 10 people gives the outing a more social, manageable feel.
• Five tequila styles to taste: The tasting may include white, reposado, añejo, rosa, and special-edition tequilas made in small batches in Tequila, Jalisco.
• Mexican BBQ with dietary choices: Vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options are available.
• A 15-minute foot massage: The massage takes place by the pool and adds a welcome pause after the hot springs.
• Open-air transport: The bus has no air-conditioning, and parts of the drive may be bumpy.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta at 10:30 a.m.

The day begins at 10:30 a.m. at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta. The tour ends at the same point, which makes the plan easy to fit into a Puerto Vallarta stay.

The drive is part of the outing rather than a simple transfer. You leave the marina area and head toward the hills, passing changing views and interesting sights along the way. The ride has been described as scenic, though also a bit rough in places. I would wear comfortable clothes, keep water close, and treat the bus ride as part of the adventure.

The vehicle is an open-concept public bus with no air-conditioning. That matters in Puerto Vallarta, especially around midday. You will get more fresh air and a better sense of the route, but you will not have a cool, sealed cabin. For some people, the open sides will feel refreshing. For others, the heat may be the least relaxing part of the day.

The maximum group size is 10 people. That is a useful detail for anyone who dislikes large bus tours. A smaller group also gives you more chances to ask questions, settle into the setting, and interact with the hosts instead of being one face in a crowd.

Arriving at the Jungle Retreat

After the drive, the mood changes quickly. The setting is described as a quiet oasis in the hills, with views, a pool, and space to slow down. You may also find a trampoline and other casual recreation, giving the property a playful feel rather than a formal spa atmosphere.

This is not a polished resort day with every detail controlled. The appeal is the combination of natural surroundings, informal hosting, and several activities in one place. You can spend time by the pool, visit the hot springs, eat lunch, learn about tequila, and enjoy the massage without rushing from one commercial stop to another.

The setting is one of the strongest reasons to book. Puerto Vallarta is known for its coast, restaurants, and nightlife, but the hills outside town offer a different pace. The drive and the retreat give you a chance to see more of the area without committing to a full-day excursion.

Soaking in Water Straight From the Volcano

The hot springs are the heart of the outing. The water comes out naturally from the volcano, creating a bathing experience that feels connected to the area rather than built around an ordinary heated pool.

You should know one important fact before booking: the operator does not control the temperature. The water may feel pleasantly warm, or it may be hotter or cooler than you expect. This natural variation is part of the point, but it also means you should not arrive expecting a spa tub set to a precise temperature.

The springs offer a good setting for quiet conversation and rest. After the drive, the warm water can help you settle into the day. You can also use the pool area as a place to cool down and take in the surroundings. The experience is less about checking off a famous sight and more about giving yourself several unhurried hours outside the city.

I would bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a change of clothes, although only bottled water is specifically included among the listed provisions. Since the water temperature is not fixed, listen to your body and take breaks as needed. The tour is built around relaxation, not endurance.

Tequila From Tequila, Jalisco

The tequila tasting gives the outing its local flavor. The spirits are made in small batches in the city of Tequila, Jalisco, and the selection can include white, reposado, añejo, rosa, and special editions.

These categories offer a simple way to notice how tequila changes with aging and style. White tequila is generally the most direct expression of the spirit. Reposado and añejo bring more time in the barrel, while rosa and special editions add further variety. You do not need to be a tequila expert to enjoy the comparison. The point is to taste slowly and learn what you prefer.

Izzy leads the tasting and brings an entertaining style to the session. The tone appears to be more lively than formal, which suits the rest of the outing. You can expect information about the tequila alongside humor and conversation, rather than a stiff lecture.

The tasting is for adults 18 and older. Alcoholic beverages beyond the included tequila tasting are not included, so you should not assume the package covers every drink served during the day. The included tasting is one part of the experience, not an open bar.

Some of the strongest praise has centered on the drink program, especially the cocktail-making activity with Erik. The supplied details specifically describe Erik as a skilled bartender who teaches drink recipes in a fun, personable way. If cocktail instruction is important to you, confirm exactly what will be offered on your departure, since the formal inclusions list mentions the tequila tasting but does not separately promise a cocktail class.

Mexican BBQ With Choices for Different Diets

Lunch is a Mexican BBQ meal, served during the time at the retreat. The food has received especially strong praise, and it helps make the price feel more reasonable than a simple transport-and-hot-springs ticket.

The exact dishes are not specified, so you should not expect a fixed menu of named plates. What is clear is that vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options are available. That is useful for mixed groups, since one person does not have to skip the meal or arrange a separate lunch.

The meal also gives the day a natural pause. A hot spring visit, tequila tasting, and bus ride can feel like a lot of activity without a proper break. Sitting down for BBQ turns the outing into a full half-day rather than a short soak with a drink added on.

If food is one of your main reasons for booking, keep your expectations practical. This is an included Mexican BBQ lunch, not a dedicated food tour. Still, the combination of a shared meal, drinks, and a scenic setting adds real value.

A 15-Minute Foot Massage by the Pool

The included foot massage lasts 15 minutes and takes place by the pool. That is a short treatment, but it is well placed in the schedule. After the drive, hot springs, and walking around the property, a focused foot massage can feel more useful than a longer treatment at the end of an already packed spa day.

You should think of it as a pleasant extra, not a full massage appointment. Fifteen minutes is enough for a brief reset, but not enough for extensive work. The poolside location keeps the mood casual and lets you remain connected to the setting.

This part of the experience also helps explain the tour’s appeal to couples, friends, and small groups. One person can relax after the springs while others enjoy the pool, food, or drinks. The schedule has several ways to unwind instead of forcing everyone into one activity at every moment.

The Hosts Shape the Day

The people leading the activities matter here. Cesar has been praised for being friendly, informative, and fun during the outing. Izzy brings wit and energy to the tequila tasting, while Erik handles the cocktail instruction with an easy teaching style and strong bar skills.

That mix gives the day a social character. You are not simply dropped at a hot spring and left to fill the time. The hosts help connect the food, drinks, and setting into one experience.

The mood may not suit someone seeking silent, luxury-spa calm. The drink sessions and group activities can be lively. I see that as a strength for people who enjoy conversation and a weakness for anyone who wants a completely quiet retreat.

Is $86.08 a Fair Price?

At $86.08 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. You are paying for round-trip transport from Marina Vallarta, lunch, bottled water, the tequila tasting for adults, the hot springs setting, and a 15-minute foot massage.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, a spa treatment, transport into the hills, and a tequila tasting. It also helps that the tour lasts about five hours and returns you to the original meeting point.

The price is less attractive if you only want to soak in hot water. In that case, the tequila program, lunch, and massage may not matter enough to justify the package. You are paying for variety and hosting, not just entry to a spring.

I also like that the group limit is 10. Small-group transport and several hosted activities usually provide more personal contact than a large coach excursion. The value is strongest for people who want a complete half-day with food and drinks included.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this outing to adults who want to combine nature, food, tequila, and low-key recreation. It suits couples, small friend groups, and solo participants who enjoy meeting people in a relaxed setting.

It is also a good choice for anyone staying in Puerto Vallarta who wants to get away from the marina and city streets without spending a full day on a demanding outdoor activity. The schedule has plenty of sitting, soaking, eating, and conversation.

You may want to reconsider if you need air-conditioning during transport, a smooth road, or a guaranteed water temperature. People with strict expectations about a luxury spa may find the informal setup too basic. The attraction is its mixture of natural conditions and friendly hosting, not polish at every step.

The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Confirmation is provided at booking. Since the experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants, a cancellation can lead to an alternative date or a full refund.

Should You Book It?

Book this if you want a social, easygoing half-day that combines hot springs, tequila, lunch, and a massage in one outing. The strongest reasons are the small group, scenic drive, welcoming hosts, and generous mix of included activities.

Skip it if the open-air bus, uncertain spring temperature, or lively drink-focused program sounds uncomfortable. For everyone else, $86.08 buys more than a soak. It buys a change of pace from Puerto Vallarta, a taste of Jalisco, and a relaxed day where the rough ride is part of the story.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Av Paseo de la Marina 121 in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 10:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour end?

It ends back at the original meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Transportation is provided by an open-concept public bus without air-conditioning.

Is the tequila tasting available to everyone?

No. You must be at least 18 years old to take part in the tequila tasting.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mexican BBQ lunch is included, with vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options available.

Is the foot massage included?

Yes. A 15-minute foot massage by the pool is included.

Can the hot spring temperature be controlled?

No. The water comes directly from the volcano, so the operator does not control its temperature.