Hot springs, tortillas, and a beach massage in one day. This Puerto Vallarta escape mixes Nuevo Ixtlan mineral pools with a Mexican BBQ lunch, then finishes with a Bucerias ocean-view massage. It’s a relaxed way to see more than just the coast.

I really like the human touch here. The host/guide (often listed as Jose Antonio Garcia Rivas, and called Antonio or Jose in guest notes) keeps things personable, and because it’s a small group (max 12), your day feels adjustable instead of assembly-line.

My main caution is the road time. Expect a long day with bumpy, unpaved stretches on the way to the springs, and it’s not recommended if walking is difficult or mobility is limited—so plan for comfort and pace.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Small-group feel (max 12) with room to customize how long you hang at the pools
• Nuevo Ixtlan hot springs in shaded, comfortable medicinal waters with multiple temperature pools
• Market shopping + tortilla-making stop so you choose parts of your lunch and snacks
• Mexican BBQ lunch cooked on-site using locally sourced items picked earlier
• Bucerias beach massage on the return trip, with a soothing ocean setting
• Optional extras like a mud facial (mentioned as available for a small add-on)

Meeting at Sam’s Club and settling into the pace

Your day starts bright and early—around 8:00 am—with a meeting point at Sam’s Club, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2880, 48290 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Even though pickup is described for accommodations, the clear anchor is that Sam’s Club location, so you’ll want to arrive a few minutes early, especially if you’re not familiar with PV roads.

This is also where the “small group” reality becomes real. The activity runs with a maximum of 12 travelers, and many people describe it as intimate. That matters because your guide can actually adjust the flow: you can ask for a little more time soaking, or tweak how you browse the market before lunch.

Practical note: this isn’t a quick drive-through tour. The day is built around getting out into the mountains and taking it slow once you arrive.

The countryside start: choosing food before you even get to the springs

Before you reach the hot springs, the tour shifts into “local food day.” You’ll head to a market and pick out items that later become part of your meal and snacks. This is one of those details that sounds cute on paper, but it changes the whole vibe. When you get to choose produce and supplies with the guide, you’re not just eating lunch—you’re participating in it.

A second stop adds hands-on texture: a tortilla-making stop (often described as a tortilla factory). Fresh tortillas straight off the process are a big deal here. You’ll also see how tortillas fit into everyday Mexican food habits, not just as a tourist side dish.

What I like about this segment is how it sets expectations for the rest of the day. After the market and tortilla stop, the hot springs and BBQ lunch feel like part of one connected story: countryside morning → local food → soak → cook.

Nuevo Ixtlan hot springs: shaded mineral pools and real quiet

Then comes the main event: Nuevo Ixtlan. The tour is designed around a peaceful soak—shaded pools in medicinal mineral waters at a comfortable temperature. A lot of the enjoyment here is simply that you’re surrounded by nature and mountain air, not city noise.

One detail that comes up repeatedly: you can pick from different temperatures. Some guests describe the site as having many pools (one note mentions 35), so you’re not stuck with a single heat level. That’s a practical win. If you like something gentler, you can. If you want it hotter, you can search for the right pool.

Also, you’re not left hanging. While you’re soaking, snacks show up—think fresh fruit, guacamole, and chips, plus lemonade or similar citrus drinks. It makes the springs feel like a proper spa day, not a “go sit in water and hope you’re hungry later” situation.

Bathrooms and changing space are available. That matters more than people think, because a hot spring day works best when you can actually reset comfortably.

A small extra: mud facial

If you see the option for a mud mask/facial, it’s mentioned as an available add-on (one guest notes it as $4). I’d treat it as optional fun, not a requirement—but if you like spa extras, it’s a low-cost way to add another sensory layer to the day.

The Mex grill BBQ lunch: you shop, then you eat what you picked

When lunch time arrives, it lands right where it should: after soaking, when you’re hungry but relaxed. The tour includes a Mexican BBQ grill experience with food prepared on-site, using ingredients gathered earlier (or at least sourced through that local food flow).

Guests highlight chicken and beef, plus vegetables. Some notes mention a spread with items like corn, potatoes, broccoli, and even a cactus salad. Lunch also includes fresh tortillas, and it’s often described as generous—so don’t show up starving thinking you’ll need to buy more later.

One big value point here: the meal isn’t generic buffet food. The cook process is part of the experience—grilling over wood or coal is mentioned as adding flavor. That’s the difference between paying for a transfer plus admission and paying for a full “food day” that you actually remember.

And because you already tasted guacamole, chips, and fruit during the soak, lunch becomes the satisfying finish rather than the first real meal you get all morning.

Bucerias stop: 60 minutes of massage with ocean sound

On the return trip toward Puerto Vallarta, you stop in Bucerias for a 60-minute massage. The setting is described as beach-facing or ocean-view, so you get the soundscape of waves while your body unwinds.

If you’ve been to massage rooms that feel sterile and hotel-quiet, this one feels different. The ocean setting turns it into a closer “final chapter” than just another stop on a schedule.

Guests also mention thoughtful follow-through after the massage—items like chocolates, wine coolers, and electrolytes while you’re back in the rhythm of getting ready to head home. Those little touches help the day feel complete.

Who this massage stop is for

If you want a day that ends with your body feeling lighter, this is one of the most practical ways to do it in PV. You’re already warm and relaxed from the springs, and then you pair that with a full-body treatment. For many people, it’s the moment that makes the whole tour feel worth it.

The road reality: how the drive affects your day

Here’s the honest part: the hot springs aren’t in the next neighborhood over. The ride includes winding country roads, and multiple notes describe them as bumpy—especially on the way in. One guest specifically calls out that the roads can be unpaved and still says the driver drove carefully.

This is the one factor that can change your opinion of the tour fast. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the bumpy stretches could be a problem. If you get claustrophobic in a tight van, that can also be an issue—one note mentions a larger group in a packed vehicle.

So I’d plan around the drive:

• If you don’t handle rough roads well, pack a motion-sickness option.
• Bring water, and don’t assume you’ll want to stop for snacks mid-drive.
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily, since the day includes soaking and then a massage stop.

Also, keep your pace expectations right. This is about relaxation and rural rhythm, not quick sightseeing.

Price and value: what $165 buys you (and why it adds up)

At $165 per person for about 8 hours, the price only makes sense if you treat it like a bundle. Here’s what you typically get in one package:

• Transportation out and back from Puerto Vallarta
• Hot spring admission and time in the mineral pools
• Snacks while soaking (fruit, guacamole/chips, citrus drinks)
• Market stop(s) and a tortilla-making visit
• A Mex BBQ grill lunch that’s part cooking, part local-food lesson
• A 60-minute massage in Bucerias on the return
• A guide who ties it together with local context and on-the-ground timing

If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d be paying for separate bookings: hot springs access + a guided food stop + a BBQ meal + a massage appointment + transport. The guide’s role matters because it’s not just logistics—it’s pacing and access to those local food experiences.

Also, the small-group size nudges value upward. When the group is max 12, it’s easier to actually enjoy the day instead of waiting your turn for everything.

Is this tour right for you? Best-fit and not-so-great fits

This is best for you if:

• You want a relaxation-first day instead of another “museum and photos” itinerary.
• You like food experiences that start with choosing ingredients, not just ordering off a menu.
• You want countryside Mexico beyond the beach strip—farm land vibes, local stops, mountain air.
• You’d enjoy the combination of soak + BBQ lunch + massage, all in one smooth flow.

It’s not the best match if:

• You strongly dislike long drives or rough/unpaved roads.
• Walking is an issue. The tour notes it’s not recommended for people with difficulty walking or moving easily.
• You need a strictly city-only day in Puerto Vallarta and don’t care about rural stops.

For couples, friends, and small groups, this format usually lands perfectly: you get pampering, food, scenery, and a guided day without turning it into a rushed checklist.

Tips to make your hot springs + massage day easier

A few practical things help this day go smoother:

• Bring what you need for a hot springs day: swimwear and a change of clothes make the transition to lunch easier (there are changing facilities, but you’ll still want to be comfortable).
• Wear shoes that work for uneven ground near outdoor areas.
• Plan for a long day. It’s about 8 hours and includes multiple stops, so schedule your evening lightly.
• If you like spa add-ons, keep a little budget for things like the mud facial option that’s been mentioned as available.
• Stay flexible on soak time. Because the group is small, your guide can sometimes adjust timing—if you ask politely and keep the group in mind.

Should you book Shaded Hot Spring, Massage and Mex Grill?

If you want one Puerto Vallarta day that feels like a real reset—hot springs in the mountains, a local-food lunch you helped shape, and a beach massage to end it—this is a very strong pick.

I’d skip it if rough roads, long driving time, or mobility concerns are dealbreakers for you. In that case, your enjoyment might depend on how your body handles the ride, and that’s a big part of the experience.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes countryside details, food made fresh, and a massage that actually feels like the finale, book it. This is the rare day trip where the relaxation doesn’t feel tacked on—it’s built into the schedule.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 8 hours (approx.).

What’s included in the experience besides transportation?

It includes visits to Nuevo Ixtlan hot springs, a Mexican BBQ grill lunch, market shopping for supplies, and a stop in Bucerias for a 60-minute massage.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Sam’s Club, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2880, 48290 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The listed start time is 8:00 am.

Is it a small group?

Yes. It’s described as intimate, with a maximum of 10 travelers in the features, and a maximum of 12 travelers in the additional info.

Is the massage in Bucerias by the ocean?

Yes. The massage stop is described as Bucerias with a beach/ocean view, and it’s for 60 minutes.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.