Hot springs, BBQ, and tequila in one morning. I like how this Puerto Vallarta area trip pairs natural hot pools with a BBQ lunch cooked by your host, then adds a tequila tasting. The one downside to plan for is the early start plus a drive inland that can take around 1.5 hours each way.

You’ll spend about 8 hours total, with hotel pickup and a small group capped at 20, so it feels more personal than a big bus day. I also like that it’s offered in English and includes key comforts, like round-trip transport and a real wellness break in the schedule.

Key Things You’ll Notice On This Hot Springs Day

• A small-group pace: maximum 20 people, capped so you can actually relax.
• Hot springs admission is included: you pay for entry once, then focus on soaking.
• BBQ lunch cooked on the spot: meat, chicken, chorizo, portobello mushrooms, guacamole, plus quesadillas.
• A wellness reset is built in: clay mask and a 30-minute massage are part of the package.
• Tequila tasting at a distillery: you visit a production spot and learn how tequila gets made.
• Drinks are included with lunch: 3 beers per person, plus refreshments.

Getting Started In Puerto Vallarta: Pickup, Timing, and the Drive Inland

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel, with the tour starting around 8:00 am. The meeting point is listed as CHEDRAUI PUERTO VALLARTA PUNTA DE ORO, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2735, Zona Hotelera, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. Either way, plan to be ready early, and show up at the lobby about 30 minutes before pickup with your ticket ready to show the operator.

Your driver and guide is named Vicente, and the vibe is practical from the get-go. He’s not just chauffeuring you, he’s also acting as your chef later in the day. That matters because it sets expectations: this tour is designed around a full, timed rhythm, not a slow wandering day.

Then comes the inland drive. From what I can tell you should expect, it’s not a quick hop across town. It’s roughly 1.5 hours each way, which is why some people feel the schedule is more “day trip” than “local stroll.” The upside is you’re not staring at the same beach strip for hours. You’ll get passes through smaller towns and big mountain views, including the Sierra Madre scenery people remember long after they leave.

Tip that helps: if you’re prone to getting hungry early, grab breakfast before you go. This tour starts early enough that it can be tight if your hotel only serves breakfast later.

Hot Springs First: What the Soak Feels Like and How the Pools Work

Once you arrive, the main event is the hot springs themselves, and entrance is included. This is the kind of outing where your “activity” is basically doing less. Your job is to find a comfortable tub, settle in, and let the heat and minerals do their thing.

A couple practical points matter here. The hot pools can run in a way where tubs fill and empty, and the water can take time to reach the right warmth. That means you’ll have the best experience if you don’t treat it like a one-minute splash. Give each tub a little time. If you get in and it feels cooler at first, you’re not doing it wrong, just wait for the water to warm.

Also, bring a towel if you can. Even if the property has rentals or towels available, it’s the easiest way to avoid friction when you’re ready to move straight from pool time into massage or a meal.

Who tends to love this part of the day:

• People who want a break from beach lounging but still want an easy schedule.
• Anyone who likes wellness stops that feel calm rather than rushed.
• Travelers who enjoy seeing more of the region than the Puerto Vallarta core area.

Who might find it less perfect:

• If you hate long drives, the time budget can feel heavy.
• If you want lots of hiking or constant movement, this is slow by design.

The Included Clay Mask and 30-Minute Massage: The Real Break in the Middle

Half the reason this tour works is that it doesn’t stop at soaking. You also get a clay mask and a 30-minute massage included in the package.

This is a smart pairing. Hot water gets your muscles warmer and more relaxed, and then the massage turns that warmth into something you can feel in your day afterward. The clay mask is a bonus step that keeps the schedule feeling like a full spa block, not just a quick entry to the pools.

One caution to keep in mind: the included time is clearly stated as 30 minutes, so if you’re thinking about extra treatments, you should expect that any add-ons you see at the site may cost extra. The cleanest way to handle this is simple: decide what you want from the included services first, then only say yes to extras if you’re comfortable with the cost.

How to time yourself:

• Don’t schedule the massage immediately after you arrive. Spend some time in the pools so you actually benefit.
• After your massage, you can keep things easy with the meal, then you’ll be ready for the final stop.

BBQ Lunch With Beers: The Meal That Turns the Day From Nice to Memorable

This is the part I’d call the tour’s secret weapon. Lunch is not a sad buffet. It’s BBQ food prepared as part of the experience, and Vicente helps cook and serve.

Included options list:

• Quesadillas
• Meat
• Chicken
• Portobello mushroom
• Chorizo
• Guacamole

In other words, it’s not just one protein. You can build your plate and keep it filling without turning the meal into an all-day project.

And then there’s the drink side of the lunch, which is also included: 3 beers per person, plus refreshments. That’s a meaningful detail because it changes the vibe. You’re not doing math mid-meal, wondering what costs extra. You can settle into the break and actually enjoy the rest of the schedule.

If you’re picky about timing or food: eat when it’s served. The day is built as a sequence, and lunch is one of the anchors. That’s especially true if you want your massage after soaking, not in the middle of a long wait.

Food note for planning: if you have dietary restrictions, the safest move is to contact the tour operator in advance. The host is grilling meats, so you’ll want to confirm options ahead of time rather than expecting substitutions at the last second.

The Tequila Distillery Stop: What You Learn and Why It’s Worth the Time

After the spa time, the day ends with a tequila tasting at a distillery. This is included, and it adds a cultural and production angle to the “relax all day” theme.

One detail you’ll likely appreciate: your host at this stage is Francisco, and he explains the tequila making process. That’s what makes it more than just sampling shots. You get the story of how tequila goes from production to what ends up in your glass.

This is also a good way to stretch out your day without turning it into another long activity. The distillery stop acts like a finale that keeps you mentally awake, especially after a warm and slow morning.

A practical tip: if you’re sensitive to alcohol or plan to drink more than a few sips, pace yourself. The tasting is included, but you’ll still be riding back to town afterward.

Round-Trip Comfort: Van, Air Conditioning, and Small-Group Attention

Transport is a big part of why this tour is comfortable. Round transport is included, and pickup is offered. You’re also in a group with a maximum of 20 travelers, which tends to make the schedule smoother, and the interactions more manageable for your guide.

Air conditioning is called out by people who’ve done the trip, and in Puerto Vallarta’s warmer months, that’s not a small detail. You’ll likely be grateful when the drive gets long and the sun starts to feel relentless.

The guide style matters too. Vicente is described as safe and cautious, and he stays in contact before pickup. That cuts down on the stress of meeting up and hoping someone is looking for you.

Value Check: Is This All-Inclusive Hot Springs Tour a Good Deal?

Even without a price shown here, you can still judge value by what’s bundled. This tour includes:

• Round transport
• Entrance to the hot springs
• BBQ lunch (multiple proteins plus portobello mushrooms, guacamole, and quesadillas)
• 3 beers per person
• Refreshments
• Tequila tasting
• Clay mask
• 30-minute massage
• Traveler insurance
• Mobile ticket

That combination is the key. Many tours force you to buy at least one big thing separately, like admission, massage time, or lunch. Here, the hot springs and spa services are part of the same day structure, and the meal is treated like a highlight, not an afterthought.

What you should watch for is the one thing explicitly not included: tips. If you want smooth service later, plan to have cash or a way to tip in your budget.

Also, remember that the day is built around time blocks. If you want flexible “wander whenever” freedom, you might feel slightly boxed in by the schedule. If you like clear structure, this setup is a relief.

Who Should Book This Hot Springs Day, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A chill inland day away from the beach core area
• Natural hot springs plus real spa extras, not just soaking
• A guided experience that includes food and tastings
• A small-group format with more attention and less chaos

Skip it, or at least compare options, if:

• You strongly dislike long drives and want a shorter local outing
• You’re looking for active exploration like hikes or lots of stops
• You travel with strict dietary requirements and haven’t contacted the operator in advance

Practical Tips That Make the Day Go Smoothly

A few simple things can prevent most of the common headaches:

• Eat before you go. The tour starts early, and you may not have time for a full breakfast once you’re leaving.
• Bring a towel. It makes the pool-to-spa transitions easier.
• Give the tubs time to heat. Pools can take a while to get up to temperature.
• Plan your pace around the massage. Go from soaking to massage without rushing.
• Confirm dietary needs early. The BBQ includes meat items, so prep ahead helps.
• Keep your valuables secure during pool time. You’ll be moving between soaking, mask time, and the meal.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Hot Springs All-Inclusive Relaxing Tour?

If your idea of a good day is hot water, good food, and a guided schedule that handles the big pieces for you, this is an easy yes. The strongest reasons to book are the included hot springs admission, the clay mask plus 30-minute massage, and the BBQ lunch cooked as part of the experience, with a tequila tasting to close out the day.

If the drive time sounds like too much, then you’ll need to decide what you value more: local beach time versus a full spa-style reset inland. For many people, that drive is worth it because it comes with mountain views and a calmer atmosphere once you reach the pools.

If you’re ready for a relaxing, structured day with real included extras, book it and plan to slow down.