One family’s travels through COVID19 - Puerto Vallarta

Here is my third and final installment of our family’s Mexico pandemic trips....

There are two types of travelers – those that plan months (sometimes years) in advance and then those that book a week or two out. I have always been the latter, much to my husband’s dismay. Our son was turning 9 in August and since his party had to be canceled I…I mean we, had the brilliant idea of going on a trip for his birthday.

We decided to try somewhere new and headed to Puerto Vallarta for the first time. We chose Garza Blanca after friends came back raving about it. This resort offers all-inclusive or pay as you go options, we of course chose all-inclusive.  

Our airport experience was as it had been flying into Cabo San Lucas. The same safety procedures were in place and everyone was respecting the 6 feet rule. The transfer service to Garza Blanca from the airport was about 45 minutes and surprisingly inexpensive. Click Here to check out rates.

Garza Blanca is right at the base of the jungle, so you get to enjoy both the ocean and jungle views. We chose to stay in a two-bedroom ocean front room and it was one of the nicest rooms we have ever stayed in. It had a large kitchen, dining room and living area. Every room had a door to the balcony which had a table for dining, hammock and chaise lounges. We spent so much time out there. The sunsets were breathtaking.

The hotel has 5 restaurants; two are adults only and one is closed while they must stay at the 40% occupancy due to the pandemic. The food was by far the best I have had at any all-inclusive resort. And their kids menus offered so much, more than even most restaurants here in Texas.

My parents and sister’s family joined us on this trip and both kids (ages 7 and 9) loved the kids club. They took them on nature hikes to a waterfall to feed turtles, they got to feed iguanas pool side and it gave the adults a little down time. We all loved the (free) ocean paddle board and kayak rentals. Garza Blanca is on the perfect cove for these water sports. My son brought his own snorkel gear and was able to see so many fish right off the beach.

As a group one of our favorite things was being able to order food poolside or beach side. The staff were SO attentive, always in a mask and very friendly. It was very nice not to have to dry off and get ready to sit inside a restaurant (they were available though) in the middle of the beautiful day. 

This hotel is one we are still talking about daily. It exceeded all our expectations and while I usually like to try out different locations, this will be one we will frequent often. Book Now