REVIEW · PUERTO VALLARTA
Volcanic Hot Springs, Foot Massage, Tequila & Mex BBQ
Book on Viator →Operated by La Dulce Vista · Bookable on Viator
Jungle steam, tequila flavor, and a pool-side reset. That’s what makes this Puerto Vallarta day feel different. You’ll take an easy ride out of town, soak in volcanic hot springs, then shift to tequila and BBQ, all in a small-group setting.
What I like most is the mix of natural heat plus tequila tasting done in a fun, social way. You’re not just passing through—guides like Cesar (friendly and informative) help set the tone, and the tequila experience includes white, reposado, añejo, rosa, plus special editions.
One heads-up: the hot springs temperature can’t be controlled. It comes straight from the volcano. So if you’re picky about water temp, you’ll want to be flexible and go with the flow.
In This Review
- Key highlights I’d plan around
- Puerto Vallarta to the jungle: the ride and the small-group vibe
- Volcanic hot springs: where comfort depends on the volcano
- Tequila tasting: adult-only, style-by-style, and built for talking
- Mexican BBQ lunch: when fuel matters more than the gimmick
- The 15-minute foot massage: short, simple, and smart timing
- Timing and pacing: how to get the day you expect
- Price and value: is $86.08 a fair deal?
- Who should book this tour?
- Should you book this volcanic hot springs, tequila, and BBQ day?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do we meet?
- Is the tequila tasting included for everyone?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are alcoholic beverages included?
- What should I know about the hot springs temperature and weather?
Key highlights I’d plan around

- Volcanic hot springs outside the city, with temperatures that come directly from the volcano
- Tequila tasting for adults 18+ with multiple styles, including rosa and special editions
- Small group size (max 10), which makes it easier to actually talk with the hosts
- Public open-concept bus (no A/C), plus a scenic drive that can feel a bit bumpy
- Pool break plus a short 15-minute foot massage to close out the day
- Mexican BBQ lunch with veggie, pescatarian, and vegan options
Puerto Vallarta to the jungle: the ride and the small-group vibe

This starts at Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta with a 10:30am departure. Expect about 5 hours total, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. It’s designed as a real outing, not a quick stop.
The ride is on a public-style open-concept bus with no A/C. That matters. If you’re the type who gets cranky in sun and heat, you’ll feel it here. If you like fresh air and a sense of “we’re headed somewhere,” it’s part of the charm. The drive goes through hills and scenic stretches, and it can feel a bit bumpy along the way—nothing dramatic, just the kind of road that reminds you you’re not sitting in a flat, paved city bus.
The small group size is a big deal on a tour like this. With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’re more likely to get direct attention and real conversation. That’s where guide energy matters. Cesar, for example, comes across as friendly and genuinely informative, not just a voice over a headset. And later you’ll meet Izzy and Erik, who bring their own styles to the tequila and drink-learning parts.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Volcanic hot springs: where comfort depends on the volcano
The main event is the volcanic hot springs. This is the kind of attraction where the best part is also the part you can’t fully control: the temperature isn’t managed. These pools run the way they run because the water is literally coming out from the volcano.
For you, that means two things:
- Go in with a “range is fine” mindset. Some pools may feel hotter or cooler than you expect.
- Plan your soak like you’re adjusting to nature, not like you’re testing a spa thermostat.
In the day’s flow, you’ll be guided to the relaxing areas and likely spend time moving between spots. The reviews I saw also point to a “day compound” setup, with time for a pool break. Some people even noted a bike ride to the hot springs as part of the route. That’s the sort of detail you’ll want to be ready for—bring comfortable footwear because you may be walking and climbing a bit before you settle in.
What I like about volcanic hot springs is the feeling of contrast. You leave the city and get a steady rhythm: soak, cool off, soak again. The setting is outdoors and centered on nature, so you’re less likely to feel rushed. And since you’re not doing this all day in a car, the experience feels slower and more personal.
Tequila tasting: adult-only, style-by-style, and built for talking

A lot of tours slap a quick tasting onto the schedule. This one builds it into the day more clearly—and it’s adult-only for the 18+ crowd. If you’re under 18, you can’t take part in the tequila tasting portion.
The tasting itself is the bigger draw than people expect. You’re not just trying one bottle. You’ll sample:
- white
- reposado
- añejo
- rosa
- and special editions
And it’s presented as handcrafted organic tequila made in small batches in the city of Tequila, Jalisco. That matters because it gives context. You’re tasting differences by style, not just chasing alcohol strength. The guide energy helps you actually notice those differences.
In the reviews, Izzy stood out for wit and wisdom. Erik also gets mentioned more than once because he’s a standout host. Some folks even said his cocktail-making class stole the show, with Erik acting like a master bartender who keeps the vibe fun while serving up good drinks.
Practical takeaway for you: if you enjoy learning while you taste, you’ll likely have a great time. If you prefer silent tasting and moving on, this could still work, but you’ll get more out of it by leaning into conversation.
Also, plan around the fact that alcoholic beverages are not included. The tasting is included, but anything extra beyond that is your call.
Mexican BBQ lunch: when fuel matters more than the gimmick

Lunch is part of the package, and it’s an authentic Mexican BBQ meal. What I appreciate is that they offer vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan options. That’s not always true on “BBQ” style tours, so it’s worth noting.
In practical terms, lunch is what keeps this day from feeling like a sugar-and-adrenaline sampler. Hot springs are relaxing, but they can also be dehydrating if you soak for too long. Then you shift into tequila tasting and possibly cocktail learning. You want food in your system for comfort and for how you’ll feel later.
The guides and the setting seem to encourage a relaxed pace. Some guests pointed to stunning views during downtime and a chill pool atmosphere between activities. Even little details like a trampoline came up in the feedback, which tells me the place doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s comfortable enough for guests to hang out, not only follow a strict script.
The 15-minute foot massage: short, simple, and smart timing

Near the end of the experience, you get a 15-minute foot massage by the pool. Fifteen minutes isn’t long. But on a tour day that includes travel, soaking, and some walking, it’s a smart “reset.”
Here’s the best way to think about it:
- This isn’t a deep spa treatment.
- It’s a finishing touch that makes your body feel lighter after the hot springs.
If you’ve been on your feet exploring Puerto Vallarta, this is the kind of add-on you’ll notice. The pool setting also helps. You’re not hustling straight to another activity; you’re closing with calm.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Vallarta
Timing and pacing: how to get the day you expect

This runs for about 5 hours. Start time is 10:30am, and it’s built so you’re out of Puerto Vallarta long enough to feel like you left the city, but not so long that you lose the afternoon.
A few pacing notes that help you plan:
- The drive includes hills and can feel bumpy, so try to settle in early.
- The lack of A/C on the bus means you’ll want to dress for sun and heat.
- The hot springs temperature varies because it’s natural. Don’t treat it like a heated indoor pool you can control.
Because the group is small, you can often match your own rhythm. If you want more time soaking, you’ll usually be able to slow down a bit. If you want action and drink-learning, the tequila and cocktail parts give you something interactive.
Price and value: is $86.08 a fair deal?

At $86.08 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day.
Here’s what’s included:
- Tequila tasting for adults 18+
- Lunch
- Public transportation by open-concept bus (no A/C)
- 15-minute foot massage
- Bottled water
Not included:
- Alcoholic beverages (other drinks beyond what’s built into the included tasting/cocktail instruction, if any)
So you’re paying for a day that blends nature, food, and two “relax + learn” experiences. In my book, this is good value if you like at least two of these: soaking in hot springs, learning about tequila styles, and getting a massage reset.
It’s also a good fit because the group limit is 10 travelers. When the group is small, the host attention tends to be better, and you feel more like you’re spending time with people, not standing in a line.
If you only care about one thing—say, you just want a quick soak—this may feel pricier than a simple entry ticket would. But the day is designed as a package, and the included experiences are the point.
Who should book this tour?

This is a strong choice if you want a day that feels like:
- nature time, not just sightseeing
- tequila education with good energy
- comfort touches like lunch and a foot massage
It’s especially worth it if you enjoy interactive hosts. Cesar, Izzy, and Erik are repeatedly tied to the fun factor. The day seems to run best when you like to chat, ask questions, and be part of the group mood.
You might like it less if:
- you’re very temperature-sensitive about hot springs (because they can’t control it)
- you hate buses with no A/C
- you want strictly quiet, self-guided experiences with no guided talk
Should you book this volcanic hot springs, tequila, and BBQ day?
If your ideal Mexico day includes real relaxation plus flavor, I’d say yes. The volcanic hot springs are the anchor. The tequila tasting (for 18+) gives the day a sense of local craft—from style to story—while lunch and the pool-side foot massage keep you comfortable.
I’d only hesitate if you’re strict about hot water temperature or you dislike sun/heat travel. If that’s you, plan for flexibility.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the tour?
It’s listed at about 5 hours.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 10:30am.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Av Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.
Is the tequila tasting included for everyone?
Tequila tasting is only for adults 18+. If you’re under 18, you can’t participate in the tasting.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the adult tequila tasting, lunch, public transportation by open concept bus (no A/C), a 15-minute foot massage, and bottled water.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
What should I know about the hot springs temperature and weather?
The hot springs temperature can’t be controlled since the water comes directly from the volcano. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.





























