Tropical Jungle Expedition - P.V. Mexican Riviera

[hayesktrm]

Has anyone done this excursion? We are on the July 9th West Coast cruise and are scheduled to do this excursion. I am worried it may be too hot (although I guess we swim at one point). Would love any feedback from anyone who has gone on this excursion or who is going on this before we go next month.

Thanks!

 

[got2gp]

I would love to get feedback on this as well. We are booked for this on the June 25th cruise. If no one else posts beforehand I will be sure to post a review.

 

[hayesktrm]

Okay, that's freaky! I'm from Santa Clarita, too. We live in Circle J Ranch. Would love to get feedback from you after you cruise!

 

[got2gp]

Hey neighbor, I"ll be sure to post a trip report just for you. I'm still hoping that someone else who has gone will post a review before we sail.

 

[528 Cruiser]

We did this last week. Here's my review.

We boarded the bus and the guide gave us a tour as we passed through the city. On our way up the mountain, we made a quick stop overlooking a resort called La Jolla Mismaloya. This was a picture stop for about 5 minutes to look at the resort and beach below. The view was very nice.

We finally arrived at the "jungle" and was sorely disappointed at the scenery. When I think of "tropical jungle", my expectations were lush greenery landscape everywhere. Unfortunately, it was dry and brown everywhere. Others from our group complained of the same thing. This was because the Puerto Vallarta rainy season is from June to October, and when we were there, it had not rained at all since last October. When you guys go, it may be different since it will be rainy season and the guide said they are expecting 70 inches of rain this season. Some parts of the hike were a little bit difficult for the kids because of the steep inclines and the terrain. They showed some gum trees, pineapples, coconut palms, etc. You had to cross a shallow river to finish the hike, and the water was only a couple of inches high. We were with a 5 year and 7 year old, so at times it was tough for them, but they hung in there and finished the hike without much complaining. It wasn't too hot, maybe 75-80 degrees, but there was also some breeze, so it wasn't like we were sweating buckets. This was in the same region where they do the Canopy Adventure excursions.

We were served lunch at the the conclusion of the hike. The food was OK. You have a choice of chicken, beef or fish, plus a soda There is also a river near the restaurant where adults and kids can take a little swim. The water was shallow, but during the rainy season the water level is typically deeper. They also had pinatas where kids can participate, and this was fun for them.

On the bus ride back, they drop you off to go shopping for about 30 minutes before you head back to the ship.

Overall, we were disappointed because we were looking for something lush and tropical and we didn't see that at all. Of course, it's a different story after there's some rain. The other parts of the tour (city tour, swimming, pinata party) were OK.

Hope this helps.

 

[hayesktrm]

Thanks for the post. I'm not sure we will do that one now. I was also expecting something more tropical...and the kids don't LOVE to hike, anyway.

GOT2GP, hope you have a great cruise and will get me a trip report!

Karen

 

[got2gp]

528 Cruiser,
One more question for you, or anyone else who has done this excursion. I understand that this is a bit of a hike. Are there a lot of stairs or hills? DD has been having some trouble with her knee and I'm unsure if she could handle it if there is a lot of ups and downs. Thanks.

 

[528 Cruiser]

There are no stairs on this hike, except for some stairs at the restaurant. The actual hike up is actually not bad. It's mostly dirt terrain and you have to step on some boulders to get better traction. There's plenty of stops to listen to the tour guide. For small kids and those who have some mobility issues, the hike coming down is actually a little more difficult. Right before the river crossing you actually have to step on large boulders to make your way down. Some needed some help, especially small kids, because the boulders are far apart and a bit steep. Still, we were disappointed overall with this excursion. We would probably had more fun doing something else.

 

[got2gp]

Thanks for the info. I just may cancel anyway. It sounds like the terrain is kind of rocky and that alone can be a strain on the knee. Don't want dd hurting herself, especially at the first port!

 

[thesoldtrain]

Hi there----We cannot speak to this excursion from a Disney point of view, but we did do it when on a cruise with another cruise line, and like others, we were sorely disappointed. Do LAS CALETAS HIDEAWAY instead....now THAT was a FABULOUS excursion! Way fun, BEEEE-YOOOOO-TI-FUL and professional)

Jeanette