Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Panama Canal, Central America and Mexico Cruises

Venture away from the suburbs of Puerto Vallarta in an open-air 4x4 all-terrain vehicle and head into the Mexican outback. This tour will take you off the beaten track, over bumpy terrain and through mountain streams and remote villages, on a mission to reach the heart of the Sierra Madres.

In the depths of the forest vegetation, your knowledgeable guide will take you on a fascinating 45-minute nature walk, encouraging you to discover and explore the region’s flora and fauna hidden beneath the canopy of the jungle. Your journey then continues towards the coastline, where you will have time to relax and take in the lovely views. A tasty ‘al fresco’ barbeque buffet luncheon will be served on the beach.

Afterwards, you will enjoy the return drive back to Puerto Vallarta.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by 4x4, boat or bus and on foot. Guests will be transferred to the marina where the 4x4 vehicles are located, via either a small Panga Boat or coach. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under eight may not participate. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over rough and uneven ground. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Please remember sunscreen, and it is advisable to take insect repellent.

Enjoy a brief drive into Puerto Vallarta to the colourful main square for a short guided walking tour. Visit the charming Cathedral of Our Lady which dates from 1929, and meander through the cobblestoned streets. As you head along the popular waterfront promenade ‘Malecon’, you will see the iconic seahorse sculpture and capture the lovely views across the bay.

Continue on to Mismaloya for an opportunity to photograph this charming bayside village, made famous in the film ‘Night of the Iguana’. View Los Arcos, the name given to the three huge rocks located just offshore.

Enjoy a refreshment at a charming local restaurant, before heading back to downtown Puerto Vallarta. Here, you will have the opportunity to browse and shop for souvenirs before the return drive to the ship.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. This tour involves approximately one hour of walking, which includes some cobblestones and steps. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. Modest dress is required when entering places of worship; shorts are not permitted. Entrance is dependent on local services. Guests will be responsible for their own return to the ship, if remaining in town after the tour.

Guarded by the steep, jungle-clad slopes of the Sierra Madre Mountains, the secluded Las Caletas hideaway is accessible only by sea and is an ideal place to swim, snorkel and relax.

Following a 45-minute coastal boat ride, you will arrive at Las Caletas, the site that film director John Huston chose as his rustic getaway. He made this his private home for many years and a small collection of memorabilia is on display here.

Las Caletas features an isolated cove with calm, clear water, a beautiful sandy palm-fringed beach, restaurant and a bar. You may wish to make use of the complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment or take a guided nature walk into the jungle and see the unique orchid gardens.

A buffet luncheon will be served during the day and there is an open bar for the duration of your stay.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. Please note that spa treatments, diving lessons and scuba diving are not included; these are at an extra cost, payable locally. This tour involves some walking over uneven ground including steps. Comfortable, non-slip shoes or water shoes are recommended. The beach can become busy. Kayaks and snorkel equipment are subject to availability. Please remember your swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. Please refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages prior to any swimming activities.

Enjoy a scenic drive north through Marina Vallarta, passing traditional Mexican villages and delightful countryside. Stop at Ixtapa to visit the local church, a focal point of worship and a meeting place for the locals.

Afterwards, continue to Hacienda Doña Engracia, one of the finest tequila processing plants in the area. The site is also a ranch with Arabian horses and botanical gardens. During your tour, you will learn the plantation process of the legendary Blue Agave Cactus Tequila and indulge in some sampling of the various grades and flavours.

Leaving the countryside behind, you will head back to Puerto Vallarta. A short stop will be made for you to browse or purchase some souvenirs before enjoying a guided walk downtown. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady which dates from 1929 and discover the charm of the cobblestoned streets. A stroll along the waterfront promenade ‘Malecon’ will show you the iconic seahorse sculpture and some breathtaking views, before the return drive back to the port.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking over some uneven and cobbled ground, including steps. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. Modest dress is required when entering places of worship; shorts are not permitted. Entrance is dependent on local services. Guests will be responsible for their own return to the ship, if remaining in town after the tour.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta you will take an approximate 90-minute drive to San Sebastian, passing through lovely rural and mountainous scenery along the way.

San Sebastian dates back to the 17th century, when it was a highly prosperous silver mining town. Set in the midst of a mountain valley, its remote location has ensured the retention of its original colonial charm.

During your visit, you will make a stop at the Hacienda Jalisco which dates back to 1850. The restored house was once an important centre for the silver mining operations. You will also have the opportunity to see how coffee is roasted at a local coffee plantation, and a visit to the Museo Dona Conchita will provide an insight into a local home and memorabilia.

As you follow your guide through the cobblestone streets of the town, catch a glimpse of its past through the colonial architecture, including the main square, bandstand and the 16th century church.

During your tour, a typical Mexican luncheon will be served in a local restaurant.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. This tour involves around 1½ hours of walking which includes uneven cobblestone ground. There is a short decline leading to the entrance of the Hacienda. Flat, comfortable non slip shoes are essential.