The Ultimate Family Adventure
Ride Highlights
- Daily mountain bike rides for the parents, while qualified childminders look after the kids (& non-riding spouses)
- Daily family activities such as ocean safaris, snorkeling and volunteering
- Sunrise and sunset yoga overlooking the Pacific Ocean
- Mountain biking on jungle trails in the mountains surrounding Puerto Vallarta
- The beautiful colonial mountain town of San Sebastian Del Oeste
The ultimate family getaway.
Mountain biking parent(s) looking for an amazing family adventure... look no longer!
Have you dreamed of getting away for an active adventure but don't know what to do with the kids? Bring them along! On this 8-day adventure on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, we've got daily morning rides for the parents on the jungle singletrack in the mountains near Puerto Vallarta, while qualified childminders look after your kids. Then in the afternoon, we've got amazing adventures for the whole family: ocean safaris, surfing, volunteering projects, cultural activities, and more!
It's all based out of the incredible Haramara Retreat, on a private beach, just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta, along with 2 nights in the spectacular colonial mountain town of San Sebastian.
Each day includes a thrilling ride and 2 yoga sessions (one at sunrise, one at sunset), along with time to relax and soak in the sun and surf on our private beach.
Pricing for Kids
0 to 3: $495 CAD per child
4 to 6: $895 CAD per child
7 to 12: $1095 CAD per child
13 and up: $1395 CAD per child
Safety in Mexico
Although the drug trade has led to instability and major violence along the U.S./Mexico border, violent or organized crime is not a concern in this part of Mexico: the problems are mainly restricted to the areas near the U.S. border. Haramara Retreat and San Sebastian, where we spend most of the trip, are two of the most peaceful places anywhere in Mexico (or the world, for that matter).
We work with local guides who are keenly aware of any issues that might affect our groups' safety - rest assured that the safety of our clients is of paramount concern to us and we would never do anything that would compromise it.
Is This Ride For You?
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This is a new trip for us, so we don't have any testimonials yet. But we're pretty sure this board will be full of lots of great comments soon...!
Day 1. Arrive Puerto Vallarta, transfer to Haramara Resort.
We'll meet you at Puerto Vallarta airport at 5pm and transfer you to your cabin on a secluded and spectacular private beach 1 hour north of the city, just outside of the town of Sayulita. Tonight we'll check you in to your cabin, have our first delicious dinner, get to know each other, and look forward to a fantastic week of mountain biking and other fun activities.
Day 2. Ride 'n' Surf
We'll start the day with a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After a delicious and healthy breakfast, we'll put together our bikes and have our pre-trip safety meeting, and introduce your kids to our childminders. We'll start with a fun and easy local singletrack in the mountains outside of Sayulita for our introductory ride, while the kids go exploring the beach and get introduced to some of the local aquatic life.
We'll return to Haramara for lunch, and then in the afternoon you'll have the option to relax on the beach with your kids or head out for a surf safari by boat to a quiet local beach that is perfect for learners (younger, non-surfing kids can come along too and enjoy the beach). We'll cap off an incredible day with a sunset yoga session, then get to know each other over another gourmet dinner.
Day 3. Singletrack 'n' Salsa!
We'll start our day off with another sunrise yoga session by the water. Then after breakfast we'll do another local trail, a 27-km moderately technical trail through the jungle. After returning to Haramara for lunch, we'll all hop in the van for a short drive to a nearby community where we'll spend the afternoon volunteering with a local community project. This is a great way to introduce your kids to some of the challenges that communities face in Mexico and how making a small contribution can make a big difference. At sunset, we'll enjoy another yoga session overlooking the ocean.
Day 4. Marietas Islands, more riding
After breakast we'll all (kids and parents) hop in a local panga (fishing boat) for a boat ride out to the Marietas Islands National Park. These pristine islands will play host to an amazing morning water adventure! Starting with the ride there, you'll have a chance to see Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and Grey Whales.
The boat will go around the Islands, showing us the different rock formations and small coves, until it comes to a stop on one of its secluded beaches, where you'll will be able to swim, walk on the beach, explore caves and chill in the sun. From here, we head over to our snorkeling adventure, jumping in the water and snorkeling around the different areas of this cove. The recommended adventurous option of going underneath the natural stone arch into the “Beach of Love” is the highlight of the trip for most people!
Once we have had enough time in the water , we head back to the boat and start making our way back to Haramara, arriving just in time for a delicious lunch. After lunch, the parents will head out to another thrilling local ride, while the kids can enjoy more beach time with the childminders.
Day 5. Singletrack and Salsa!
More great riding this morning on the mountain trails around Sayulita, then a free afternoon with your kids to relax on the beach, go shopping in Sayulita, make an excursion into Puerto Vallarta, or lots of other activities to choose from. After dinner, the parents will head into Sayulita for a salsa lesson at one of the local bars - learn to swing your hips like the locals do!
Day 6. San Sebastian
After breakfast we'll load up the vans and transfer to the beautiful colonial mountain town of San Sebastian. The two-hour drive into the mountains climbs 4,500 ft, passing spectacular scenery and views of the Pacific Ocean. We'll make a stop at a local Tequila tasting place (adults only!), then check into our hotel in San Sebastian, a beautiful eco-hacienda just outside of the main square. After lunch in the square, the adults will head into the mountains for another great ride while the kids will explore this fascinating town, taking in a couple of local museums and other cultural stops.
Dinner is in the charming main square of San Sebastian.
Day 7. More San Sebastian
In the morning the adults will have another go at the awesome local trails, including some that go directly into the mountain - a remnant of the town's old mining days. After lunch, everyone will head out for a short hike into the hills followed by a tour of a local coffee plantation and roastery. We'll enjoy our last dinner together with a celebration in the square, and practice some of our newfound salsa moves at the end-of-trip party!
Day 8. Return Home
We depart San Sebastian at 9am, arriving at Puerto Vallarta no later than 11 am.
Arrival and Departure Airport
You should fly into and out of Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR). Please see the schedule page for the exact pickup and dropoff times for your particular trip. You can, if wanted or necessary, arrive earlier, and we will arrange a pickup for you.
Pickup & Drop-off Information
We offer a free airport pickup service from Puerto Vallarta airport to the Haramara Beach Resort (about 1 hour), departing at 5pm on day 1 of the itinerary. Please notify us in advance of your flight number and arrival time. A representative will be waiting outside of the arrivals area from 2 pm to 5 pm with a sign in his/her hand to show you to your shuttle (or to the bar/restaurant across the street if you’re early and want a margarita!)
n.b. airport pickup service on day 1 of the trip is included in the trip price. If you are arriving earlier, then the price for the shuttle is $100/shuttle. Please notify our office if you need to book a non-scheduled shuttle.
We offer free airport dropoff service to Puerto Vallarta airport on day 8 of the trip, at any time. Shuttles after day 8 cost $100/shuttle.
Childminding and Kids' Activities
Our childminders are hired locally in Sayulita and have extensive experience looking after children of all ages. They will ensure your child has a happy, fun, and safe time while you are out on your bike! Children will be left with the childminders for no more than 3 1/2 hours at any given time, and will have snacks and drinks available.
Extending your trip
Haramara Retreat is on a beautiful secluded beach about 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta, just outside of Sayulita. You can book extra nights here. Extra nights cost ~$130 USD/night/person and up, including 3 meals/day.
If you want information on other places to visit and things to see in the Puerto Vallarta area, please visit the Puerto Vallarta Tourism website.
Flights
We do not book international flights for our clients. Please contact your local travel agent for information on booking flights for this trip.
Travelling with your bike
If you've never traveled with your bike, don't worry - it's much easier than you think! If you don't have a case for your bike, then you can pick up a cardboard travel box for your bike at your local store. Some stores will also pack your bike up for you for a fee.
Alternately, if you are planning on traveling with your bike more than just this one time, we sell travel bags for bikes, handmade by Pikapackworks. These travel bags are specially made for bikes and can often go on flights without having to pay the extra charges incurred by cardboard boxes or hard cases. The bags cost $395, including shipping withing North America. Click here for more information on our bags.
Bike Rentals
Local, decent quality hardtails are available for rental, and cost $200 for the week. These can be added when making your original booking, or if you've already made your booking, email us and we'll add it for you.
What type of bike should you bring?
We recommend you bring a solid cross-country or light all-mountain full-suspension bike with you on this trip, with at least 4" of travel, and no heavier than 28 pounds since there are a few long climbs. A bike with at least 2 rings up front is mandatory, as is front suspension.
Spare Parts for your Bike
Although there are some parts available locally, we recommend you bring the following parts with you to Guatemala to avoid problems in case of breakdown or broken parts:
- rear derailleur hanger (at least 1, preferably 2)
- front and rear brake pads
- extra chain if your chain is more than 6 months old
- 4 tubes
- 4 extra spokes
- shock pump
Weather and Clothing
The weather on the Pacific Coast is quite warm, with highs between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius in the morning (when we'll be doing most of our riding). San Sebastian can get cool at night, so we recommend you bring long pants and a jacket for the evenings.
Although rain is rare in the winter months, it isn't unheard of, so we recommend you bring some sort of rain gear or shell.
Packing List
• comfortable clothes for riding, such as biking jerseys and padded shorts. 2+ sets are ideal, 1 is a must.
• helmet
• bike gloves (2 sets is ideal)
• lightweight, weather-resistant outerwear for riding in inclement weather.
• longsleeve clothing for nighttime.
• swimwear
• sunglasses/eye protection for sunny and/or muddy days.
• hydration system that can carry at least 2 litres (bottles and/or Camelbak)
• toiletries i.e. toothbrush, shampoo, soap
• beach towel
• camera
• sunscreen and insect repellent
n.b. yoga mats will be provided
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage, is compulsory for all our tours. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes cancellation protection so that you will be covered in the event that you are unable to attend our tour (due to injury, illness or other unforeseen circumstances) or in the unlikely event that our tour must be cancelled.
Visit our insurance page for more information and to purchase insurance.
Passports & Visas
All travelers require a valid passport (with a minimum of 6 months validity). Citizens of some countries World Travel Guide website.
Emergency Contacts
If you need to contact us in an emergency, you can reach us during office hours at the following numbers:
Dialing within North America: 1 (888) 423-7849
Dialing outside of North America: +1 (647) 999-7955
If you do not receive an immediate answer when calling the above numbers, please leave us a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Food
The food and cleanliness at Haramara Retreat is of the highest standard, and while in San Sebastian we take care to select restaurants that are well-regarded for their cleanliness, in order to avoid food-borne illness. We also supply you with bottled water for drinking for the duration of your trip. However, there is always some risk of contracting a food-borne illness when traveling in a developing country. We recommend you exercise caution when purchasing food, and avoid unwashed fruit and vegetables and improperly cooked meals.
Vaccination Requirements
Vaccinations are not required for the Puerto Vallarta area.
Fitness Requirements
You should have a moderately high level of fitness and be able to bike for up to three hours a day in order to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and riding on this trip.
We recommend you train in advance of this trip, in order to get the most out of this trip. We have developed a pre-Ride training program with the assistance of two of our most experienced coaches. Click here for more information.
Safety & Security
Mexico is a safe country, however certain precautions should be followed, as with all foreign travel. To maximize your safety during our tours you should exercise common sense and caution at all times. We recommend that you always stick to set travel arrangements, and avoid unknown areas. We also recommend that you wear minimal jewelry and that you keep valuable items safely stored. Always keep a copy of your passport, airline tickets, travelers checks and credit card numbers separate from where you keep the originals.
Meals
All meals are included on this trip.
Other expenses
Other expenses include souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, and optional activities such as massage. The best way to pay for these services is to withdraw money from an ATM in Puerto Vallarta when you arrive, or use your credit card (you can use your card at Haramara and at our hotel in San Sebastian) - you can withdraw local money from ATMs and will usually be charged the best rate by your bank at home. We recommend you bring some US dollars or traveler's cheques with you in case of emergency.
Local Money
The local currency is the Mexican Peso. Check here for current exchange rates.
Tipping
Gratuities of 5-15% are common in Mexico. We encourage you to tip your guides if you feel you have received excellent service and have had an enjoyable trip. A typical gratuity $20 - $100 per guide.
Our Guarantee
We're so sure you'll have an amazing time on this trip that we're offering a satisfaction guarantee. View more information about our guarantee.
Lead Guide and Lead Instructor.
Johanna is our lead guide and coach for B.C, Utah, Mexico and Patagonia. After learning to ride on the North Shore of Vancouver and in Whistler in early 2000, she has been coaching since 2003 after racing elite DH and XC and guiding since 2007. Living in Fernie for the last 5 years, she's blessed with amazing local trails as well as traveling and riding all over North America. Johanna is Certified by CMIC, Endless Biking, NCCP, Yoga Alliance, Sports Nutrition, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, she also teaches yoga and surfing in Mexico and Patagonia as well as Essential Yoga Studio in Fernie. |
Lead Guide.
I grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico's second biggest city. Started Mountain biking when I was 10 years old, when we had no suspension, 10 speed bikes and the most ineffective brakes you can imagine. Raced for 8 or 9 years and was part of the Mexican national team for 4, until I decided to going back to simply enjoying the ride and exploring other sports like surfing and climbing. I love riding and showing people around my country and our local trails! I love challenging XC riding and love road trips with friends. |
 Yoga/MTB Retreat, Mexico |
Airport
What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation (children sleep in same room as parents)
- 3 delicious meals daily
- Daily guided mountain biking
- Childminding for kids while parents are out biking
- Daily family activities
- Marietas Islands ocean safari
- All transportation including airport pickup
- Yoga sessions twice daily (optional, kids welcome)
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