This is one of the greatest tours in Puerto Vallarta, perfect for families and anyone who wants to get out and explore the outer reaches of Puerto Vallarta and learn more about the culture of the people.

Once you leave the pick-up point, you are transported in a 2003 Ram Terrain vehicle for up to 16 people to multiple stops and explorations in outer Vallarta. The Ram truck is not only comfortable, but secure with 3 point safety seat belts, cushy seats, music and excellent guides, making this a great trip for families with smaller children.

Your first stop is to the Vista Vallarta Golf Course where you learn about the Sierra Madre Mountains and how the developing areas have grown. From there, you leave the city and leave behind modern day developments behind. The next stop is a small community outside of Puerto Vallarta, where in the 20th century it was home to a prosperous plantation, orchard and fruit packing industry.

Once you leave Ixtapa, you'll continue on dirt roads, viewing ranches, traditional Mexican homes, and life outside of the tourist areas. At the end of the town is the cemetery, where you will stop for a look and to learn about the history of Dia de Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, and the beliefs that surround the celebrations.

In El Quelitan, you stop to see a small village that is reminiscent of decades gone by. Here people live without modern conveniences, ride horse and burros, live in wood, adobe and limestone homes. You will also get to sample some traditional foods, such as tortillas de nixtamal.

Leaving the village, you travel further up the mountain, crossing rivers and streams, observing the changes in vegetation, and lifestyles of the communities. At about 2000 feet above sea level, is Rancho Viejo, where the air is fresh and cool. An excellent view and photo opportunities abound. You will also stop to visit Señora Olivia's house, where you are invited in to explore the house, the farm and see learn how they live in a remote area.

At about 2:00PM after exploring, you will head back down to the valley to the restaurant Las Palmas, for a wonderful lunch of beef, chicken, lamb, chorizo sausages, rice, beans, guacamole, salsa, and chips, along with fresh water and sodas.

At around 3:00PM you go further into the valley to see many different kinds of plantations, from banana and mango to corn, beans and tobacco. You will also stop at a local lagoon, known for the abundance of birds and wildlife.