Puerto Vallarta – Something for Everyone

On April 16, 2018 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Mexico5 Comments

Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific Coast in Mexico, has a wide variety of activities that will suit anyone’s vacation style. Especially for those who live in the western half of the United States, Puerto Vallarta is an easy destination to reach with flights that are convenient and typically affordable. Obviously, it is a resort area with plenty of resorts that range from five star, all-inclusive, resorts to more humble places to stay. Most places do not require you to purchase an all-inclusive meal plan and with the abundance of restaurants in the downtown area, we would recommend that you don’t so that you can spend more time dining out.

Whether you just want to sit on the beach with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand or you want to fly through the jungle, there are activities for everyone. Obviously, there are the typical beach activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, and paddle boarding, which you can get from almost any of the beaches in the area. If you are more adventurous, you can go snorkeling or diving in the beautiful blue water of the Pacific Ocean. You can also charter a boat to go deep sea fishing or, during December and January, you can take a tour to go whale watching. For a more relaxing time, there are plenty of dinner cruise options from private catamarans for a romantic dinner, a sunset cruise with drinks and music, or a fine dining experience that will take you on a tour along the coast. There are pirate ships with raucous shows that are fun for everyone or you can take a ship to an island to watch a performance tracing the history of the people who settled the area followed by torch-lit dinner on the beach.

If you are even more daring, you can go zip-lining in the jungle across deep mountain ravines, including the location where the movie Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger was filmed. You can also rent ATV’s and roar through the forest and along one of the many streams in the area. There are tours that will take you hiking in the hills that surround the city or take you on an off-road experience with a professional driver. If you enjoy golf, there are several courses in the area for you to play a few holes while enjoying the beautiful views. Needless to say, there are also plenty of stores and restaurants to explore and depending upon the time of year, many of them offer drink specials and discounts that you can get from your resort. There is also a thriving art district where you can find something a little more special to bring back home with you if that is something that you desire.

Regardless of your vacation style, Puerto Vallarta has something that will meet your needs. With a variety of beautiful beaches, the historic downtown area with the Zona Romantica, a boardwalk area with small restaurants and pubs that look out onto the ocean, you can do something different on every day of your vacation. Don’t forget to take time to relax, though, as that is the main reason to head to the beach for vacation. Take time to sip on a margarita and simply watch the waves crash on the beach and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin.

Copacabana – An Oasis in Bolivia

On August 11, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn South America16 Comments

Much of what we saw during our time in Bolivia was harsh, wild, and rugged. The exception to trekking the Amazon rainforest or scaling the heights of the Andes mountains was our trip to Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Copacabana is a resort destination for tourists and locals alike. Having seen the relatively poor living conditions for most of the citizens of Bolivia, seeing the upscale, boutique hotels on the shore with the boats in the water was quite a juxtaposition to the rest of our experience in Bolivia.

To be fair, most of the boats are tour boats to take tourists out to Sun Island and Moon Island and not necessarily pleasure boats. There were paddle boats shaped like swans to rent and tour around the harbor. The main street of Copacabana is lined with tourist stores and small, family-owned restaurants. We watched as ferries arrived from Peru dropping tourists off to start their journey into the heart of Bolivia. One look at that unpaved main street and there was no mistaking that we were still in Bolivia, despite the relative luxury of the hotel where we were staying.

Besides people coming to enjoy the sun and beach, the other main reason for people from Bolivia to travel to Copacabana is to have their new car blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. Vehicles are dressed up with rings of flowers and party hats on the roofs. Vendors line the street outside of the Basilica to sell a variety of trinkets as it has a cobblestone road and is where all of the buses line up to pick up the tourists arriving on the ferries.

Vehicles Being Decorated, Check out the Hats

Staying in our hotel was like stepping out of Bolivia into a Mediterranean resort. The lawns are manicured, the restaurant was first class, and the room was spacious and comfortable. The hotel was part of the tour package that we had booked to visit the Incan ruins on Lake Titicaca and we were definitely pleasantly surprised. We ate lunch at a restaurant on the beach before heading back to La Paz that had an outdoor patio and definitely catered to English tourists. We usually choose less touristy type places, but the food was authentic and delicious.

All-in-all, the time in Copacabana was almost surreal compared to the rest of our time in Bolivia. If you are going to visit Lake Titicaca, taking the time to spend a night in Copacabana is well worth the extra time. Compared to how hectic most of our nineteen days in Bolivia was, sitting on our balcony and watching the sun set over Lake Titicaca was completely relaxing and refreshing. Copacabana was certainly one of the highlights of our time in Bolivia.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

On August 7, 2017 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado12 Comments

Most people associate Steamboat Springs with being a destination for skiing, which would be correct, but it is also a popular destination during the summer. Situated in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, there is ample hiking, biking, zip lining, golf, and other activities. The town of Steamboat Springs is a typical Colorado mountain town with historic buildings and ample choices of restaurants and local shops. Whether mountain biking, walking or riding bikes along the Yampa River, playing miniature golf, or riding down the Alpine Slide, there are plenty of things for children as well as adults.

Stunning Views as You Drive to Steamboat

Shopping and Dining in the Old Town Square

Getting into the mountains is a wonderful way to beat the heat and enjoy fresh air, good food, and get away from the daily grind. If you are looking for solitude, though, you will need to get out of town and go hiking or biking on a nearby trail as the resort town is extremely busy as tourists descend upon it in droves. The weekends are especially congested as people escape from Denver and other surrounding cities to join tourists from around the world. Friday and Saturday nights feature a pro rodeo as well as an opera series during the summer. There is also a farmer’s market on Saturdays with a large variety of local artists, fresh vegetables, and other oddities for sale.

If you make your way out of town and up to the actual ski resort, you take the gondola to the top to enjoy the views or, if you are more daring, rent a mountain bike and take a thrilling ride down the side of the mountain. There is also horseback riding or white water rafting for those who want a true mountain experience. With so much to do, you may find yourself jumping in the hot tub of your local condominium or hotel to sooth those aching muscles at the end of the day. Also, be aware that Steamboat Springs is at 6,700 feet (2,050 meters), so be sure to drink plenty of water as well as sports drinks. When not refueling, perhaps enjoy one of the many local craft beers that are available in the restaurants and pubs.

Steamboat Springs is definitely a wonderful place to enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer. Stunning views, outdoor activities, friendly people, and gourmet dining. Regardless of your fitness level, you will be able to find activities that suit your lifestyle. Also, being a large ski resort area, you can find accommodations ranging from upscale hotels and resort condominiums to motels and cabins catering to almost any budget.