When you go to Puerto Vallarta, you think about the beaches... and maybe the tequila. Do you think about water parks? Probably not. Did you even know there's a water park in the PV area? Didn't think so. So, I checked it out for you!
It's called Aquaventuras Park and it's nestled just outside the city. I took a visit with our boss while we were on a group Buff trip to Mexico.
From the moment we arrived, the vibrant atmosphere and the promise of a fun-filled day were palpable. It wasn't blistering sunny and hot, it was overcast so that made the summer day a little more tolerable.
I was immediately drawn to the majestic water slides towering overhead. The park boasts a great variety, catering to all levels of thrill-seekers. I started with the Piton, a winding slide that twisted and turned, giving me a fantastic rush.
Then, I dared to try the 'Kamikaze,' a near-vertical drop that truly got my heart pounding – it was exhilarating! For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, I also thoroughly enjoyed floating along the lazy river, which offered a tranquil escape from the excitement, allowing me to soak up the crisp Mexican air blowing through the park. The wave pool was another highlight, mimicking the feel of ocean waves and providing endless fun.
Aside from slipping and sliding, there are a bunch of activities that will fill your visit to the park. There are zip lines and even an endurance course that we had to check out. (Especially to watch our boss walk a rope course!)
We took on The Challenge, thinking that it would be pretty simple. It's walking a bunch of tight ropes and keeping your balance as you go through one obstacle after the next. It's way harder than I thought. Standing on the ground seeing people panic as they carefully took step after step made me laugh but once I got up there it was a different story.
It was probably only about 10 or 15 minutes but it seemed like way longer. I can tell you that I didn't fall -- but there was a guy behind me who lost his footing right at the beginning and never redeemed himself. And, no, I'm not referring to the boss. He actually went before me and killed it!
The park provided clean facilities, plenty of shaded areas (for a sunny day), and food vendors where we grabbed a quick bite. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
If you're planning a visit, I'd highly recommend arriving early, especially if you want to experience all the slides multiple times. (Because we were media guests, we were able to check out the park before it opened for the day, and once the gates opened, it filled up quickly even though the weather seemed sketchy at times.)
Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a towel and maybe some water shoes for comfort.
All in all, our visit to Aquaventuras Park was a highlight of the Puerto Vallarta trip. If you find yourself in the area looking for a day of excitement and fun, I genuinely recommend adding Aquaventuras to your itinerary.