The Real Deal: Seven nights' accommodations, all meals and activities, and the services of a guide, from $1,250 per person — including all taxes.
When: Daily departures year-round.
The fine print: Includes all taxes and fees. Based on double occupancy; no single bookings. Does not include airfare. Note that rates will go up about $120 per person during late December; rates also go up in March, but if you mention this article, you can book a March trip at the $1,250 price. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Active Journeys, 800/597-5594, activejourneys.com.
Why it's a deal: Once you get to the resort, all meals and activities are included, and there are guides available to assist you. Note that the package price breaks down to $179 per person per night — a savings of about 40 percent off the rack rate at the resort after factoring out the airfare.
Lodging: Your base for the seven-night stay is a suite with a private balcony and ocean view at the Costa Azul Adventure Resort in San Francisco, Mexico. It's about 30 miles north of Puerto Vallarta and part of the up-and-coming Riviera Nayarit. All meals and alcoholic beverages are included during your stay, so you'll become very familiar with the resort's Wahoo's Bar and Grill. There is also a pool and a spa.
Included activities: You can take advantage of activities such as horseback riding, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, taking a riverboat tour and enjoying nightly entertainment.
More: Extend your stay at the resort from $80 per person per night.
Before you go: Note that the closest airport is in Puerto Vallarta, about 40 minutes from the resort; a cab will cost about $35 each way. For more on what to do, check the official Web sites of the Riviera Nayarit and of Mexico. U.S. citizens traveling by air will need a valid passport; a visa is not required.
