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Just north of Puerto Vallarta and spanning over 185 miles of beaches along the Pacific coast of Nayarit, is Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, also known as Mexico’s Pacific Treasure. Key to its allure for visitors is its diversity – not only in its infrastructure, wide hotel selection and services, but also in its landscapes, flora, fauna, gastronomy, and recreational activities. From the condo and private home developments in Nuevo Vallarta to the virgin beaches in the north, visitors can choose between dozens of activities and environments – or opt to experience the entire universe of possibilities for Mexico living.
The treasure of Riviera Nayarit includes the sophisticated world-class resorts that have been built from Nuevo Vallarta to Punta de Mita, the six world-class golf courses, and the three marinas that provide state-of-the-art nautical services and facilities. The treasure of Riviera Nayarit also encompasses the personalized details offered by exclusive boutique hotels perched in little-known beaches or in traditional fishermen towns.
The treasure of Riviera Nayarit also includes its history, which reaches a climax at the heroic port of San Blas, and is also tangible through its biological diversity, which offers environments preferred by species like the humpback whale, the blue-footed booby and the Olive Ridley turtles, which travel hundreds of miles to reach these shores.
More importantly, the riches of Riviera Nayarit can be enjoyed while visiting its beaches and its traditional seaside towns, as every one of these destinations reveals a different calling, a different pleasure, just like discovering jewels in a treasure chest.
NOVILLERO
It’s impossible to see from one side to the other of the longest beach not only in Nayarit, but also in Mexico. Playa Novillero is over 56 miles long over 500 yards wide, perfectly complemented by its calm and shallow water, which allows visitors to walk almost 100 yards into the ocean, making it one of the safest beaches in Nayarit.
MEXCALTITÁN
A visit to the island of Mexcaltitán, located to the Northeast of Santiago Ixcuintla, is literally a magical experience. The adventure begins on a boat ride through the mangroves to an island that’s considered to be the birthplace of the migration of ancient tribes to establish the Aztec Empire in what is today Mexico City.
SAN BLAS
Here, time seems to stand still as one enjoys San Blas’ haciendas, historic buildings, exquisite traditional food, and inviting rhythm of life. San Blas was a Spanish port and protector of sea lanes for centuries.
CHACALA-RINCÓN DE GUAYABITOSLOS AYALA
One of the most popular destinations of Riviera Nayarit, this region includes Chacala, La Peñita de Jaltemba, Rincón de Guayabitos, and Los Ayala. The calmness of the sea in Rincón de Guayabitos has earned it the nickname of “the largest pool in Mexico”, and at El Naranjo Beach you can partake in a turtle release program.
LO DE MARCOS
Once part of a hacienda, Lo de Marcos now represents one of the most peaceful spots in Riviera Nayarit. With the essence of a Mexican town with a simple and unpretentious lifestyle, it is the perfect destination to rest and relax.
SAN FRANCISCO
With a cosmopolitan and refined air, the town of San Francisco (better known as “San Pancho”) is home to a multicultural community committed to conducting an artistic, participative, harmonious, and environmentally aware development. This bohemian environment is paired with awe-inspiring sunsets at the beach. Hundreds of foreigners call this home.
SAYULITA
Surfing is one of the main attractions of this town, and lovers of this sport come here from all over the world. Sayulita has attracted Americans and Canadians since the 1990’s.
PUNTA DE MITA
Luxury finds its highest expression in the northern end of Banderas Bay. Visitors here find an exclusive and luxurious refuge with almost six miles of pristine beaches, delicious gourmet restaurants, world-class resorts, exclusive boutiques and two Jack Nicklaus golf courses.
LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is the favorite destination for enthusiasts of nautical activities like sailing, sports fishing, windsurfing, and cruising on luxurious yachts. This town offers the most modern infrastructure for those who enjoy life at sea. Foreigners living here embrace affordable seaside living in condos and private homes surrounding the harbor.
BUCERÍAS
The real charm of Bucerías is that it really is a typical Mexican town, and this sets it apart from other destinations in Mexico’s Pacific Treasure. Its cobblestone streets, its brightly painted facades with massive wooden doors and its peaceful ambiance conform the setting that blends with the serene sea, the wide sandy beaches, and the friendliness of its people. Thousands of expats call this area home.
NUEVO VALLARTA – FLAMINGOS
Abundant nature, the largest and most complete tourist infrastructure, three golf courses, two modern marinas, the most diverse cuisine and the best resorts certainly make Nuevo Vallarta the heart of Riviera Nayarit, and the epicenter of all its development. Here you’ll find sophisticated spas, yoga classes, swimming with dolphins, tours through the jungle, zip lining, as well as the best places for whale watching, diving and swimming with dolphins in the wild.
