Discovering Riviera Nayarit

An introduction to Mexico's hottest new seaside destinations

 

From Acapulco to Zihuatanejo and Cancun to Cabo, Mexico has its share of famous beach towns. But the name that’s now trending with a growing number of travelers is Riviera Nayarit. This 200- mile swath on the country’s west central coast offers everything from deserted beaches and small towns to some of the most exclusive beachfront resorts in the world. If you haven’t yet heard of this up and coming destination, we invite you to come along for a whirlwind tour.

The North Side Playground

We’ll begin by flying into Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. But instead of heading into the city’s historic vacation corridor, we’ll turn north and cross the Ameca River into the state of Nayarit. Here, just across the state line, a three-mile stretch of golden sand is flanked by modern, elegant high rises. This is Nuevo Vallarta, a resort district replete with yacht clubs, golf courses, luxurious all-inclusive properties and upscale shopping corridors. It’s the region’s equivalent of Cancun or Miami Beach, and a favorite with both international visitors and affluent vacationers from Mexico City.

The Big Bay

Keep heading north from Nueva Vallarta on Highway 200 and you’ll pass into the smaller towns of Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. These former fishing villages open to the waters of the Bay of Banderas, and are favorite destinations for water sports from sailing and windsurfing to fishing and diving. Here, the beach hotels shed a few floors and are a bit easier on the budget, while the adjacent town centers take on a more local vibe.

The High Point

At the northern end of Banderas Bay, a long point of land juts westward into the pacific. This is Punta de Mita, home to a collection of exclusive luxury home developments, championship golf courses and premier resorts from brands such as Four Seasons and St. Regis. If the bank account allows, this is the place to be for five-star service and upper crust amenities. If not, it’s still worth a stop in the fishing village of the same name, which is known for its seafood restaurants.

Small Town Charms

As we leave the bay behind on our journey north, the highway necks down to two lanes and enters a coastal forest. For the next 70 miles as you run parallel to the coast, and every so often, a turnoff to the left will lead to a beachfront village. First up is Sayulita, where surf culture takes on a bohemian vibe. Eclectic galleries line the cobblestone streets, and hostels and guesthouses welcome everyone from backpackers to with-it baby boomers. As you continue up the coast, each village offers a unique personality. San Francisco is an artists’ town, and the place to pick up some authentic Huichol. Los Ayala is the starting point for boat rides and snorkel trips to Coral and Cangrejo Islands. The fishing villages of Lo de Marcos and La Peñita provide cobblestone streets, open-air markets and a respite from the tourist trade. By contrast the lively local beach scene at Guayabitos is one of Mexico’s favorite family vacation spots.

Time Traveling North

Traveling north in Nayarit is like stepping back in time. Nature takes over, with miles of deserted beaches and estuaries that are a bird watchers paradise. Coastal towns retain Colonial-era overtones. The village of San Blas offers five centuries of history, and plenty of cultural authenticity. Even older is Mexcaltitan, known as Mexico’s Venice. This traditional community, which perches on a small man-made island in a lagoon, is said to be the birthplace of Aztec civilization. And for those seeking total solitude, the last stop on our tour is Playa Novillero. This is the longest and widest beach in all of Mexico, stretching for more than 55 miles, and fronted by virgin forests.