Mexico’s west coast state of Nayarit has long remained off the travel radar, but that’s changing. Not only are international vacationers checking into the beachfront hotels of Nuevo Vallarta and the luxurious retreats of Punta Mita, a growing number are venturing farther afield to discover a landscape that is rich in natural beauty and cultural charm. If you haven’t yet made plans to visit, here are ten reasons to go.

1  The Coast With the Most

With 190 miles of coastline washed by the clear waters of the tropical Pacific Ocean, the state of Nayarit boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in Mexico. And there’s something for all tastes, from the modern beach resorts of Nuevo Vallarta and the uber-luxe retreats of Punta Mita to colorful fishing villages and miles of uninhabited and pristine shoreline.

The small fishing village of Chacala offers a quiet change of venue from the beachfront resorts of Banderas Bay. The calm waters of the bay are a favorite with swimmers and snorkelers. Photo: Riviera Nayarit CVB

2  Superior Surfing

Hard-core surfers have been making the pilgrimage to the beaches of Nayarit for decades to challenge famous breaks such as La Lancha and El Faro. But the wave’s aren’t just for the pros. Beginners can master the basics on mellow waves at beaches such as Destiladeras; weekend warriors can hone their skills at surf camps in towns like Sayulita; and adventurous surfers can travel to San Blas, which is home to the longest right-hand break in the world.

3  Beach Vibes

Each of the small beach towns scattered along the coast north of the Bay of Banderas offers a unique charm. Sayulita is laid back and bohemian, while San Francisco is home to a thriving arts community. San Blas is a historic port town where memories of Spanish Colonial times linger, and locals gather at the town square to mingle. 

The coastal village of Sayulita has evolved from a low-budget haunt for backpackers to a center for hip and affluent travelers seeking adventure or wellness experiences. Photo: Eduardo Muro/Riviera Nayarit CVB

4  Away From the Crowds

Nayarit is the one of least populous state in Mexico. Within a few miles of the modern resort areas fronting the Bay of Banderas, the landscape transitions to farmland and traditional villages, then forests. Much of the mountainous interior region and large areas of the coast remain sparsely settled or undeveloped, and few international travelers have discovered the unique attractions of the state’s northern regions.

5  High Country Escapes

The green-clad peaks of the Sierra Madre Mountains rise dramatically to offer a cool contrast to the sun-drenched coast. These highlands are laced with back roads and trails that become a playground for hikers, horseback riders, bikers and off-roaders. Small villages hidden deep in the mountains provide a tranquil oasis and an authentic window into traditional ways of life.

Just a few miles from the coast of Nayarit, the Sierra Madre Mountains are a mecca for eco-adventures and activities such as zip lining and off-road exploration. Photo: Eduardo Muro/Riviera Nayarit CVB

6  Native Ways

Nayarit is home to two of Mexico’s most colorful indigenous cultures—the Huichol and Cora. Languages, traditions and handicrafts that pre-date the arrival of Columbus by hundreds of years are kept alive in mountain villages. The Cora are known for woven goods and pottery finished in colorful geometrical animals, while the intricate beadwork creations of the Huichol are prized by international collectors.

7  A World-Class Getaway

In contrast to the green expanses and small villages that are typical of much of Nayarit, the Nuevo Vallarta resort corridor is a thoroughly modern vacation destination, with championship golf, upscale marinas, five-star hotels and wide range of water sports and land activities to enjoy. The area is just minutes away from the Puerto Vallarta international airport, making travel easy and convenient.

Paddle boarders ply calm waters near the Marietas Islands in the Bay of Banderas. Once used as a bombing range, these islands are now a protected wildlife refuge. Photo: Eduardo Muro/Riviera Nayarit CVB

8  Mexico’s Venice

Sometimes called the “Pueblo Magico,” Mexcaltitan is a man-made island that sits in the center of a vast lagoon, surrounded by mangrove forests. Accessible only by small boat, it draws adventurous visitors, who come to wander the streets and canals of this isolated enclave, or sample the local seafood. Spicy shrimp dishes are a local specialty.

9  Local Flavors

Blessed with rich volcanic soils and ample seasonal rainfall, Nayarit is a rich farming region. With an abundance of local produce from the land, and fresh seafood brought in daily by local fishermen, chefs have a savory array of fresh ingredients to work with. Traditional dishes showcase the rich flavors of land and sea, while a wave of innovative fusion cuisines are also gaining popularity.

Pescado Zarandeado is a regional specialty in Nayarit. A whole fish is split, marinated for several hours in pepper paste spices, and then grilled over an open fire. Photo: Eduardo Muro/Riviera Nayarit CVB

10  Colonial Charms

The 21st century hasn’t made its mark on many of the towns and small cities in the heart of Nayarit. The capital of Tepic is rich in neo-Colonial and neo- Gothic architecture, it’s colorful markets and shops are filled with indigenous handiworks, and the Plaza Principal is regarded as one of the loveliest in all of Mexico.

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 Paradise Village Marina & Yacht Club sits at the southern end of the Nuevo Vallarta resort district. This area is known for its upscale all-inclusive properties. Photo: Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

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.

The view from the pool deck at the Four Seasons Punta Mita takes in the surf-washed Pacific Coast. In winter, migrating whales often pass close to shore. Photo: Four Seasons Punta Mita

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.

The seaside village of Sayulita draws an eclectic crowd of travelers, including surfers, artists and backpackers. Photo: Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

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.

Large sections of coastline along the Riviera Nayarit remain wild and undeveloped. This area is home to Mexico’s longest beach, Playa Novillero. Photo: Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau