To truly capture the heart and soul of Mexico, a visit to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is a must. From the seaside peninsula of Punta Mita on the northwest coast of Rivera Nayarit, to the secluded coves of Mismaloya south of the Puerto Vallarta’s town center, these neighboring destinations tick all the boxes for an amazing vacation experience.
With an exotic blend of cosmopolitan culture, authentic Mexican flavor, and nature at its best, both Puerto Vallarta (state of Jalisco) and Riviera Nayarit (state of Nayarit) are home to picturesque Banderas Bay, where visitors can partake in all types of watersports and see whales up close from December through April. Join in eco-tourism and canopy adventures high atop the jungle and take in the beauty of the Sierra Madre mountains framed by the gorgeous Pacific coastline. With many world-class championship courses, sprawling white and golden sand beaches, charming towns and villages, and rewarding cultural activities and adventures, and incredible gastronomy, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are the perfect fit for travelers looking for a true taste of authentic Mexico. Both areas are home to an abundance of accommodations ranging from intimate boutique hotels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts.
Puerto Vallarta – A Beach Destination with a Taste of Mexico
Just a few minutes south of Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport, Marina Vallarta offers a championship 18-hole golf course and an exclusive marina filled with luxurious yachts. Fashionable hotels, plentiful watersports, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are its main draws. Wide, soft beaches extend into the town, providing easy access to many area attractions.
Continue south to the lively Hotel Zone, a playground for watersports and nightlife with an abundance of beachfront resorts. This is a great area for family fun and memorable group events, with a location convenient to all of Puerto Vallarta's many treasures. The Hotel Zone is home to five distinct golden sand beaches, the main one being Playa de Oro.
No visit is complete without heading to downtown Puerto Vallarta and strolling along its charming seaside Malecón. The two-mile-long boulevard is free from traffic and lined by trendy restaurants, open-air cafes, markets, boutiques, art galleries, shops, and nightclubs, with a backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains and the picturesque steeple of Our Lady of Guadalupe church on one side and Banderas Bay on the other. The incredible sand sculptures, statues, and rock art along the stunning waterfront are sure to impress.
Head further south about 25 minutes to discover the tranquil and scenic South Zone/Mismaloya area, where romantic hotels are tucked into picturesque coves that tumble toward the sea. Nearby Los Arcos Marine Park is a haven for snorkelers and divers due to its abundance of marine life.
Riviera Nayarit – A Stunning Treasure Awaits You
Just ten minutes north of Puerto Vallarta’s international airport, top-notch hotels, luxurious yachts and spas, world-class golf, and picturesque white coral beaches are the calling cards of the Riviera Nayarit, stretching along nearly 200 miles along the entire coast of the state of Nayarit. Here, you’ll find numerous PGA golf courses, and adventures such as zip lining, surfing, and deep sea fishing, and that’s just for starters. Indulge in international cuisine, shop for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts, and participate in baby sea turtle release programs.
Nuevo Vallarta boasts one of the longest walking beaches on the entire coast, while further north, the charming town of Bucerias brings old Mexico to the table with quiet beaches and more eco-tours. This tranquil beach town with a local market, art galleries, and a laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely day trip. Continue to the historical town of San Balas to admire its colonial architecture and two national parks. Continuing up the north coast, Sayulita is a popular surf town known for its colorful streets, artisan markets, and Playa Los Muertos beach with its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of watersports and beachfront restaurants.
About nine miles southwest of Sayulita, the exclusive and luxurious coastal town of Punta Mita lies on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean. With a laid-back vibe, world-class amenities, two Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, nearly six miles of virgin beaches, and a variety of resort hotels, a visit or stay here is highly recommended. From Punta Mita, take a 15-minute boat ride to the uninhabited Marieta Islands to snorkel and possibly sight humpback whales in season.
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