Pueblos & Places Riviera Nayarit Official Website Convention Visitor Bureau

AREAS OF Riviera Nayarit In your foray into the region of Riviera Nayarit, take time to visit each area to get to know it not only by its history but by the developing character of the surrounding region.

NUEVO VALLARTA

Nuevo Vallarta is the first of the series of towns going north from the Ameca River that borders the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. It occupies a gentle plain between two rivers with one of the longest walking beaches on the entire coast. Scene of two world-class golf courses, a protected marina with slips for sailboats and yachts, an enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall with ample parking, hotels and resorts of the most deluxe category, sports and beach clubs for visitors and residents, two dolphin centers, a water park and a panoply of investment opportunities for every budget. Home to the local tourism school.

FLAMINGOS

Bordering on Nuevo Vallarta is Flamingos, founded on the area surrounding the famous Flamingos Golf Course, designed by Englishman Percy Clifford in 1978 when the area was still heavily populated with crocodiles. They are still there, not only in the water holes of the course, but also on view at the “crocodilarium.” Flamingos boasts the continuation of the beach in its northern extension, fronting some of the newest developments of hotels, resorts and condominiums. It has recently been earmarked for a major infusion of funds to further develop the area. A brand new golf course is under construction with plans for additional club facilities of the highest category.

BUCERIAS

The legend of sleepy Bucerías is still a reality in neighborhoods that reflect Mexico at its friendliest and most genuine. The typical main plaza is just a few short steps from the broad, sandy beach with numerous seafood restaurants and seaside clubs for dining and relaxing, some with live music. Bucerías is also an up-and-coming investment opportunity both in condo developments and bed & breakfasts. Home to the Virgin of Peace, the seaside festival is a focus of one of their annual festivals in mid-January with special blessings for the participating local fishermen and their decorated seagoing craft.

LA CRUZ DE HUANACAXTLE

This traditional fishing village is on the verge of a major transformation with the design and construction of a major marina sponsored by the La Cruz Yacht Club. The 380-slip marina will provide safe mooring for yachts as well as large sailing vessels. In addition, a malecón will be built along the curve of the bay with further developments of resorts, boutique hotels, restaurants and shops. Meanwhile the local fishing industry continues to thrive with a fish market included in the plans. Investment moves quickly both along the oceanfront and on the higher hills with views of the sea

LITIBÚ

Litibú received national attention when President Vicente Fox visited the area, located just north of the entrance to Punta de Mita, south of the rocky promontory that borders Sayulita. The original investment of $50 million USD went toward the basic infrastructure including a four-lane highway, drainage and lighting. As the project continues, plans include major resorts, boutique hotels, a marina, heli-pad, hospitals, shopping centers, a world-class golf course and more. With the access highway to Sayulita, this region is already well underway to the development which will include eight major hotel chains within the next few years.

PUNTA DE MITA

Historically, Punta de Mita was the destination of the annual spring pilgrimage of the ancient Huichol tribes in their planting ceremonies. It hasn’t taken long for this breathtaking mini-peninsula to attract international investors after the solid establishment of the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Innumerable investment options include condos, villas, golf-course homes, seaside resorts and even a Deepak Chopra Center. Nationally recognized for the attention and care of the environment, Punta de Mita is one of the bright stars in the firmament. The town of Anclote near the point is under process of major reconditioning of the streets, lights and other infrastructure.

ISLAS MARIETAS

The Islas Marietas (Marieta Islands) are located in Banderas Bay right off the point of Punta de Mita. Home of the endangered Blue-Footed Booby and other aviary species, these islands are a national ecological sanctuary well-known for the off-shore reefs that provide wonderful snorkeling and undersea diving with colorful marine life including the giant manta ray. The islands are also a great place for fishing with a small private cove accessible only during the lower tides. Boats are available for rental in Anclote and other areas with anchorage off the coast.

SAYULITA

Sayulita offers an escape to another time where surf meets sand in a confluence of color and casual comfort. This art community is home to a number of restaurants including gourmet dining as well as boutiques, cyber cafes, coffee shops and seaside bars. Camping is an option as are well-positioned resorts, luxurious villas and spas for rejuvenation and relaxation. Internationally recognized as a major surfing destination, Sayulita hosts an annual competition in December.

SAN FRANSISCO

The comfortable seaside town called San Pancho by those who frequent it is also home to the newly established Polo Club. Ride well-stabled horses or just watch the matches during the season from November to May. Villas and resorts provide all variety of activities in the area including diving, snorkeling, mountain climbing, horseback riding, hiking, yoga and other escapes for direct contact with nature. Investment opportunities attract visitors to the pueblo with its broad, sandy beach. Recently opened is a new boutique hotel with its own gourmet restaurant to add to the rapidly growing gamut of hotel and resort options.

LO DE MARCOS

The beach has always been an attraction on the fast-developing Lo de Marcos. This small town continues to offer the friendly atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back with neighborhood restaurants and cafes providing local cuisine. A nearby driving range is becoming an attraction with plans for a full-scale golf course. Horseback riding is popular as are water sports on the comfortable beach. Visit soon while investment opportunities can still be found at reasonable prices.

RINCÓN DE GUAYABITOS

Described as the “Hidden Pearl” among the beaches of Nayarit, Rincon features all the conveniences of modern life in a relaxing, traditional setting; an excellent option for fishing and
diving.

SAN BLAS

Birthplace of Junipero Serra, founder of the famous California Missions, the coastal village of San Blas is a rapidly growing tourism destination, thanks to its many beaches, a lively port, rich cultural heritage and an abundance of migratory bird populations which attract birders from around the world. The La Tovara National Park nearby is a federally protected mangrove forest accessible only by small boat.

MEXCALTITAN

A small island of floating mangroves and lowlands that is reputed to be the legendary Aztlan, birthplace and home city of the Aztec civilization.