Riviera Nayarit
We have the perfect trip for you
Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta - Dynamic
Discover Nayarit
The state of Nayarit is located along the Pacific Ocean in the central part of Mexico. It is one of the 31 states that, along with Mexico City, make up the country.
It comprises around twenty municipalities, though the tourist hub of Nayarit consists of all the towns along the coast, its incredible beaches, and especially its Riviera Nayarit.
Choosing this destination allows visitors to fully enjoy its 160 kilometres of paradisiacal fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters in this Pacific region.
One of the great opportunities for tourists is that they can enjoy all sorts of activities at sea. Choosing Nayarit also means experiencing lush forests, river resorts, and a pre-Columbian history that can be explored at some of its spectacular archaeological sites.
Mexico is vibrant in both colour and flavour, and you’ll find ample examples of both in every corner of Nayarit’s municipalities. This state, with Tepic as its administrative capital, borders the popular city of Jalisco to the southeast, offering plenty for visitors to explore.
Off the coast of Riviera Nayarit, you’ll find stunning islands surrounded by turquoise waters and breathtaking sights, such as the Marieta Islands.
What to see in Nayarit?
Punta Mita is a hotspot among music and film celebrities. The wealthy find in this small peninsula all the comforts, luxury and tranquillity they are looking for. Both Punta Mita and the Marietas Islands, along with any stretch of the Riviera Nayarit’s extensive beaches, will captivate visitors.
But Nayarit is more than just beaches. Outside Tepic, the capital, you’ll feel embraced by nature at La Noria, a stunning complex of restful cabins. It’s true peace.
The interior of the state is filled with riverfront resorts along the Ameca or Santiago rivers.
La Laguna Encantada in Santa María del Oro is another fantastic natural sight worth visiting.
History also awaits discovery. Especially at the Los Toriles archaeological site in Ixtlán del Río.
A visit to the famous San Blas Pier, immortalised in song, is a must, where legend tells of a woman dressed in white waiting daily for her love to return from the sea. However, the true reason to visit San Blas, is to admire the imposing Fort of La Contaduría, built in the 18th century to defend this important New Spain port from frequent pirate attacks.
In Nayarit, the offerings are so varied that you can find the relaxation you need or the excitement you seek.
Nayarit's best beaches
Bucerías is a town very close to Puerto Vallarta. Offering a calm beach with gentle waves, warm waters, and fine golden sand. All near one of the state’s most luxurious areas.
The most sublime and unforgettable beach in Nayarit, and possibly the entire Pacific coast, is Playa Escondida. This natural wonder is nestled in a sort of stone dome, making access difficult, and often dependent on tourist volume due to its protected status. However, nothing compares to swimming in this nearly enclosed cove. Of course, you can only reach it by boat, and before entering, you can spot many marine animals and birds that frequent the area. You might even see humpback whales again.
Playa Litibú, Punta Negra, Careyero, or Destiladeras are beaches in the Higuera Blanca municipality. On any of them, you’ll feel like you’re discovering a new version of paradise, with their calm, silence, pristine nature, and unique charm.
Sayulita is another breath of lush nature, with an incredible mix of vegetation, sand, and crystal-clear water. Since the 1970s, this beach has also welcomed visitors at night. Camping under the stars in Sayulita will be an unforgettable memory.
The most legendary beach is San Blas . Perfect for surfing. This beach entered the Guinness Book of World Records for recording long waves up to 1.7 meters high. The record lies in the length of the waves.
What to eat in Nayarit?
Grilled fish, known locally as pescado zarandeado, will be on your culinary menu during your visit to Nayarit. The original recipe hails from Mexcaltitán. It uses smoked red snapper grilled over mangrove wood, a local shrub. The sauce is made from garlic, onion, lemon juice, mayonnaise, mustard, bell peppers and chilli oil.
Pumpkin seed pipián is another example of what the pre-Columbians learned about using roasted seeds and berries. Chicken breasts are served with a rich sauce made from pumpkin seeds, peanuts, chillies, tomatoes, and sesame.
Fish ceviche is another culinary delight that will surprise you. It’s made with mojarra or tilapia, two fish caught in Santa María del Oro.
Fish is a dietary staple in Nayarit, and Tlaxtihuilli is worth trying not only for its excellent flavour but also to understand what the pre-Hispanic people ate on Sundays and holidays. It’s a broth made with shrimp, corn, chillies, and tequesquite, a local salt composed of various minerals.
Adventure and Sport
Nayarit’s vast coastline makes it easy to surf or stand-up paddle. You’ll find surfable waves in Chacala, San Blas, Punta Mita, and Sayulita.
Nayarit boasts skilled professionals who can introduce you to these activities. The same goes for snorkelling, which you can enjoy to your heart’s content in Nayarit.
Thanks to the abundance of marine fauna, sport fishing is another permitted and regulated activity in the area.
On land, Nayarit offers luxurious sports in breathtakingly beautiful settings. For example, you can play polo at the San Pancho Equestrian Club or enhance your golf swing in Punta Mira with excellent sea views.
Leisure and Culture
History and nature are the main attractions of this destination, providing the perfect setting for leisure and for discovering the history and culture of the Mexican people in this specific region.
The municipalities of Marcos or Compostela are two beautiful towns where houses are nestled among lush vegetation. These towns have a rich history, with Compostela, for instance, named after Santiago de Compostela.
Don’t miss visiting La Tovara, a spring that serves as a habitat for animals like turtles, crocodiles, and flamingos.
In Ixtlán del Río, you’ll find Los Toriles, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the state. One of its structures is a circular temple dedicated to the God of Wind, with a diameter of 25 metres.
Nuevo Vallarta is the centre of nightlife. As night falls, restaurants, quiet bars, cocktail lounges, and, of course, nightclubs come alive, offering dancing until dawn. We recommend La Regadera for live music or karaoke, Chapultepec for snacks and beers, or La Condesa for fresh seafood. Don’t forget the excellent themed nights offered by Nuevo Vallarta’s resorts.