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Trip Report

Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit Mexico in One Week

Nayarit tourism is full of ocean views, beach clubs, and things to do for everyone. Here is my week long Riviera Nayarit Nayarit Mexico trip details.

  • La Patrona Beach Club+ 2
  • A photo of an artisan from the Human Connections' tour
  • Market in Sayulita
  • Things to Do in Riviera Nayarit Mexico in One Week
kylaegan
About Me:Kyla Egan is an educator and advocate for the sustainable tourism industry, with a passion for creating a more responsible future. She is the founder of Impactful Tourism Consultancy, a boutique consulting firm that offers marketing, educa... read more

North AmericaMexico7 days / June 2020

Highs & Lows

Consistently amazing food

Would have added an additional 3 days to the trip

Itinerary Overview

For one week in January 2020, I decided to leave snowy Canada and head to Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific coast of Mexico. After landing at the Puerto Vallarta airport, I travelled northwards to the first town of Bucerías. As the week progressed, I slowly moved along the coast to Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and San Francisco (“San Pancho”). Each town had a wonderful and unique atmosphere - ranging from artistic hubs to relaxed surf beaches. I made sure to end my week in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle for the large Sunday market, filled with artisanal products and handcrafted souvenirs. 

My only regret for this trip was that I didn’t stay longer. Riviera Nayarit had exceptional cuisine, beautiful scenery, and an endless amount of activities. This made it difficult to pack everything into a one-week trip. 

  • 2 Nights: Bucerías
    Whale Watching and Beach Time
  • 1 Night: Punta Mita
    Great Restaurants and a Surf Lesson
  • 1 Night: Sayulita
    Boutique Shopping and Nightlife
  • 2 Nights: San Francisco, Nayarit
    Beach Club and Community Centre
  • 1 Night: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
    Market and Mural Tour
Bucerías - Whale Watching and Beach Time
1

Bucerías Whale Watching and Beach Time

Bucerías - Whale Watching and Beach Time - A photo of an artisan from the Human Connections' tour
A photo of an artisan from the Human Connections' tour

Bucerias, meaning “place of divers”, is a world-renowned kiteboarding and windsurfing destination. During the winter, Bucerias is home to large populations of foreign citizens, mainly from the United States and Canada. For this reason, Bucerias has a fantastic selection of cuisine from all over the world, as well as one of the most swimmable beaches. 

Human Connections Tours: 

Human Connections is a social enterprise that connects local partners with travellers through cultural tours and student programs. These experiences channel resources into local communities while giving visitors a deeper understanding of Mexico. Human Connections has two tour options. The first is a day tour that takes visitors into less-explored neighbourhoods of Bucerías to engage with families of local artisans in their homes and workshops. Hear their stories, see their process and end the morning with an authentic meal. The second option is an excursion through the agricultural heartland of Banderas Bay, where you will meet and engage with the families of local entrepreneurs. Your first visit may include a ceramics workshop, a walk through a tropical orchard, or a beekeeping lesson and honey tasting. The experience ends with a delicious meal and hands-on activity. 

Restaurants 

Bucerías is home to a large variety of great restaurants. For lunch head to La Postal, an Italian restaurant with drool-worthy pizzas and yummy cappuccinos. For dinner, the best restaurants are situated around Galeana Street and Lazaro Cardenas Street. For nightlife and live music, head to La Negra- one of the most popular bars in town. 

Whale Watching 

From November until March, a variety of whales migrate to the warm Pacific Ocean to feed, mate, or give birth. From the beach in Bucerías you can see whales jumping nearly every day. To get a closer look, try one of the many whale watching tours. I personally recommend Explora Vallarta, which provides whale watching tours run by professional biologists, naturalists, and certified boat captains. The Explora Vallarta boats stay a safe distance from the whales, while providing tour guests with informed explanations regarding whale behaviour.

Punta Mita - Great Restaurants and a Surf Lesson
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Punta Mita Great Restaurants and a Surf Lesson

Famous for its gated community “Punta Mita” and upscale resorts such as the Four Seasons and W Hotel, Punta de Mita is known as the luxury destination in Riviera Nayarit. Punta de Mita has two main roads filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that are a great way to spend an afternoon. 

Surf Lessons 

Punta de Mita is located next to a relatively small beach with waves perfect for beginner surfers. Choose from a handful of surf schools that run parallel to the beach on the main street. Depending on the size of the waves, surf teachers may hold the class in Punta de Mita or on the nearby beach of La Lancha. Visitors can also choose to rent paddle boards for a more leisurely experience. 

Lunch Time

Have lunch on the main street following your surf lesson. Although most restaurants cater to the luxury market, there are still a variety of reasonably priced lunch options. One of my favourite restaurants for both lunch and dinner is Punta Mercedes, a restaurant overlooking the water and specializing in Argentinian cuisine. Try the chicken lettuce wraps for a delicious appetizer! 

Higuera Blanca

Just outside of Punta de Mita, on the beach Higuera Blanca, is a waterfront club and restaurant named El Barracuda. Get there early to secure a spot, which includes beach chairs, umbrellas, and a table. Guests can walk up and down the white sand beach, along with the residents of a nearby gated community Punta Mita. Grab some ceviche and drinks to finish off your relaxing afternoon.

Sayulita - Boutique Shopping and Nightlife
3

Sayulita Boutique Shopping and Nightlife

Sayulita - Boutique Shopping and Nightlife - Market in Sayulita
Market in Sayulita

Known as the party capital of Riviera Nayarit, Sayulita offers the most clubs and bars for backpackers and tourists looking for a fun time. This festive atmosphere creates a distinctly different experience from other towns in the area; just don’t forget your earplugs!

Yoga Classes 

Sayulita is a popular destination for yoga certification. For this reason, there are many different classes and teachers available for all styles and levels of yoga throughout the town. Try yoga class on the beach or head to various yoga villas in the surrounding jungle. 

Boutique Shopping 

Sayulita is filled with boutiques specializing in fashionable and eco-conscious products, including clothing, interior decorations, and souvenirs. Stroll through the narrow streets and pop into various stores to examine the stylish goods. 

Surf Lessons 

Although Sayulita is a famous surf town, it actually has one of the worst beaches in the area for learning how to surf. Due to the popularity of the town, the beach is often over-populated with beginner surf classes and has a strong riptide. For this reason, avoid learning how to surf in Sayulita and head outside the town for a more leisurely experience. 

Nightlife 

Nightlife is a main draw for tourists in Sayulita. The town is filled with so many clubs and bars that there is something for everyone; just follow the music. For a new experience, try salsa dancing at Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar.

San Francisco, Nayarit - Beach Club and Community Centre
4

San Francisco, Nayarit Beach Club and Community Centre

San Francisco, Nayarit - Beach Club and Community Centre - La Patrona Beach Club
La Patrona Beach Club
San Francisco, Nayarit - Beach Club and Community Centre - Surfers in San Francisco
Surfers in San Francisco

Known as “San Pancho” locally, San Francisco is defined by its eco-conscious community and relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular destinations for seasoned surfers, San Pancho’s large beach, endless waves, and bohemian main street makes it a favourite destination among visitors to the region.

Activities:

EntreAmigos Community Centre 

EntreAmigos community centre, located on the main street,  is the heart and soul of San Pancho. EntreAmigos has developed a focus on education, offering community based workshops, youth leadership groups, academic scholarship programs, and the region's largest children's library. Environmental sustainability is also part of the centre’s core values, which can be observed through the local recycling program and repurposed materials used throughout the building. For those seeking the opportunity to learn more about enriching community initiatives in Mexico, EntreAmigos offers group tours Monday through Saturday and a wide range of volunteer experiences. 

Main Street 

San Pancho’s main street, Av. Tercer Mundo, is filled with unique boutiques, cafes, vendors, and restaurants. Travellers can start at the East end of the street near EntreAmigos and walk west, eventually ending at the beach. At the end of main street there are a variety of beach-front restaurants specializing in fresh seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine. Visitors can also grab lounge chairs on a first come first serve basis. 

Polo Club Restaurant 

One of San Pancho’s hidden gems is the La Patrona Beach Club. Starting where the main street meets the beach, take a 15 minute walk northward towards the Beach Club (or arrive by car). With spectacular architecture and uninterrupted views of the beach, guests can relax by the club’s large pool and snack on a great menu. For extra fun, visitors can also watch talented surfers navigate the large ocean waves in front of the club.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Market and Mural Tour
5

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Market and Mural Tour

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Market and Mural Tour - La Cruz mural by Mexican artist Ms. Yellow
La Cruz mural by Mexican artist Ms. Yellow

Originally a small fishing village, La Cruz de Huanaxactle has become a bustling destination on Sundays thanks to the town’s large market. Quaint restaurants, beautiful murals, and a large marina help create La Cruz’s distinct feel. 

Activities: 

Sunday Market 

Come enjoy the largest market in Riviera Nayarit and experience festivities that are fun for the whole family. La Cruz Market brings vendors from around the community to sell their authentic products and delicious foods. Numerous handmade, local, and sustainably produced products can be found at the market, from bread and organic vegetables to clothing and ceramics. Open every Sunday from November to May in the La Cruz Marina, the market also provides various workshops for adults and children such as yoga and live music. 

Grab A Bite to Eat 

After some shopping, head to Olala Crepes stall for an authentic and decadent french meal. Sweet and savoury crepes are made to order by the owner, and sell out quickly! 

Mural Tour 

Over a two week period during January 2020, the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle was transformed by the Ciudad Mural (City of Murals) project. Artists from all over Mexico came to decorate businesses and homes with murals representing Mexico’s history, culture, and unity. Take a self-guided walking tour through the streets of La Cruz to see the wonderful illustrations and learn about up-and-coming muralists in Mexico’s art scene. 

Plaza de la Cruz 

La Cruz’s main square is a great place to grab a coffee and observe the local community. Like many towns in Mexico, the main square is a centre of activity- with children playing, neighbours chatting, and families spending time together.

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    There are so many things to do in Riviera Nayarit it is difficult to try them all. Zip lining, cooking classes, snorkelling, hiking, and tequila tasting are some of the other popular activities in this area. Although I was very happy with my trip, I probably would have extended the time period from 7 to 10 days. This would also give me time to explore nearby Puerto Vallarta.
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Riviera Nayarit has a wonderful selection of food from all around the world. In fact, I would say that Riviera Nayarit has some of the best food I have ever eaten on a trip. This high level of quality is seen at every price point from the luxury restaurants in Punta de Mita to local taco stands. For some of the best El Pastor tacos, head to Tacos Junior located on the highway by La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Although Sayulita is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Riviera Nayarit, in my opinion it is the least worth visiting. Due to the rapid growth of tourism in Sayulita, the town now struggles with overcrowding and pollution. On the weekends especially, domestic tourists from nearby Guadalajara visit in large numbers, making it difficult to navigate the sidewalks and beach. For a more relaxing experience stay in nearby San Pancho or La Cruz.
  • Packing tips?

    The weather is Riviera Nayarit is hot and steamy almost every day of the year. Pack clothes that would feel cool and comfortable in the heat, such as dresses and shorts. For a brief period of time from January to March the nights can become cool, so make sure to also bring a sweater.
  • Transportation Tips?

    Transportation in Riviera Nayarit can be difficult to arrange. From Nuevo Vallarta to La Cruz de Huanaxactle, Uber and other ride sharing apps are easily available. However, in Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho only taxis are allowed. To save money, it is best to take the local buses that run along the highway. For day trips to different towns, it may be best to hire a driver for the day and pay a flat rate.