Discover the magical Mexican Pacific: colorful walks and wonderful beaches in Riviera Nayarit 

Visiting Riviera Nayarit means surrounding yourself with culture and nature. With its panoramic sea and mountain landscapes, magnificent colorful villages, and delicious cuisine, the region has everything to become a recurring destination, a place you will want to return to year after year. 

Its extension is such that it covers almost 300 kilometers. The southern border is located 10 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and runs along the long coastline of the continent up to 40 minutes before the Tepic International Airport, covering more than a dozen beaches, towns, and international destinations. 

Riviera Nayarit is a treasure on the coast, full of adventures and unique experiences. From the incredible beaches in Nuevo Vallarta, to the thousands of activities and things to do in Sayulita, this is the perfect destination for those who love to have a good time. 

Explore the beaches in Nuevo Vallarta, one of the top things to do in Riviera Nayarit  

If you visit this part of Mexico, you cannot leave without spending at least one day among soft sands and calm waves. The beaches in Nuevo Vallarta are small paradises, located just twenty minutes by car from the Puerto Vallarta airport. 

There, you will find restaurants with traditional and gourmet fusion cuisine and hotels practically kissing the sea, ideal if you have in mind a quiet and revitalizing getaway, although there are also night shows, bars, and parties after sunset, if your life motto is “work hard, play hard”. 

The waves in Nuevo Vallarta are usually not particularly high, making them perfect for family vacations, where the little ones can enjoy refreshing dips while the adults laze in the sun. 

Surround yourself with art and color at the Local Markets 

Walking through the local markets is a must, among the many things to do in Riviera Nayarit. Unmissable and unforgettable, these markets are a reflection of the artisan soul of Mexico and offer the possibility of taking a little piece of its essence with you. 

Every Tuesday, explore the Riviera Farmers Market in the Business Center. There you will find everything from regional food, snacks, and desserts to jewelry and clothing with typical handmade embroidery. 

On Saturdays, visit the Nuevo Vallarta Marina Market, where you can watch the boats coming and going, and stroll along the boardwalk. 

To close the week, make a day-trip to La Cruz and let yourself be surprised by its splendor. Throughout you will find food vendors, musicians, painters, and artisans promoting their work; a true testament to local talent. 

Adventures in the Monkey Mountain

If you like adrenaline and have the soul of an explorer, then more than visiting the beaches, you should go to the mountain. Monkey Mountain is approximately 350 meters high and is located near Higuera Blanca. It has a clear path perfect for hiking and from its highest point, you will have a 360º view of the mountains and the sea. 

The climb is a bit heavy, so we recommend bringing water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and taking as many breaks as necessary along the way, but the scenery is worth it. Climbing the Monkey Mountain and knowing you are embraced by the vegetation of the Sierra Madre is a unique experience. 

Visit the lively Sayulita beaches and ride the waves

Surfing is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Sayulita. Its seas have become the mandatory destination for thousands of tourists and locals throughout the year, looking for a good wave and a place to vibe under the sun. 

Sayulita beaches are the main attraction, but the town is also worth exploring, with its cobblestone streets and Mexican-themed decoration. The atmosphere in the center is light and fun, with boutiques, bars, restaurants, and hundreds of activities all around. 

It is ideal to plan a one-day visit, with a solid itinerary full of the things to do in Sayulita you favor the most, but flexible enough to be able to fully enjoy everything the area has to offer, from the famous local gastronomy to the amazing handicrafts, and of course an unforgettable day on the Sayulita beaches, riding the waves. 

Enjoy a boat trip to Marietas Islands

The Marietas Islands are one of the most popular beaches in Riviera Nayarit. This is where the famous Playa del Amor, or hidden beach, is located, which can only be reached by swimming and has become one of the best-known national landscapes. 

Around the island, you can see blue-footed boobies building their nests and if you decide to snorkel, you will be amazed at the immense marine life that calls the island home. 

Visits to Marietas Islands have a limit of people per day, so we recommend you schedule your tour very early and not miss it for the world. 

Enjoy a unique vacation in the Mexican Pacific and let yourself be captivated by the wide range of things to do in Riviera Nayarit.