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Guide To Costalegre
About Costalegre
Read an Introduction to Costalegre
Key Attractions
Highlights to be discovered
Getting There & Around
Getting there and around effectively
Local Events Calendar
Local parties and festivals, key dates
Practical Information
Useful Facts, Local Resources & Facilities
Hotels in Costalegre
Find Accommodations
Restaurants
Restaurants Costalegre
When Night Falls
Nightlife in Costalegre
What to Buy in Acapulco
Famous Local Products
Local Climate / Live Weather
What to expect from local weather
About Costalegre
Travel south from Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's Pacific coast - to the central coastal area of the country- and you'll discover Costalegre.
Miles upon miles of palm trees line the land just inside the coastal shores. Jungle covered mountains plunge into the Pacific coast, or fall short to reveal golden sand beaches, begging to be discovered and walked upon by tired feet.
The Costalegre is not a destination, it's an area between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Costalegre offers highly exclusive travel and resort experiences with self contained resort hotels that feature privacy and seclusion surrounded by a stunningly beautiful tropical paradise.
Today, this region is extremely accessible - by air (Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo airports) and by road (Highway 200 on Mexico's Pacific Coast) - and has become a favorite holiday destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike looking for highly exclusive, extra-special travel experiences.
Costalegre (the "Happy Coast") is a stretch of land about 150 miles long, that features tropical forests and magical coves. This area is one of the most exclusive areas to get away from it all in Mexico. Celebrities often come here to get away from prying eyes and camera lenses.
Unlike other areas listed on Mexperience which deal with one specific location and nearby surrounds, Costalegre is an area, made up several towns and villages with potential for the traveler looking for that extra-special experience in Mexico.
This section will highlight key attractions in the area, and the hotels, restaurants and facilities listed will refer to services in the area along this 150 mile stretch of coastal paradise.
If you're looking for something really special, away from the crowds within a resort experience that is totally different and removed from the 'traditional' resort experience, treat yourself to Mexico's Costalegre. Your budget will need to stretch a bit farther than if you had you opted for another area in Mexico, but you will not regret one moment of your visit here.
Key Attractions
Discovering the Costalegre
If there was ever a place that needed a rental car recommendation, Costalegre is it. The best way to explore the hidden coves, little towns and villages along this area is to drive along Highway 200, which hugs the mountainside along the coast, and experience this area at your own pace. Choose places to stay en route, take your time, share the driving and use the daylight hours to travel along this stretch of coastline and discover some hidden treasures and a tropical paradise to go with them.
Luxury Retreats
This coastline is known for its exclusive luxury retreats. Find luxury retreats on the Costalegre: Mexperience Hotels Collection, Costalegre
Spas in Costalegre
Excellent spas are available at all of the luxury resorts along the costalegre. For more information about Spas, and how to get access to a magnificent spa experience in Mexico, read our comprehensive guide to Spas in Mexico
Other Resorts
You don't have to go to the top end to enjoy this part of the world. Other, less exclusive, accommodation options exist along the Costalegre, some in smaller towns or hamlets dotted along the coastline. See the section below about Barra de Navidad, Melaque and Tenacatita.
Sports Fishing Experiences along the Costalegre
The Costalegre is one of Mexico's best-kept Sports Fishing secrets. Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico. The up-scale resorts in the area can arrange sports fishing experiences for you during your stay.
Polo in Mexico
For those who enjoy playing and/or watching the sport, polo is now played in certain areas in Mexico including Costalegre. Visit the polo Mexico web site for details: MexicoPolo.com
Barra de Navidad, Melaque and Tenacatita
Just three miles apart, these rustic villages welcome travelers looking for a quiet, no frills and inexpensive retreat, away from the the modern sophistication of 21st century living.
If you plan to travel to these areas, you are better-off flying to Manzanillo instead of Puerto Vallarta; although if you have the time and want to see the sights (or if Puerto Vallarta is better served by your local airport), the drive south from Puerto Vallarta is only 2-3 hours and offers magnificent scenery.
Barra De Navidad should be your choice if you're looking for good restaurants, tree-lined streets, and a laid-back, easy-going atmosphere, with local village charm. You'll also find the Grand Bay Hotel and Resort here (technically situated in Manzanillo)- with its famous golf course and luxury to suit a king, but none of the tackiness sometimes associated with more 'popular' resort areas.
Melaque is less leafy, has a few restaurants, but very little else - apart from some inexpensive hotels which are great if you're looking for a low-cost base in the area, so that you can go exploring elsewhere.
Tenacatita is a small rustic village by the ocean offering some limited but economical lodging options for those who want to experience the beauty of the area without splashing out on one of the high quality hotels and resorts in this area. The village has some restaurants and open-air bars and a decent beach to relax, walk and sunbathe on.
Activities
All of the luxury resorts in this area offer a range of activities, depending on their location and type. Details of these luxury resorts and the activities and amenities they offer will be found on the resort's Mexperience Hotel Collection Listing which includes complete details of each resort/hotel, a photo gallery, a know-before-you-go section and FAQ's.
However, as a general guide: golf, tennis, fishing, diving, a variety of water sports and eco tours are all available, and there is a polo club in Costalegre, too. The luxury resorts all offer very high quality Spas for you to enjoy and be pampered. Anything you would like to do locally (e.g. horse riding), provided it is logistically possible, can usually be arranged via the resort or a local service provider especially for you.
Getting There & Around
Getting There
By Air - You can only drive to the places along Costalegre - or arrange for ground transportation from the Airport to your hotel or luxury resort. You can fly to Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo (which both offer access to Costalegre) from the United States and and other points in Mexico including Guadalajara, La Paz, Leon and Mexico City. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines in Mexico.
By Bus - You can travel to Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo on a luxury bus from Mexico City - but note that the trip will take around 14 hours (12 hours to Manzanillo from Mexico City). Flying is the most sensible way to get to Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo, unless you are on a budget, and don't mind the relatively long bus journey (which is also quite mountainous, especially to Puerto Vallarta). Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.
By Car - The road journey to Puerto Vallarta from inland Mexico (e.g. Guadalajara, Mexico City, Chihuahua, et al) is mountainous and winding. Expect it to take longer that you may anticipate; especially if you have not driven the route before. The easiest route in and out of Puerto Vallarta is by using Highway 200 -- the coast road -- although if you plan to go inland to Guadalajara or Mexico City, then this road will take you out of the way you really want to go. Traveling out of Puerto Vallarta by road north to Punta de Mita, or south to Costalegre and Manzanillo is straightforward: the roads are good and the terrain is easy to negotiate in a car.
If you are driving from southern Mexico, you will be best to head for Manzanillo and then drive north to the Costalegre on Highway 200; if you are driving from northern Mexico, head for Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta and drive south on Highway 200 to the Costalegre. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.
Highway 200: For more information about driving on Mexico's Highway 200 along the Costalegre, connect to the In Mexico Diary for Costalegre which also includes pictures of the area.
Getting Around
Rent a Car - You can rent a car from the airport at Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo. Because of the coastal road and areas cannot be explored here effectively without the use of a car, it is highly recommended that you rent a vehicle to explore this marvelous stretch of coastal paradise.
However, if your plans only involve going to a resort and staying there, taking organized tours and local walks, then it will be much better value to pay for ground transport from the airport to your hotel/resort (which may be included in the prices of your accommodation). See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.
Local Events Calendar
Check for local Events at the nearby towns of Puerto Vallarta, and Manzanillo.
Practical Information
Telephone & Communications: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.
Exploring the Area: Note that the luxury resorts dotted along the Costalegre are quite remote. Often, they are situated several miles off the main highway (200), which itself is a remote coastal road. If your plan is to arrive at the resort and stay there permanently, then arrange for the resort to meet you at the airport and take you back at the end of your stay. However, if you want to explore the region (highly recommended) then you will be better-off renting a car, either from Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo, and driving yourself to the resort. Without car transport you will not be able to explore the area. Car rental and cars with drivers are available from the resorts: you may want to choose this option if you only plan one or two days of local exploration.
Military Checkpoints and Patrols: You may find military checkpoints and/or patrols on Highway 200. Don't feel alarmed, they are there to provide a deterrent against illegal contraband. If you are stopped, your car may be checked over and you may be asked to open the trunk. See the guide to Driving in Mexico for more details.
Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown areas of nearby Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. The Costalegre region is relatively remote so take the cash you think you will need with you. Your hotel will exchange cash and traveler's checks, although rates will not be as attractive as those from banks and exchange houses. Read about currency exchange and money matters in Mexperience's Money Section.
Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.
Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas. Resorts usually offer internet access via cable and / or WIFI -- check the hotel's listing for details.
Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office (Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo).
Accommodation
Restaurants
Los Arcos de Jalisco. Veracruz 170. Barra de Navidad. Tel: (315) 3557030
La Tesmiza. Melaque, End of Melaque. Tel: (315) 3556357
La Costeñita. Melaque. In front of the beach. Tel: (315) 3555439.
Zeta. Tenacatita. In front of the beach. Tel: (315) 3553289
La Langosta Azul. La Manzanilla, Tenacatita, Ma. Asunción 13. Tel: (315) 3515276
When Night Falls
Barra de Navidad, one of the main towns and stopping-off points along the Costalegre is a relatively quiet place when night falls. People find a nice restaurant or bar, order a cool drink and spend the evening chatting to other visitors and locals, or watch the world go by.
Costalegre is a serene place; people in the resorts here don't tend to stay out all night - the place gets very quiet and peaceful after dark. If you are looking for a place with active nightlife, you'll need to go to Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo; both are a bit too far for 'a night out' if you're staying at one of the exclusive resorts; although if you're staying at Barra de Navidad, you could probably make it into Manzanillo and back, but you'll need to hire a taxi or have a nominated driver.
People who travel to the luxurious resorts on Costalegre don't tend to go there for the night life; quite the opposite, they go there to relax and be pampered. If you're looking for an active social night scene, then you're probably better off staying in nearby Puerto Vallarta.
What to Buy in Costalegre
For shopping experiences in the area, connect to the pages on Mexperience for the nearby places of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.
Local Climate
The Costalegre offers you year-round warmth. The rainy season is May to October, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off. September brings the highest levels of humidity and sees the heaviest of the rains. During the winter months, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so pack a pullover if you're thinking about traveling then.