Guide To Punta de Mita

About Punta de Mita

Punta de Mita is a relatively new area just north of Puerto Vallarta, so the information about key attractions, activities, weather, etc. will for the time being read similar to the section on Puerto Vallarta.

Punta de Mita is one of Mexico's ultra-exclusive resort areas, not dissimilar to the Costalegre, although with Punta de Mita being closer to Puerto Vallarta than the Costalegre, visitors here enjoy easy access to the vibrant and colorful colonial port town of Puerto Vallarta when they want.

In addition to being an exclusive vacation area, Punta de Mita is also evolving to become of Mexico's most sought-after beach locations for real estate investment. It's no wonder this area was chosen for development: Puerto Vallarta and its international airport is just 45 minutes away by road and the locality offers a beautiful environment to live in.

Real estate developers are having a considerable influence on the social landscape of this region. Villages and hamlets which were hitherto off-the-beaten track are now becoming connected by means of new roads and new infrastructure that is being implemented as part of the wider realty developments. See: Property Developments in Mexico.

Luxury homes are being built in the area and, alongside them, so are golf courses, shopping precincts, medical centers and other local amenities. As a result of the significant inward investment, the villages in the area are experiencing a new wave of development of their own: prosperity which is feeding through to some of the local communities.

Punta de Mita is an ideal location to consider if you are looking for a very special get-away, and/or if you are looking for an attractive location for ocean-front property in Mexico.

The Four Seasons based here is one of Mexico's finest and most exclusive resorts which offers a vacation away from the crowds, and there is also the option to rent beautifully appointed luxury condos, villas and haciendas from specialist agencies that manage luxury accommodations.

[Return to Menu]

Key Attractions

Stunning Beaches

Punta de Mita, like Puerto Vallarta and environs offer you the opportunity to explore around 25 miles of absolutely stunning beaches. Many of the beaches are secluded, and can only be accessed by boat. Don't let this put you off exploring them - cruises and tours are available, see below for details.

Some of the beaches are only accessible by car -- by driving north or south of the town -- because public transport is limited in the area. You may rent a car locally: either from Puerto Vallarta (ideal if you fly there to get to Punta de Mita) or if your hotel or accommodation agent picks you up from the airport, you may be able to rent a car on ad-hoc days, directly from the hotel/resort or your accommodation rental agent.

Water Sports

Puerto Vallarta and environs is a water-lover's paradise. Sailing and SCUBA diving are big pastimes here - whatever your level of experience, good diving is available. Water-skiing off the bays, parasailing, jet skis, windsurfing, kayaking, et al: all of the water sports you'll want are right here waiting for you in this region.

Also See Mexperience Guide to Water Sports in Mexico.

Whale Watching

From November through to March each year, you can take an organized eco boat tour to watch the hump back whales as they arrive to reproduce and bear their calves. Departures are usually from nearby Puerto Vallarta, although some operators may also pick up from quays in the Punta de Mita area.

Also See: Mexperience Guide to Nature and Adventure in Mexico.

Fishing Trips

Sports fishing is an important and hugely popular pastime in this area. There are many sports fishing operators working locally who can help you to set up a fishing trip designed around your needs and budget.

Also See: Mexperience Guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Polo in Mexico

For those who enjoy playing and/or watching the sport, polo is now played in certain areas in Mexico including at Costa Careyes, just a couple of hours south of Puerto Vallarta. Web: MexicoPolo.com

Spas in Punta de Mita

Excellent spas are available in and around Puerto Vallarta, and spa at the Four Seasons here in Punta de Mita is one of the best resort-spas you are likely experience in Mexico. 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

Away from the Water

There is a wealth of land-based experiences to encounter in and around Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita. For example, inland activities include day-trip hikes to a hill-top ranch for a barbecue, horseback riding, colonial tours, expeditions to visit the Sierra Madre mountains, hot air ballooning, tours on an open jeep, flying tours and more.

Eco and Adventure Tours from Puerto Vallarta

A huge range of eco and adventure tours, including whale watching, jungle and tropical tours, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and trips to the turtle sanctuary and swimming with dolphins are easily accessible from Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita.

See Also: Mexperience Guide to Nature and Adventure in Mexico

Golf in Punta de Mita

Not only is the climate here ideal for Golf, but there is a stunning selection of great golf courses to choose from in Puerto Vallarta. The Course next to the Four Seasons resort here in Punta de Mita is one of the best in Mexico.

[Return to Menu]

Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - Punta de Mita is accessible by flying to Puerto Vallarta and taking a 45-60 minute road trip north. Puerto Vallarta's international airport is extremely well-served by a range of airlines. You can fly to PV from the United States and and other points in Mexico including Guadalajara, La Paz, Leon and Mexico City.

Connect to the Travel Center for information about Airlines.

By Bus - Punta de Mita is accessible by bus, although public transport is not as frequent in the local area as it is in other places in the region. Once arrived in Puerto Vallarta, head to the local bus station and look up the schedules for buses to Punta de Mita.

Connect to the Travel Center for information about National Buses.

By Car - Punta de Mita is accessible by traveling to Puerto Vallarta and then taking the road out of town (north). The road connecting the two places is good and the journey time between Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita is about 45-60 minutes. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport serving Punta de Mita is Puerto Vallarta; which is quite close to Puerto Vallarta (approx 45 minutes north by road), and the ground transportation is available to take you into town and the hotel zones and to Punta de Mita.

Taxis - Puerto Vallarta's taxis are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Hotels often post taxi rates on a board, and depending on how far you're going to travel (defined by zones), the price will vary. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish!

Rent a Car - If you are being picked up at Puerto Vallarta to get taken to your resort or rental accommodation, then you may want to consider renting a car to explore the local environment on an ad-hoc (daily) basis from the hotel or via the rental agent. If you plan to go to Puerto Vallarta, note that parking is not that easy (but is possible) in town; if getting into PV is your only reason to rent a car, you may be better off using a taxi or local bus service.

There are some stunning areas just north and south of Puerto Vallarta that can be explored along the coast roads, and renting a car locally is ideal and effective way to experience them. If you plan to explore the Costalegre as part of your visit to the region, a rental car will be essential, unless you plan to simply stay-put at one of the resorts at the Costalegre, in which case arranging for the resort to pick you up from Puerto Vallarta (or Punta de Mita) may be a better option.

[Return to Menu]

Local Events Calendar (Puerto Vallarta)

During February, in even-numbered years, a boat race takes place as part of the Regatta Marina del Rey (near San Diego, USA) and finishes in Puerto Vallarta. On odd numbered years, the same tournament takes place but starts in Puerto Vallarta and ends in San Diego. The end of the race is marked with parties and festivities at Las Hadas resort in Manzanillo, south of Puerto Vallarta.

Easter Week is the busiest time of year in Puerto Vallarta, as many Mexican and foreign families descend upon this, one of their favorite holiday destinations in Mexico! If you want to travel at Easter - book well in advance.

In November, a major international Fishing Tournament takes place. Exact dates vary each year, depending on the phase of the moon. Check with the organizer's web site: FishVallarta.com

[Return to Menu]

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. Some hotels also have ATMs installed and you can draw cash from them within your hotel/resort. During business hours, banks in town and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's checks and cash from you as well. Read about money and currency exchange 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.

Safety: Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita and environs is extremely safe. You'll see local police dressed up white "safari type" uniforms; they are trained to provide assistance and directions if you need it as well as security.

Pedestrian Care: Take care when crossing the roads on foot in Puerto Vallarta. The local drivers, especially busses, can be a bit on the aggressive side. If you're traveling with children, take extra care when you are near public roads.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Directory for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

[Return to Menu]

Accommodation

• Find a Resort or Hotel in Punta de Mita

[Return to Menu]

Restaurants

We have no specific restaurant recommendations at this time. If you would like to recommend a restaurant you have visited in the area, please contact us.

Also See: Restaurants in nearby Puerto Vallarta

[Return to Menu]

When Night Falls

Locally Hosted Parties - Hotels and resorts host their own parties which include dinner, dancing, a show and all drinks for a fixed fee. Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - For lively night life, you'll need to travel into Puerto Vallarta. Although Puerto Vallarta is not as wild and lively at night as neighboring Mazatlan to the north, it is still provides excellent and varied night life for visitors. In fact, Night Clubs are a big part of the holiday scene in Puerto Vallarta, and like their Acapulco and Mazatlan counterparts, they don't stop till the sun comes up! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - All over Puerto Vallarta there is a selection of local, national and international names in Late Night Entertainment.

[Return to Menu]

What to Buy in Punta de Mita

The nearby town of Puerto Vallarta offers some good places to shop and buy authentic Mexican goods. Don't expect any big shopping malls - although there are a couple of plazas with big name shops. Instead, look for the smaller, traditional and independent traders that offer unique Mexican arts and crafts. If you're buying from a shop, remember that you can ask for items to be delivered to your local hotel later in the evening, which will save you carrying them around with you.

Ambulant traders often roam the streets and public beaches selling a variety of goods from clothes and textiles to silver and masks. Beware of the some of the Silver traders - as what they may be selling is Alpaca - a cheap imitation silver - check for the official silver marks on the metal if you they tell you its silver. If you speak some Spanish, you'll have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better deal. You can connect to the Mexperience language section, for details about how you too can Learn Spanish!

Huichol Indian Art

The Huichol Indians, descendants from the Aztecs and one of the last truly indigenous people's of Mexico have begun to market their artwork and crafts in Puerto Vallarta. Their People live high up in the Mountains behind the town.

Huichol art has two main 'branches' - yarn paintings and beaded works.

The yarn paintings are said to depict visions that the Indians have, and always tell a story, which will usually be written on a piece of paper in Huichol and Spanish and attached to the back of the work. Pictures of wolves, snakes, scorpions and deer depict traditional Huichol elements of Huichol lore; other animals have been added due to 'market demand'.

The beaded works are usually wooden shapes which have beads attached to them with wax, and represent the shape of an animal - see note above for the animals that represent true Huichol lore.

[Return to Menu]

Local Climate

Punta de Mita 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. By late October / early November, temperatures cool significantly from the later summer high temperatures and humidity.

Live Weather Report:

[Return to Menu]