Travel north from Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific coast – to the central coastal area of the country- and you’ll discover the Mexican Riviera.

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, waiting to be discovered and walked upon by tired feet.

This area along the coast of the Mexican Riviera is host to 3 main costal resort towns – Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan – as well as the exclusive and luxurious resorts along the Costalegre between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.

Today, this region is extremely accessible – by air and by road – and has become a favorite holiday destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike… read on and discover why.

The port town of Manzanillo is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and has two parts: the resort area on the Santiago Peninsula, and the busy commercial area downtown and to the south. Although Manzanillo is a busy and important port town on Mexico’s west coast, it still retains a tranquil, laid back, feel and authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Downtown, near the main plaza (Zocalo) you’ll find typical scenes with colonial style houses and little streets that meander away and take you on a tour around this very Mexican town.

The center of Manzanillo and the dock areas have recently undergone major renovation works: at the center of the redevelopment is a new giant turquoise statue of a Marlin – Manzanillo’s ‘official fish’.

Alongside the Playa Azul, and Playa Las Brisas you’ll find a selection of nice seafood restaurants in the open air, next to the Pacific Ocean. You can enjoy great seafood here while watching and listening to the sound of the mighty Pacific, as it delivers huge waves onto an exposed beach just a couple of dozen yards away.

The resort peninsula hosts a range of family, mid range, and luxury hotels and resorts, with their own beaches, tucked into coves away from the onslaught of the Pacific waves, making it safe to swim and play water sports. They are self-contained holiday centers: you don’t need to leave the resort if you don’t want to and just chill-out, relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the local environment.

There is plenty to offer in this area for those who want to explore. Sea fishing is a popular pastime, and golf, too, is a major attraction, with Manzanillo hosting no less than two of Mexico’s most important golf courses. Diving and bird-watching are two of the other main pastimes here.

Manzanillo is in Mexico’s state of Colima, right next door the State of Jalisco – which is home to the second largest city in Mexico – Guadalajara. Guadalajara gave to Mexico such things as the Mariachi, The Mexican Sombrero and Tequila. A day-trip to Guadalajara is very convenient from Manzanillo and is a worthwhile way to experience some of Mexico’s great inland destinations.

Manzanillo is a favorite location for family holidays. The town is relaxed, the beaches are good and there’s plenty to see and do for everyone. If you’re looking for a resort town that doesn’t have the over-commercialized feel of a resort town, then Manzanillo is good place to touch down for a week, maybe two.

Manzanillo for Living and Lifestyle

Manzanillo is an undiscovered enclave on the Pacific coast that offers affordable living amidst a quaint and authentic Mexican seaside town.  Read our guide about Living, working and retirement in Manzanillo for more details.

Key Attractions

Good Beaches

Manzanillo has lots of beaches to choose from; although not all are safe for a swim, as they face the open Pacific ocean (exposed beaches), and in the latter, the combination of waves and undertow make the sea one to watch, not one to interact with.

Surfing is a very popular pastime in Manzanillo, especially on Playa Miramar. Some of the beaches have been ‘taken over’ by the hotels and resorts that reside next to them; but there are still many public beaches that may be enjoyed by all, so if you’re looking for some local life, Playa San Pedrito and Playa Audiencia will be good places to explore.

If you’re staying at a resort, you’ll have direct access to the beach outside your hotel as well; technically, all beaches are open to the public in Mexico. The beaches here are golden in color with medium-fine (not soft) sand.

Water Sports

SCUBA divers will love Manzanillo – there are lots places to have a good underwater diving experience without the need to boat out anywhere. Local firms cater for all skill and experience levels, and if you want some proper classes as a foundation to getting certified, you can do this as well. See Also: Watersports in Mexico

Local Cruises

Local Boat Tours are a great way to see remote places otherwise not accessible or difficult to get to. Your tour can include stops at good places for swimming, snorkeling and diving, give you access to remote and secluded beaches, or if you just want to relax, you can take a sunset cruise and watch the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean in style.

Fishing Trips

Sports Fishing is big here – with year-round trips available. Around the third week in November, the International Sailfish competition takes place in Manzanillo. It’s recommended that you book in advance as the fishing trips are extremely popular and you are likely to be disappointed if you don’t. Also See: Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Away from the Water

Manzanillo is quite spread out. Unlike a lot of resorts, where all local attractions can be accessed on foot, if you want to see local points of interest you’re going to need to rent a car (see Getting Around, below), take a cab, or arrange a guided tour. Local tours can include a guided tour of Manzanillo itself, as well a colonial tour of Colima (the coastal town about 60 miles south of here – it also has a Volcano)…

Eco Tours from Manzanillo

There are several lagoons along the coast which are excellent places to go bird watching and a number of fine eco and adventure tours may be undertaken from Manzanillo – including adventure travel tours to the volcano in nearby Colima. Ask locally for details and tours.

See Also: Nature and Adventure in Mexico

Golf in Manzanillo

Manzanillo’s claim to fame in the golf world: it boasts two of Mexico’s most important golf courses. Manzanillo is quickly becoming one of the top golfing locations in Mexico; the most sought-after course is situated at the fabulous Karmina Palace Hotel and Resort.

Local Tours & Activities

Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities at and around Mexico’s beach locations. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guaranteed.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Manzanillo from the United States and and other points in Mexico including Mazatlan and Mexico City. The airport resides about 25 miles (40 km) away from Manzanillo on the north side, and there is plenty of ground transportation to get you into the ‘hotel zones’. Your return trip to the airport may be booked with your hotel in advance. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Manzanillo on a luxury bus from Mexico City – but note that the trip will take around 20 hours. These buses are also available from Guadalajara, which is a more sensible road journey taking just over 4 hours. Flying is the most sensible way to get to Manzanillo, unless you are on a budget, and don’t mind the wait (and want to see the sights along the way!). For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – The road journey to Manzanillo from inland Mexico (e.g. Guadalajara, Mexico City, Chihuahua, et al) is mountainous in places, but not as challenging as the road to Puerto Vallarta (assuming you go over the mountains, not along Highway 200). Expect it to take longer that you may anticipate; especially if you have not driven the route before. Traveling out of Manzanillo by road north on Highway 200 will take you along the Costalegre to Puerto Vallarta; the road south leads to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Acapulco. See additional information on Mexperience about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s provincial towns and cities — including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions near them — consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Manzanillo Essentials

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

Exchanging Currency: ATM machines can be found at main banks in downtown Manzanillo; many of the hotels now have ATMs as well. During business hours, banks and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

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.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance 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 can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Local Climate

Manzanillo 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.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Travel north from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific coast – to the central coastal area of the country- and you’ll discover the Mexican Riviera.

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, waiting to be discovered and explored.

This area along the coast of the Mexican Riviera is host to three main costal resort towns – Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan – as well as the exclusive and luxurious resorts along the Costalegre between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo.

Today, this region is extremely accessible – by air and by road – and has become a favorite holiday destination for foreigners and Mexicans alike… read on and discover why.

Puerto Vallarta was first made famous by the film shot in the town “Night of the Iguana,” starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. The media attention this generated at the time opened the world’s eyes to what Puerto Vallarta had to offer.

There is good reason. Puerto Vallarta – a town that served as a port to ship the silver being mined from the Sierra Madre mountains that lay just behind this city – has all the character of traditional Mexican town interwoven with modern comforts of 21st century living – and offers something for everyone.

Its cobbled streets and cathedral set the scene in the town, which has a traditional, easy-going feel to it. There are hotels to suit every taste and budget. The activity list is never ending – and this area provides great topography for all kinds of eco tours – which is why these tours are growing here at the fastest pace of any other activity around.

Puerto Vallarta is in the state of Jalisco, home to the second largest city in Mexico – Guadalajara – which gave Mexico such things as the Mariachi, The Mexican Sombrero and Tequila. A trip to Guadalajara is very convenient from Puerto Vallarta and is a worthwhile way to experience one of Mexico’s big cities for a day or perhaps longer.

People who travel to Puerto Vallarta tend to become mesmerized by its spell and keep coming back. Its popularity is growing every year and as a Mexican resort–only Cancun can better it for popularity. Discover Puerto Vallarta and begin to understand why so many people who travel here feel they are going on holiday to their home away from home.

Key Attractions

Stunning Beaches

Puerto Vallarta and its surrounds 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.

Some of the beaches are only accessible by car as public transport is limited in the area – by driving north or south of the town. 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 agent.

Water Sports

Puerto Vallarta 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 and parasailing, jet skis, windsurfing, kayaking and so on… – all of the water sports you’ll want are right here waiting for you in Puerto Vallarta. See Also: 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. See Also: Mexperience Guide to Nature and Adventure in Mexico.

Spas in Puerto Vallarta

Excellent spas are available in and around Puerto Vallarta. 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

Getting Married in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top destinations for weddings, anniversary celebrations and honeymoons. With it’s idyllic setting, it’s fabulous beaches and wonderful atmosphere, there is little wonder it is the preferred location for so many people planning to mark a special occasion in Mexico. For full details, see our guide to Weddings and Honeymoons in Mexico.

Local Cruises

Local Boat Tours are a great way to see remote places otherwise not accessible or difficult to get to. Your tour can include stops at good places for swimming, snorkeling and diving, give you access to remote and secluded beaches, or if you just want to relax – take a sunset cruise and watch the sun melt into the Pacific Ocean in style.

Whale Watching

From November through to March each year, you can take an organized eco boat tour to watch the humpback whales as they arrive to reproduce and bear their calves. See Also: Whale Watching in Mexico

Sports Fishing Experiences

Sports fishing is a huge and very 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. See Also: Mexperience Guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico.

Away from the Water

There is a wealth of land-based experiences to encounter around Puerto Vallarta. 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 around Puerto Vallarta. The Course next to the Four Seasons resort in nearby Punta de Mita is one of the best golf courses in Mexico as well as one of the world’s top courses.

Polo in Mexico

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

Getting There & Around

By Air – Puerto Vallarta’s (PV) 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. The airport is situated about a twenty minute drive from the center of Puerto Vallarta on the north side, and the ground transportation is available to take you into town and the hotel zones. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Puerto Vallarta on a luxury bus from Mexico City – but note that the trip will take around 14 hours. From Guadalajara, the journey time is about 6-7 hours. Puerto Vallarta is flanked by large mountains, so the roads in and out of the area are steep, winding, and take time to negotiate. Flying is the most sensible way to get to Puerto Vallarta, unless you are on a budget, and don’t mind the wait (and want to see the sights along the way). For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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 than you anticipate if you’ve only looked at non-topographical road map. 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 well 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. See additional information on Mexperience about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads.

Car Rental – 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. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s beachside towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Highway 200 is a beautiful coast road which hugs the edge of the land facing the Pacific Ocean. 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 there, in which case arranging for ground transportation (see Airport Transfers, above) between the airport and your resort, is the best option.

Puerto Vallarta Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed 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. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Safety: Puerto Vallarta 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 buses, can be a bit on the aggressive side. If you’re traveling with children, take extra care when you are near public roads. Police man some of the crossings in the center of the town and stop traffic to let people across.

What to Buy in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta offers some good places to shop and buy authentic Mexican goods. Don’t expect any commercialized 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 to 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.

Local Climate

Puerto Vallarta 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.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

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 singular point on the map; like Italy’s Amalfi coast, it’s a stretch of land —150 miles long between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo— featuring picturesque ocean-side towns and villages, magical coves and remarkable views of a seemingly endless ocean horizon. Costalegre offers highly exclusive travel and luxury experiences within all-inclusive resort hotels that feature privacy and seclusion surrounded by a stunningly beautiful tropical paradise. Celebrities often come here to get away from prying eyes and camera lenses.

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.

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.

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

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.

Barra de Navidad and Melaque

Just three miles apart, these rustic villages welcome travelers looking for a quiet, no frills and inexpensive retreat, away from 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 touristy 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.

La Manzanilla is a small fishing village on the Pacific situated just north of Melaque and Barra de Navidad, about a hour drive from Manzanillo. The village is situated in the Bay of Tanacatita which offers excellent opportunities for fishing, as well as safe bathing. The area is rich in marine and bird life. In addition to pelicans, egrets, cormorants, and heron, the village has the largest population of the American Crocodile in North America. There is a small fee for a beautiful, safe, lagoon walk through the crocs, and boat tours can be arranged. There are also frequent seasonal whale sightings. The waters are excellent for fishing, and you can hire a boat to go on private or group fishing trips. Other activities in the area include horseback riding, mountain biking, hikes, yoga, and golf.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo (both offer easy access to Costalegre) from the United States and other points in Mexico including Guadalajara, La Paz, Leon and Mexico City. You can only drive to the places along Costalegre – or arrange for ground transportation from the Airport to your hotel or luxury resort (see Airport Transfers, below). For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel 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 fourteen hours (twelve 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). For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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 by just looking at a road map; 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 the 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.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s provincial towns and cities— including its beach locations and the scenery and attractions nearby them —consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn about car rental in Mexico.

Costalegre is a Remote Area – There is not much in the way of public transport along the coastal highway that connects the towns and villages of Costalegre. One of the area’s principal attractions is that it’s quite rugged and remote. If you are staying at one of the luxury resort hotels on Costalegre, and don’t plan to go out exploring the local area and environs, you can arrange for a shuttle to meet you at the airport in Puerto Vallarta and take you to your hotel and back to the airport when you return. If you plan to explore the area independently, or if you want the ability to leave your resort hotel and visit some of the villages and environs along the Costalegre, you can rent a car from Puerto Vallarta’s airport. The coastal road and the sights and attractions which along it cannot be explored here easily without the use of a car, so if you want to go out exploring we highly recommended that you rent a vehicle to explore this marvelous stretch of coastal paradise. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Travel Tip: If your plans only involve going to a hotel resort and staying there, taking organized tours and local walks from the resort, then it will be much better value to pay for ground transport from the airport to your hotel/resort instead of renting a car. All of the luxury hotels provide shuttle services between their resorts and the airports of Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Alternatively, you can purchase third party shuttle services from the airport.

Costalegre Essentials

Telephone & Communications: Connect to the Communications in Mexico page on Mexperience for detailed 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 for the duration, 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. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance 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 can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces. Resorts usually offer internet access via cable and / or WIFI — check the hotel’s listing for details.

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.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

Beach locations have always been Mexico’s most frequented locations for vacationers, especially at Christmas and New Year.  Oceanside venues will continue to be an alluring and popular choice for festive travelers who want to escape cold winters, enjoy some warm ‘winter sunshine’ and enjoy the excitement of being at Christmas and New Year parties by the sea.

If you are considering experiencing a quieter, more exclusive, festive break but still want to be next to the ocean, there are a number of select coastal resorts for you to consider.  Booking well in advance for these is absolutely essential.

However, for the travelers who are exploring alternative breaks for their holidays (perhaps because they’ve done the ‘beach scene’ before and are looking for something distinct), Mexico’s nature areas and colonial cities are beginning to emerge as new settings for a quiet, peaceful and serene festive vacation.

So where in Mexico do you go when you want to wake up on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day away from the heavily-frequented locations?  Listed below are a few ideas of places and options to explore and consider, based on our experience as well as trends from recent reservations.

Chichen Itzá
For something truly different and unique, consider spending Christmas and/or New Year at Chichen Itza.  The archaeology park, anointed as one of the New Seven Wonders, is situated in the jungle and the hotels next to the park offer fabulous accommodation and facilities.
See: Guide to Chichen Itza and the related Blog: Staying Overnight for details.

Michoacán, Oaxaca, Chiapas
These three states in the south offer some of the most break-taking and exhilarating landscapes in the country.  Spend the festive season engulfed by Mexico’s natural beauty at its best; wake up in the mountains, by a lake, in a jungle… enjoy Christmas surrounded by nature in one of the wonderfully comfortable and well appointed hotels or haciendas available locally.
See:
Guides to Morelia and Pátzcuaro;
Oaxaca Guide;
Guide to San Cristóbal de las Casas

Copper Canyon
Mexico’s Copper Canyon, which stretches from the Pacific Ocean to Chihuahua, offers you a festive break completely removed from commercialization and crowds.  Discover this breath-taking location and you’ll see why more and more people are choosing this space to get away from it all at Christmas and New Year.
See: Copper Canyon Guide

Exclusive Retreats by the Ocean
Mexico offers a number of highly exclusive resorts next to the ocean.  You will need to book months in advance if you want to secure a place for Christmas and New Year.   Exclusive resorts have less people staying and offer a much more tranquil festive experience.  You can expect to enjoy gourmet food, impeccable service and a first-class environment.  Some allow children and some don’t – check the details of the individual property’s family policy for details.  Consider the following luxury resorts:

La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo;
Las Alamandas in Costalegre;
Dreams Resort in San Jose del Cabo.

See Also: Christmas in Mexico