Sayulita’s Coming of Age: Given its legendary reputation as a must-visit, off-the-beaten-path surfing destination in Mexico’s Pacific Riviera, one could easily assume that Sayulita is synonymous with surf, sand and not much more. However, many years have passed since this small town began attracting the surfos in the late ’60s, when Carr. 200, the interstate highway, was built.

Cajón de Peña: Day-to-day life was largely uneventful in the small town of Santiago in the municipality of Tomatlan back in the early 1970s. That was until progress required its inhabitants to relocate to make way for a new freshwater reservoir named Cajon de Peña.

Three Beach Towns in Cabo Corrientes: Long unreachable by land due to unpredictable dirt roads, particularly during summer’s rainy months, the towns of Villa del Mar, Tehuamixtle and Mayto in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, south of Puerto Vallarta, have been popular among beach and sun worshippers and camping enthusiasts due to their rustic appeal.

North Shore Loop: Not too long ago, travel guides and websites referred to Puerto Vallarta as a small village. And while certain neighborhoods in town can still rightly claim a certain “pueblito” feel, you may have to leave our fair city to truly experience one.

South Shore Loop: Puerto Vallarta’s southern thruway will gradually shift your surroundings from palms to pines in less than an hour.

The Unique Neighborhoods In and Around Banderas Bay: It’s impossible to paint all of Banderas Bay with the same brush, so to help you get a taste of the different neighborhoods around the bay (“colonias” in Spanish), we’ve created this handy list of some of the most popular.

A Day in Quimixto: It’s perfect for any nature lover looking to take their adventure experience up a notch while leaving behind the urban pace of Puerto Vallarta.

Sierra Lago: Heaven on Earth: Seemingly a million miles from everything and tucked into the lush emerald forest of the Sierra Madre, Sierra Lago is a unique mountain getaway and member of the Mexico Boutique Hotels collection.

Guayabitos and La Peñita, A Study in Contrast: These two neighboring oceanfront towns in Riviera Nayarit, 70 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, couldn’t be more dissimilar.

Verana, Serene and Secluded: A truly heroic feat to build, this primitive, chic haven on a remote jungle-clad mountain is an apt demonstration of imagination at its zenith.

Casa de Mita: The short drive north from Puerto Vallarta transports you from urban jungle to a unique property exuding innovative design features and secluded luxury.

San Pancho: A Little Slice of Paradise: Deserted powdery white beaches and a traditional small-town feel await you at San Francisco, affectionately known as San Pancho. Located in the state of Nayarit, about an hour north of Vallarta along Highway 200 — away from the high-energy experience of nearby Puerto Vallarta — this beautiful town invites rest and relaxation.

Mascota: A Treasure in the Sierra Madre: Driving on the upgraded Highway 90 from Vallarta toward Talpa and Guadalajara, Mascota might be viewed by some as a town to pass through on the way to somewhere else. However, this pueblo is a jewel waiting to be discovered by those who enjoy a traditional laidback Mexican experience.

San Sebastian del Oeste, A Mountain Renaissance: For decades, visitors braved hours of perilous travel along rutted dirt roads to reach the largely unspoiled paradise we call San Sebastián del Oeste, a former silver mining town. A landing strip suitable for small aircraft moderately increased exploration possibilities, but it wasn’t until the completion of a paved road connecting Puerto Vallarta with Talpa de Allende.

Escape to Yelapa: It’s easy to take Yelapa for granted, at least for those who live in Puerto Vallarta year round. After all, seeking refuge at this laid-back village by the sea is as simple as hopping on one of the water taxis that aim for it on a daily basis and enjoying the picturesque 45-minute coastal ride.

Bucerias Art Walk: An amazing array of arts set out along a charming cobblestone street is what made the Bucerias Art Walk a triumph in its inaugural 2006-2007 year. This season the art walk in this Nayarit pueblo on the beach is back, with more artists, more events and more special plans designed to entice visitors to come enjoy the abundance of excellent talent and fine crafts.

El Tuito: Small-town Charm Just an Hour Away: With the advent of spectacular restaurants such as Le Kliff and outdoor activities such as those offered at Canopy Tours Los Veranos and the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, an increasing number of visitors and locals are stretching their boundaries and exploring all the wonders our South Shore has to offer.

Surfing: For decades, surfers of all ages have flocked to Mexico’s Pacific coast, long considered to be a destination of choice, in order to benefit from its more than 1,500 miles of beaches, points and reefs. Well-known surf spots from the northern state of Sinaloa all the way down to Oaxaca are awaiting exploration year round.

Majahuitas, Considered One of the Most Romantic Beaches in the World: Forbes Traveler named Majahuitas one of the most romantic beaches in the world. Forbes Traveler is a company used to guide and identify travel destinations.
2/21/07

Day in Sayulita: Sayulita is a day-tripper’s dream come true. It’s just what the quixotic traveler yearns for: a picturesque fishing village on a palm-fringed curve of sand with clean waters, lush jungles and incredible beaches to explore.