The Pacific

The Mexican resort destinations of Mazatlán, Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, and Costalegre/Manzanillo are located in the states of Sinaloa. It also includes Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima, respectively. Since the 1950’s this sunny stretch of sandy beaches, palm-strewn headlands, Pacific-blue bays, coastal lagoons, and also Mexico’s weather has been a reason of tourism choice for both Mexican and North American travelers.

A prime destination for sun and sand, the area has an iconic beach vacation appeal, that is combined with plenty of natural and historic attractions. In some cases found right in their downtown historic areas or also a short day trip away. They also share similar jungle-mountain scenery, a coastal highway, and (in some cases) even airports, each has its own unique personality

Mexico’s weather in Mazatlán

However, since the 1950’s Mazatlán has been a favorite vacation and retirement destination for Americans, Canadians, and even Europeans.  Mazatlán is all about fiesta, fishing, and also friendliness. Not only do travelers fall in love with the friendly service. It is also with golden Pacific beaches therefore, this oceanfront beauty is also the only resort destination in Mexico with an authentic 19th-century historic center. Also, unique to Mazatlán: three deserted islands that rise on the western horizon, a short boat launch from the Zona Dorada and Marina Mazatlán hotel zones.

Mazatlán stretches for over 20 km (12 miles) of coastline. However, in the north, there’s the elegant Emerald Bay, next to the fast-growing Nuevo Mazatlán area, the Marina Mazatlán, the aforementioned Zona Dorada, and the traditional colonial Centro, or Historic Center.

Hotel zone

A seven-kilometer, pedestrian-friendly beachfront boardwalk (the Malecón) connects the resort zone with its delightful historic zone. Here Mazatlán has retained its past in the restoration of public spaces and residential neighborhoods. The city also has recently (2017) undergone a major highway makeover, re-energizing its famous Zona Dorada hotel zone and Malecón boardwalk. 

There is a good selection of three and four-star hotels. Many of the independents, more recently, international chains like Radisson and Courtyard by Marriott have planted flags. Agents will also find a number of business-oriented hotels that cater to events hosted by the first-rate Mazatlán International Convention Center. Many “double” as beach resorts.

TIP:This is one of Pacific Mexico’s weather real jewels: affordable, nostalgic, always sunny, and also knows how to throw a great party! Mazatlán’s Mardi Gras is a family-oriented feast of music, parades, fireworks, and festivities.

With the Pacific at its doorstep, Mazatlán’s cuisine has affordable and delicious seafood as the centerpiece (especially shrimp and smoked marlin tostadas.) Dining here is mostly casual, with plenty of beachfront palapas and homespun restaurants. The menus jump into haute cuisine territory in the Golden Zone, and at the sidewalk cafés and restaurants that surround the Plaza Machado in the Historic Center. The best time to visit Mazatlán is in the fall, specifically October or November. Mexico’s weather is awesome to travel in this time. The rainy months of summer are over, and the expensive, hectic winter travel season has yet to start.

Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit (PVR)

Puerto Vallarta- Riviera Nayarit is the second most visited resort region in all of Mexico. The region is home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive resorts. There are designer golf courses (six and growing), world-class spas. There are three world-class marinas, and a magical mix of bohemia, biodiversity, and global resort leaders. This collection of sunny playgrounds has seen its tourism infrastructure expand and diversify in remarkable ways.

Puerto Vallarta, a Mexican Pacific marquee attraction of traditional Jalisco culture is how united around Banderas Bay by adjacent Nayarit State and its Riviera Nayarit attractions. Today these two states are friendly competitors and remain united by jungle-mountain scenery. It is Mexico’s largest bay, Huichol culture, and a shared airport (PVR).

Let’s start with Puerto Vallarta. It spreads around the southern arch of Banderas Bay, at the foot of the lush Sierra Madre Mountain. It’s also a huge cruise destination and very recently invested millions of dollars in the renovation. And also in the modernization of the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal. It included a new Aquarium. Take time to learn about Puerto Vallarta’s distinct resort zones—each possessing important trip planning traits. Vallarta’s charming historic center, bisected by the Rio Cuale and laced with rural Jalisco architecture. It is home to an abundance of gourmet dining, art gallery shopping, and hopping nightlife.

TIP: Take a look south along Banderas Bay to some of the rustic fishing villages that are accessible only by boat. Tours and charters visit the jungle-laced beaches of Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa.

Riviera Nayarit

Up the coast in Nayarit State, the Riviera Nayarit is connected with the PVR airport via ultra-modern roads, bridges, and a world-class Marina. The Riviera is anchored by this Marina and the Nuevo Vallarta resort zone. Adjacent is the town of Bucerías. Continue along the Bay northward to Punta de Mita and Litibú (think simple beach village next to luxury hotels, golf, and exclusivity). Out and around Punta is Nayarit’s Pacific coastline. Here visitors explore a scenic 150-mile coastline (240 km), dotted with seaside towns (including the surf-loco Pueblo Mágico of Sayulita) that stretch to the historic, Spanish colonial port of San Blas.

In fact, your clients can explore some 23 micro-destinations. A collection of coastal villages (rustic to refined) that showcase Huichol culture, regional cuisine, traditions, adventure, and nature. It is our Riviera Nayarit climate that makes this part of the Pacific coast of Mexico so attractive. Great Mexico’s weather is a top priority for anyone planning a tropical vacation and Riviera Nayarit Mexico is exceptional for most of the year.

­­­­­Adventure

On dry land, both PV and the Riviera Nayarit offer horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, ATV tours to picturesque villages, cool waterfalls, and thick jungle trails. Or hop a short flight to Magical Town of San Sebastián, one of the oldest still-inhabited mining villages in Mexico. 

Romance

Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is among the top ten favorite destinations of the world in which to get married, thanks to its unique combination of authentic Mexican pueblo and privileged resort properties. Add the verdant Sierra Madre Mountains and the spectacular Bay, and you’ve got a picture-perfect wedding (or honeymoon) experience.

In both areas, boutique and major chain properties continue to emerge. Luxury leaders Four Seasons, St Regis, Grand Velas are complimented by Nayarit’s international brand all-inclusive leaders and Puerto Vallarta’s Mexican and international resorts (most of which are EP).

TIP: But that’s not all. Together, Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit is a favorite destination of singles, couples, families, adventure travelers, foodies, LGBT travelers, and A-list celebrities. While quiet and seclusion are not hard to find, Puerto Vallarta-Riviera Nayarit experiences a tantalizing offering of “Old Mexico” in Puerto Vallarta, the biodiversity and beauty of Banderas Bay, and Mexico’s leading all-inclusive and luxury resorts.

GETTING HERE: Air from various cities in the US and Canada; European visitors find domestic flights from Mexico City. 

CostAlegre

Some of your most demanding clients will want to hear (if they haven’t already) more about Mexico’s unique Costalegre. The Costalegre (the “happy coast”) is one of the least developed stretches of Mexico’s Pacific shore. Part of Jalisco state it stretches for nearly 150 miles (240 km) past virgin beaches, capes and bays, rustic villages, swaths of jungle-covered mountains—and some of the country’s most posh resort hideaways.

Federal Highway 200 leaves Banderas Bay heading south. This highway was recently extended and modernized. Additional plans include a new airport in the Chalacatepec area for both private and commercial planes.

This expansion will allow even quicker access to new resorts (opening date of 2020).  These rich and famous resorts include One&Only Santa Maria de Xala and the new Zoetry Chamela Costalegre (among others). In Tenacatita, the Four Seasons has taken over the original resort hotel in the Tamarindo development.

GETTING HERE: Travelers can either fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and travel south via bus or rental car, or land at the Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO); to the north is Isla Navidad and the border with Jalisco state. Head south and you’re in Santiago/ Manzanillo.

Mexico’s weather in Manzanillo (ZLO)

Laidback and unfussy, Manzanillo, Colima is a seaside city with a magnificent jungle/wetlands landscape and gorgeous twin bays divided by the Santiago Peninsula. This is one of the country’s leading commercial ports, but it’s also known as one of the country’s lesser-developed destinations, making it a magnet for vacationers in search of more serene settings.

The area hosts a lot of Guadalajara families (only a two-hour drive). That is staying at mid-range and luxury hotels along the twin bays. Manzanillo and Isla Navidad (some 30 miles/45 km north) are popular with ex-pats. Many of whom descend from Mexico’s central highlands (Guadalajara, Chapala, el Bajío) for a scenic coastal escape. The best time to visit Manzanillo is February due to the excellent all-around weather conditions, and it’s also not during the height of peak travel periods, so it’s not likely to be as busy.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Located about 100 miles (160 kms) up the coast from Acapulco in the state of Guerrero, the two separate towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo (Zee-wat-ah-NEY-ho) are the yin and yang of beach resorts in Mexico. Ixtapa, created in 1972 by the Mexican government on what was once a coconut plantation, is modern and planned. Five miles down the coast lies Zihua, once a quiet fishing village, which has evolved into a charming tourist destination. The contrast has created a destination. That has tremendous appeal to a variety of tastes and desires from families and sports enthusiasts to luxury seekers and couples.

Ixtapa

Ixtapa stretches along with Playa Palmar, a Blue Flag certified. It is nearly two-mile-long beach lined with several high-rises, four- and five-star resorts, and a number of well-known Spanish and Mexican brands. A smaller hotel zone is up the coast at Playa Quieta. This is also the site of Marina Ixtapa, a 40-acre mixed-use facility with restaurants, shops a full-service marina, and the Marina Ixtapa golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge. A second course, the Robert Trent Jones II’s Palma Real, makes this destination popular with golfers.

Smaller hotel zones are up the coast at Playa Quieta and Playa Linda. They’re home to skiffs (pangas) that taxi day-trippers to Ixtapa Island.

With beaches great for surfing (caution advised), high-rise all-inclusive resort options. There are also quaint bars, a fun outdoor shopping esplanade, and diverse eco-adventure day trips to the surrounding mountains and coast. Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has consistently been a highly recommended destination for families.

Getting around is easy: cars are available, but inexpensive taxis are always a good way to get around. Or rent a bike and take the very scenic ciclopista between the two towns.

Zihuatanejo 

Just 10 minutes away, Zihuatanejo is a town awash in traditional Mexican culture set on three coves backed by verdant hills and striking cliffs. Prior to the 1960s, when the coastal highway was built, virtually no tourists visited. But now, with the road, an airport, and the fact that it’s a popular cruise-ship stop, the destination has become quite popular. Accommodations tend towards small inns and exclusive boutique hotels. 

The destination’s ring of beaches includes the 1.2-mile Playa Madera, site of bay-view restaurants, condos, and hotels; Playa La Ropa, less than a mile long but excellent for swimming and home to turtle conservation campaigns. There is also a fenced-off area, a tiny inlet with a few resident crocodiles. On the opposite side of the bay from town, Playa Las Gatas is a mellow beach and the most popular snorkeling beach. Here clients can spend an entire day of relaxation under the sun, enjoying the thatched-roof restaurants. That also offer drinks, fresh seafood, and beachside lounge chairs for all. Mexico’s weather in Zihuatanejo stays warm all year, with an average temperature.

GETTING HERE: direct service from the US is limited; Canadian markets offer seasonal flights; many arrive via connection in Mexico City. 

Acapulco

Together with Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, the world-class beach resort of Acapulco, and the mountain-mining zone of Taxco offer your clients the possibility of combining sun and fun. It is with a visit to an icon of Old Mexico. These combined are sometimes referred to as known as Mexico’s Triangle of the Sun.

The legendary queen of the Pacific (Acapulco) is Mexico’s largest coastal resort. It still attracts more visitors than any beach destination in Mexico! As a result of extensive infrastructure investment, historic zone refurbishment, a new airport terminal, and the emergence of the “Riviera Diamante” brand Acapulco. It still holds its own for festive, sophisticated, and uber-Mexican fun. Always popular with domestic travelers, international visitors are returning to experience a unique urban version of the classic Mexican Pacific vacation. 

TIP: Acapulco is a MUST for vacationers wanting to really dig deep into today’s Mexico. It’s historic (as a Spanish colonial port that connected Asia with Europe), nostalgic. It is just a little past its 1960’s heyday. The airport area (Riviera Diamante) is hip, ultra-modern, and where many international visitors choose to stay.

Therefore Acapulco can be divided into Playa Revolcadero/Punta Diamante; Puerto Marqués; and the area surrounding Acapulco Bay, home to the hotel Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). It is also closest to the airport, Playa Revolcadero/Punta Diamante hosts the city’s most excellent golf courses (four); the high-end La Isla Shopping Village with movie theaters, department stores, restaurants, and in addition to that family-oriented fun; Forum Mundo Imperial, the country’s premier performing arts venue; and five-star resorts, including the Hotel Princess Mundo Imperial and the Pierre Mundo Imperial. This area is currently experiencing a massive, multimillion-dollar development push. That will see more hotels, golf, and attractions in the next three to five years.