This tour combines vibrant Puerto Vallarta and beautiful Riviera Nayarit with the serene and stunning Costalegre that links Puerto Vallarta to Barra de Navidad (side trips to Mascota, Guadalajara and Chapala can also be contemplated and are detailed at the end of this section). Exploring the area is most rewarding by linking several of Mexico Boutique Hotels’ nine secluded resorts which offer the most privileged of natural settings along this spectacular coast. Design your visit according to style–from primitive to sophisticated–and preferred activities: with plenty of water sports, world-class fishing, diving, hiking, tennis, golf, Spa and even polo among the options. Starting Point |
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Puerto Vallarta The ensemble of our four Puerto Vallarta area hotels deliver the quintessential experience and all the diversity of this region. Isolation and complete relaxation are available at the three most remote resorts. Just south of Puerto Vallarta (Yelapa) and accessible only by boat and perched high on the mountain top, Verana defines primitive-chic. In contrast, Casa de Mita at the extreme northern point of the Bay of Banderas, has sophisticated yet casual surroundings and also offers a very private location on a deserted beach. Another great option are the family-friendly, luxury appartments at Hotel des Artistes located North as well in the charming surf town of El Anclote. Most flights arrive in Puerto Vallarta in the afternoon allowing adequate time to settle in for dinner at ocean’s edge. All hotels can arrange reception and transfers to their secluded locations avoiding the need for a car until you’re ready to travel down the Costalegre. After a few days of kayaking, snorkeling, surfing and jungle or beach walks, return to the animation of Puerto Vallarta and the luxurious Hacienda San Angel, located in the historic centre just a few blocks from the Malecon. The combination of this hotel with one of the above-mentioned beach escapes rounds your stay out with shopping, nightlife, restaurants and galleries, then pick up your rental car to head south. |
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La Cruz de Loreto and Quemaro The 90 minute scenic drive from Puerto Vallarta to La Cruz de Loreto takes you to Hotelito Desconocido, a rustically romantic and environmentally respectful property that boasts 150 different birds and a wide sandy beach stretching 40 miles along an unspoiled coast. Another 30 minutes along the Costalegre leads you through Quemaro and onto the ultra exclusive Las Alamandas hotel, a stunning hideaway with an immense tract of beachfront property, four beaches and all the diversions of a 1500-acre ecological reserve. |
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Careyes and Tamarindo Driving south on your way to Tamarindo you will pass the world-famous Costa Careyes, a protected cove with luxury villas, a hotel, their amenities and ocean playground. On the south shore of Tenacatita Bay, about 45 minutes further down highway 200, is the peninsula of Tamarindo, a privately owned development with 2,000 acres of jungle reserve, luxury homes and the stunning El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort. The golf course is declared by many to be one of the most spectacular in the world, not to mention least occupied. There are three main beaches, all often completely deserted. Activities within El Tamarindo include a fine Spa, nature walks and biking on miles of trails. Nearby, there are a few tiny beach villages and the closest major town is Barra de Navidad - quite funky to visit. |
| Return Trip If your airline permits, departure from Manzanillo is most convenient if you’ve visited our southernmost hotels. Otherwise, plan approximately four hour travel from Tamarindo to meet your flight departure from Puerto Vallarta in the afternoon. A nice option to break up the journey is to schedule your stay at one of our intermediary hotels on the return route. |
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| Side trips The recent completion of the new highway from Puerto Vallarta to Talpa opens up a whole new world of possibilities for those who would like to take their acquaintance with age-old Mexico a few notches further. Now, more traditional towns, previously reachable only by small aircraft or dirt roads, such as Mascota, San Sebastian and Talpa, are only a few scenic hours away and en route to Guadalajara and Lake Chapala if you want your Mexico experience to combine beach, mountain and city. |
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