Riviera Nayarit is one of the best sun and beach destinations in Mexico, with more than 300 kilometers of pristine coastline, dotted with palm trees, impressive cliffs, and golden sand. It’s even surprising that some stretches are bathed by an almost turquoise sea.
In this tourist corridor, you can choose from 23 micro-destinations: magical seaside towns, natural sanctuaries, boutique hotels, all-inclusive hotels, and luxury resorts, waves to surf, mountains to explore, and exciting activities for those who enjoy adrenaline rushes.
Among all these attractions, there are two almost secret corners that stand out as authentic gems of nature: if you love rustic beaches, prepare to visit (responsibly, of course) Punta Monterrey and La Lancha, both in the municipality of Bahía de Banderas.
Punta Monterrey
The first, Punta Monterrey, is a practically unspoiled corner, a place with a rustic and intimate charm. To get there, you have to travel a few kilometers along an unpaved road, a small price to pay for a great reward: its idyllic landscapes.
This coastal oasis is far from the large tourist crowds and is characterized by moderate waves, perfect for carefree swimming and surfing. Due to its pristine nature, camping is not allowed on this beach, as the locals are very concerned about environmental care and respect, ensuring that all visitors remove their trash with them to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
An option for an overnight stay is the Punta Monterrey Hotel, an exclusive retreat with eco-friendly cabins and bungalows. The place has only 12 rooms and a maximum capacity of 35 people, with yoga services, a spa, a pool, and a function room. It is ideal for families, friends, or couples.
La Lancha Beach
This beach is also known for its tranquility and its clean, crystal-clear waters. This corner of the Riviera Nayarit combines the magic of unspoiled nature—golden sand surrounded by mountains, lush trees, and scrubland, free of buildings and noise—with consistent waves, perfect for surfers of all levels.
Several companies organize trips to La Lancha for those who want to learn to ride the waves. And, if you already have some experience, they can also rent you high-quality boards.
In addition to riding the ocean currents on a board, visitors can also swim to their hearts’ content and relax on the soft sand.
Come prepared with everything you need to set up an oceanfront picnic, including towels.
Getting there is simple: just depart from Valle de Banderas and walk along a trail through the jungle for about seven to ten minutes, which adds a touch of adventure to the experience.
Thanks to this “limited passage,” La Lancha preserves its natural beauty, making it a haven for those looking to get their feet off the concrete for a few days.
Take wave conditions into account, as some areas are only accessible during low tide.
Bring an umbrella, sunscreen, and water to avoid heatstroke. The sun is strong.
Add adventure to your trip
Ojo de Cielo: In the middle of the San Blas rainforest, you’ll find this place dedicated to environmental stewardship. It combines zip lines, hiking, waterfall jumping, hanging bridges, and other activities that promote respect for flora and fauna.
La Montaña Natural Park: This Environmental Management Unit (UMA) is a family-friendly park with adventure activities. In addition to offering challenging hiking trails, it promotes environmental education. Astronomical and bird watching tours are also organized, and you have the opportunity to swim in natural springs.
Rancho Mi Chaparrita: Located in the heart of the Riviera Nayarit, this ecotourism ranch boasts spectacular jungle landscapes, rivers, and beaches. There is surfing, paddle boarding, canopy, hiking, zip-lining, motorcycling, sport fishing, and horseback riding.
Source: eluniversal
