Discover another side of Mexico

O Mexico It’s a big country and full of hidden places for us to discover. Besides the Mexico City, Cancun e Riviera Mayathe country has another region that is still little frequented by Brazilians, but full of Mexicans and Americans: Vallarta Port e Riviera Nayaritlocated on the west coast of Mexico.

Although they are in different states, the two regions are very close and offer different activities for tourists. In addition to good hotel and beach options. Each one is worth knowing.

RIVIERA NAYARIT

Already Riviera Nayaritamong other beaches, is Sayulita, one of the most charming in the region. With a more laid-back style, Sayulita has a great beach for surfingincluding class options for beginners and amateurs, and several restaurants with sea views.

A The food there is, in fact, great.. Fish, specialty pizzas, guacamole, tacos, nachos and much more. The village, which has typical Mexican flags hanging in its streets, is also full of little shops, restaurants and hotels. One more beautiful than the other. Walking aimlessly through its streets is almost mandatory for anyone there.

The Riviera Nayarit region is very safe and great for welcoming families. There are many activities there, such as diving, fishing and golf. Sayulita is also a region gay friendly.

HIDDEN BEACH

One of the main tourist attractions in the Riviera Nayarit region is the Hidden Beach, which can only be reached by swimming. Located in Marietas Islands National Parkthe beach is one of the most popular places in the region and is close to Punta Mita. To get there, you need to take a tour, which can cost up to 100 dollars per person.

Photo: Disclosure Vallarta Adventures

Photo: Disclosure/Visit Mexico

Unfortunately, when we went to Nayarit the beach was closed to visitors. But the Talking about Travel He has already taken the tour and explains in detail how it works.

ACCOMMODATION

The Riviera Nayarit region has several types of accommodation, ranging from inns to all-inclusive resorts. We stayed in Hard Rock Hotel Vallartaem New vallartaand we had an excellent stay.

The entire region is rich in nature. You can even take special tours to see dolphins and whales.

VALLARTA PORT

Vallarta Port is located in the state of Jalisco and was founded in 1851. “Bay Of flags” It is one of the most famous beaches in the region and one of the largest in Mexico.

The night in Vallarta Port It’s very lively. There are several bars, restaurants and clubs for all tastes. We visited the Mr. Frogs and the Disco Mandalawhich are in Paseo Diaz Ordaz. But there are also gastronomic options, with candlelit restaurants and tables on the beach sand, and very typical music, as well as very charming little shops.

TOURS

In addition to going to Hidden Beachif it has already been reopened, either Nayarit How much Vallarta Port offer good tour options. From diving to shows, shopping malls and crafts. There is something for all tastes.

RHYTHMS OF THE NIGHT

One of the tours we took with Tropical Incentives it was the “Rhythms of the night”. We went out by boat “Bay of Las Banderas” and after more than 1 hour we arrived at the private beach of The Caletas.

As the sun sets, candles gain space on the beach, which has no electricity. One excellent buffet is served with a variety of Mexican food options, meat, fish, chicken, salads, breads and cheeses. In addition to the desserts, which are unmissable.

After dinner, all visitors go to an open theater to watch a super production with 20 artists, who dance, sing and perform acrobatics with fire. The show tells the story of ancient civilization and surprises with its visual effects. The cost of the tour is around 130 dollars (price as of June 2016).

HOW TO GET

For both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, the easiest way to get there is to get off at Puerto Vallarta airportwhich is very close to both regions.

We travel from Aeromexico leaving São Paulo (Guarulhos)9h flight, with a stop at Mexico City and another 1 hour flight to Vallarta Port. There are no direct flights from Brazil to there.

When we arrived in Puerto Vallarta, a team from Tropical Incentives was already waiting for us to take us to the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Upon arrival, they offered a cold towel and water. And one very striking thing was the friendliness of everyone on the team, especially the Lorrainewho accompanied us on all the tours.

It is worth mentioning that Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit are still regions of Mexico where the country’s real culture predominates. It’s not all prefabricated and Americanized. It’s worth getting to know and being surprised by the friendliness of the Mexican people.

+ See all tips about Mexico
+ What it’s like to travel on Aeromexico executive
+ Review do Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
+ Mexico City: When to go, what to do and where to stay

* The journalist traveled to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta at the invitation of Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and Aeromexico.

Adolfo Nomelini

Journalist graduated from PUC-SP and postgraduate in Communication in Digital Media, he is passionate about music, coxinha, television, his glasses and the internet. He has worked with online content for more than 15 years and spends much of his time “throwing his body out into the world, walking everywhere and, according to the natural law of encounters, leaving and receiving something.”