Riviera Nayarit, Mexico – Riviera Nayarit is a gem of a destination on the Pacific Coast that offers travelers a multitude of reasons to visit including 192 miles of beaches to discover, luxury resorts and charming boutique hotels, history dating back to the Aztec civilization, unspoiled fishing villages and “down home” Mexican cooking, world class golf, relaxing spas and deep sea fishing
Hugging 192 miles of Pacific coast north of Puerto Vallarta and protected by the dramatic range of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Riviera Nayarit blends the timeless authenticity of Mexican culture and hospitality with the latest in tourism facilities and services. The Four Seasons and St. Regis are among the hotel companies bringing a new level of luxury; superstars like Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus are redefining the game of golf here. An extraordinary abundance of wildlife from giant manta rays and humpback whales to protected sea turtles and rare migratory birds draw both vacationers and experts from around the world. And, with ambitious plans for new resorts, hotels and recreational facilities, Riviera Nayarit is well on its way toward making a major impact on North American tourism.
This new destination is located in the State of Nayarit, extending from the Rio Ameca beside the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta along Banderas Bay to exclusive Punta Mita, then further up the undeveloped Pacific coastline to the colonial town and wildlife sanctuaries of San Blas and the border with the state of Sinaloa.
For visitors, the gateway to Riviera Nayarit is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, only ten minutes away from Nuevo Vallarta. Most of the region’s current tourism facilities are located on Banderas Bay, one of the world’s largest bays, which is also renowned for its extensive variety of water sports from diving and snorkeling to sailing and deep sea fishing.
Riviera Nayarit is also fast-becoming one of Mexico’s foremost golfing destinations. Renowned professionals and designers have created five aesthetically pleasing golf courses with varying degrees of difficulty. Among the highlights is the El Tigre Golf Club at Paradise Village designed by Von Hagge; the Jack Nicklaus designed course at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Punta Mita; and the Mayan Golf Resorts Vallarta by Lipe. Last year, a second Jack Nicklaus creation in Punta Mita welcomed players and a Greg Norman golf course in Litibu is slated to open this year.
Ecological wonders abound in Riviera Nayarit and travelers can get closer to nature and understanding the importance of preserving this precious resource. In Nayarit, you can experience nature tours like whale watching on a catamaran, participation in sea turtle preservation efforts and snorkeling in crystal clear aquamarine waters to get closer to colorful coral reefs and underwater species. Precious ecological sanctuaries for rare birds are located in Islas Marietas and La Tovara National Park. In Las Caletasand Banderas Bay, visitors can even swim and interact with friendly seals while outdoor adventurers can explore the rich natural habitats of the forests and Sierra Madre Mountains.
North of Banderas Bay and Punta Mita are miles of seemingly endless white sand beaches, the somewhat bohemian surfing town of Sayulita and friendly fishing villages where new tourism facilities will be developed in the next decade. Driving along the thickly forested and scenic two lane highway north of Punta Mita to San Blas, visitors can make stops by colorful roadside markets to sample homemade candies, fresh juices and succulent tropical fruits.
Riviera Nayarit’s cultural history dates back thousands of years, encompassing four ethnic traditions, including pre-Columbian cultures and the Huichols. Nayarit’s excellent preservation of its culture can be seen in its native Huichol tribe who have preserved their rich culture and ancient beliefs through their art. The Huichols are renowned for their beaded animal figures and elaborate yarn paintings containing symbols borne out of their culture and shamanistic traditions. Mexcaltitan is a small island of floating mangroves that is reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztecs. Archeological sites with hundreds of petroglyphs and vestiges of ancient villages remain still awaiting excavation to become accessible to visitors.
With every visit to Riviera Nayarit, there is always something new to discover and the essence of this destination will rejuvenate and excite the most jaded of travelers. For more information on Riviera Nayarit please visit www.RivieraNayarit.com.
-Convention Visitor Bureau Riviera Nayarit Mexico




