Nayarit Mexico Travel
Your Ultimate Guide to Nayarit Mexico
Nayarit Mexico travel GUIDE CONTENTS
Location | Riviera Nayarit | Getting There | Where to Stay | Things to Do | Tours | Safety Tips | FAQ
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Nayarit Travel: At a Glance
Beauty and culture abounds in Nayarit, one of the most unique states in Mexico. It has some of the top Mexico travel destinations — like Sayulita and Punta Mita, some of the best beaches in Mexico.
There’s also the Islas Marietas hidden beach, and other great Nayarit hidden gems, like the pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Compostela and Jala.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Nayarit Mexico: Know before you go
- 💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
- 🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common in Sayulita and Punta Mita
- 🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
- 🔌 Electricity Socket: You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
- 📲 Mexico SIM Card: Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards.
- 🚙 Car Rentals: The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico for info on the process.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Where is Nayarit Mexico located?
Nayarit state, located in south-central Mexico, is one of the Mexico Pacific States that sit on the Pacific Ocean.
On the coast of Nayarit there’s the Riviera Nayarit, a long stretch of coastline with some of the best beaches in Mexico, like Sayulita and Punta Mita. Inland, you’ll enjoy the Nayarit state capital of Tepic, a beautiful colonial city.
Nayarit Map
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
What is Riviera Nayarit Mexico?
Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit is a nearly 200-mile (322 km) stretch of coastline in the state of Nayarit Mexico.
It starts just west of Puerto Vallarta in the town of Nuevo Vallarta, and ends in the historic port town of San Blas. In between, there are beach towns of all types and sizes for visitors to enjoy.
Best Beaches in Riviera Nayarit
🏝 Sayulita: Perhaps the most popular of all Riviera Nayarit beaches, the bohemian town of Sayulita attracts everyone from surfers, expats and artists, to backpackers, Instagram influencers and yogis.
🏝 Punta Mita: This upscale resort town in Mexico has some of the best options for luxury travelers — including the 5 Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Four Seasons Punta Mita and St. Regis Punta Mita.
🏝 San Pancho: When Sayulita started getting very popular, those in the know began venturing to San Francisco (AKA San Pancho, Nayarit) to escape the crowds and enjoy the laid back vibes.
🏝 Nuevo Vallarta: Just a 20-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the community of Nuevo Vallarta, home to a large population of expats in Mexico and beautiful beaches on the Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas).
🏝 Bucerias: Located between Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is Bucerias, a laid back Riviera Nayarit beach town that’s popular with digital nomads in Mexico and expats.
🏝 Additional Riviera Nayarit beaches: Chacala, San Blas, Destiladeras, Litibu, Rincón de Guayabitos, Playa Tortugas, Lo de Marcos
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
What’s the best airport for Nayarit Mexico?
This depends on where you’re headed. If you’re visiting the best Riviera Nayarit beaches, like Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Pancho, Nuevo Vallarta and Bucerias, use Puerto Vallarta International Airport (code: PVR).
For travel in other parts of the state, like Tepic and Compostela, you’ll want to fly into Tepic International Airport (code: TPQ).
🚙💨 Visiting the cities and the Nayarit coast?
The best way to get around is by renting a car in Mexico and driving. With a car, you have the freedom to stop in any of the Nayarit beach towns you like, and skip the ones you don’t.
What’s the best way to get to Sayulita Mexico?
As there’s no Sayulita airport, you’ll fly into Puerto Vallarta Airport (code: PVR), which is about one hour and 25 miles (40 km) away.
The safest, most-stress free, easiest and best way to get from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is via private shuttle, especially if this is your first trip to Tulum. ▶︎ BOOK NOW!
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Best Places to Visit in Nayarit Mexico
The vast majority of visitors stay at one of the beach towns on the Riviera Nayarit, like Sayulita, the top Nayarit destination, or Punta Mita, an upscale resort town.
Further inland, Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit, is another great option if you want to see more of Nayarit’s culture and history.
Sayulita, Nayarit Mexico
There are so many great things to do in Sayulita! Popular with Mexico expats, surfers, artists and yogis alike, Sayulita is one of the best bohemian beach towns in Mexico. It is also one of the safest cities in Mexico.
Is Sayulita worth visiting? The Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town) is an adorable place. Popular with backpackers, there are also amazing and posh Sayulita hotels, so it appeals to many types of travelers.
Punta Mita, Nayarit Mexico
The Riviera Nayarit has several beach towns to enjoy, but if you want luxurious 5 Star resorts in Mexico, head to Punta Mita. There are beautiful beaches, but also world class golf courses and restaurants to enjoy.
Is Punta Mita worth visiting? If you can afford to splurge, Punta Mita is amazing! It has posh resorts comparable to those in Riviera Maya or Los Cabos, but much fewer tourists.
San Pancho, Nayarit Mexico
Located only about 20 minutes from Sayulita, you’ll be in the back town of San Francisco — better known as San Pancho. If you want to experience a real Mexican pueblo on the beach, this is it!
Is San Pancho worth visiting? Many say San Pancho is what Sayulita was 10-15 years ago before Sayulita got Instagram famous. If you’re looking for laid back boho vibes, you’ll love San Pancho, Mexico.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Best things to do in Nayarit Mexico
Nayarit travel has so much to offer!
The coastal cities of Sayulita, San Pancho, Bucerias and Punta Mita have beautiful beaches to one side and the Sierra Madre mountains to the other, whale watching in winter, a lively party scene and gorgeous resorts.
The inland cities of Tepic, Compostela and Jala offer culture, amazing food and colonial architecture.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Best Nayarit tours
Tours in Nayarit are a great way to see the main cities and their surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Nayarit, this is the best way to get around because transportation costs add up quickly!
🚙💨 Note: If you do want to have a car in Nayarit, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Mexico.
Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in Sayulita and the surrounding areas — including the Mexico hidden beach at Islas Marietas Islands, and more.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Is Nayarit safe for travelers?
According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Nayarit if you stick to the popular places (ie. Riviera Nayarit beaches) like Sayulita and Punta Mita, the cities, and Nayarit pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Tepic, Jala and Compostela.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
—Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source: Forbes)
That’s not to say bad things still don’t happen in those parts of Nayarit; they do.
As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
For an added safety measure, pack these travel safety items, dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card.
What’s the best travel insurance for Mexico?
This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you, consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.
🏆 In general, I only ever recommend two companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:
- SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
- Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
- 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!
Nayarit Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Mexico?
No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption.
However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
So what can you do?
- If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
- You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more.
I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
What’s the best time to visit Nayarit Mexico?
October to March is the time to visit Nayarit state, when the temperatures are mild, and the humidity and mosquitoes are at bay.
This is also during the annual January to March whale migration in Mexico, when pacific gray, humpback, orcas and other species swim along the coast of Nayarit en route to their breeding grounds.
☀️ Sayulita & Riviera Nayarit weather
Is Nayarit expensive?
It Depends — Punta Mita has some of the best 5 Star resorts in Mexico, so those are of course pricey. Sayulita is getting more and more popular, and also more pricey each year, though you can still visit on a budget.
For true budget travel in Nayarit, opt for the smaller beach towns, like Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, and San Francisco (AKA San Pancho).
Nayarit Mexico travel guide
Is Nayarit worth visiting?
Yes — Nayarit is a unique Mexico destination that many types of travelers will love, and there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Nayarit.
Nature enthusiasts will adore horseback riding in the Sierra Madres, whale watching in the winter and snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park.
How many days do I need in Nayarit Mexico?
If you want to check out all the best Riviera Nayarit beaches, you’ll want at least five full days to explore the coast. To also incorporate the cities and pueblos magicos (Mexico magic towns) further inland, you’ll want another three full days.
These numbers will also depend on your travel style, as some take month-long Nayarit surf trips.
🗣 Mexico Language
Mexico Fun Fact: There’s actually no official language of Mexico!
Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico.
☀️ Mexico Weather
Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.
✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season
• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.
• Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.
• Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.
🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!
Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.
Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:
• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.
• Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.
• Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.
• Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.
Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.
• Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.
The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🤔 What is the mexico FMM?
When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.
In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!
🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times
Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card, it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.
🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.
Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.
If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.
If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.
As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer (I wish it did!), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.
Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.
💃 Mexico solo travel guides
Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers.
In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.
🎧 solo travel podcasts
• Ep. 34 | Planning your first Mexico solo trip
• Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico
• Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1
To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES, it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.
The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!
🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!
As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.
If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
🗣 Here are some options:
- Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish, so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
- Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
- Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
- Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.
