Punta Mita is a beautiful fishing village on the Mexican Pacific coast, an ideal tourist place to relax by the sea.
It’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Riviera Nayarit, distinguished by its vast expanses of jungle and crystal clear waters that protect coral reefs and abundant marine life.
According to Aztec culture, Punta Mita means “door to paradise,” which is precisely what you will feel when you visit this cozy town of beautiful beaches, tropical jungles, and places that maintain the original culture of Mexico.
The first time I visited Punta Mita was when I arrived in Puerto Vallarta for the first time in 2002.
It was still a tiny town, making itself known then.
Even though almost 20 years have passed, it is still a spectacular place with many hidden places to discover and activities to do.
That’s why I decided to share this guide about Punta Mita so you can enjoy it like many other people who come here every year.
How far is Punta Mita from Puerto Vallarta Airport?
The peninsula of Punta Mita is north of the famous Banderas Bay in Nayarit.
If you are in Puerto Vallarta, it is approximately a 45-minute drive from the airport and about an hour and a half if you’re in the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone.
If you’re driving from the Mexican mainland, you must take Federal Highway 15, which connects the state of Nayarit with Mexico City.
To visit Punta Mita by air, you can depart from any main National and International destination to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
What is Punta Mita Nayarit known for?
Outdoor activities
The natural beauties of the Riviera Nayarit are ideal for outdoor activities such as horseback riding along the beaches or through the tropical jungle and surfing lessons at La Lancha and Los Burros beaches (or the nearby Sayulita).
The Marietas Islands are natural caves or caverns with hidden beaches inside.
Also, tours to the Marietas Islands are top-rated, while at the same time, you can meet the humpback whales that come between November and March to give birth to their calves.
Mouthwatering gastronomy
Punta Mita is known for being a fishing area thanks to its easy access to the open seas.
So it is not surprising that you will find a variety of dishes with a touch of typical Nayarit cuisines, such as fresh seafood, enchiladas, oyster sopes, zarandeado fish, or delicious fish ceviche.
Admire the Huichol Art
The Huichol community, which extends mainly in Nayarit and part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, is very colorful. This is reflected in their handicrafts.
Their handicrafts are one of the main tourist attractions since each piece has a special meaning.
In their works, chaquira (beads) and yarn predominate; you can find figures of animals such as jaguars, deer, and lizards, or jewelry with floral designs.
Practice water sports in Punta Mita
Punta Mita is a prime destination to admire the fauna and flora and enter the sea world.
Underwater activities such as scuba diving or snorkeling through the coral reefs are common.
Visitors can have encounters with dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays—ideal for spending a relaxing vacation and enjoying its natural beauties.
World-class accommodations
As I discuss later in this post, this small peninsula has exclusive hotels, such as the Four Seasons Resort, among other top-notch brands.
For example, there’s the Iberostar Selection Playa Mita, a tourist complex with more than 400 rooms, unique in its style; the interior design of the lodging reflects the Huichol work, characteristic of the area.
This all-inclusive resort has four restaurants that use fish and seafood from responsible sources, certified under rigorous environmental standards.
And as part of their commitment to the environment, they replaced single-use plastic with reusable alternatives that are less harmful to the ecosystem.
Among its attractions is an 18-hole golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the massage area where you can choose from body treatments to facials with seaweed.
You may want to read: 10 Best Golf Courses in Mexico: Where Are They?
What are the best hotels in Punta Mita?
As I said earlier, Punta Mita is a tourist destination with world-class hotels and resorts for all budgets.
Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the best resorts:
1. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
This hotel offers its guests a unique experience, which they can repeat every time they stay in its rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
It is considered one of the best hotels in the area, combining elegant decor and modern style. You can choose from casitas, suites, residences, and villas, all just a few steps from the sandy beach.
The treatments offered at the spa can be applied privately or outdoors in the cabanas. It also offers tours to learn more about the area and do typical activities such as fishing and diving.
On a side note, this is the first place I worked as a bartender 20 years ago when I moved to Puerto Vallarta from Guadalajara. I learned a lot and met super cool people.
But above all, I could experience firsthand the stunning beauty of Punta Mita and its immense potential yet to offer.
2. St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
Another beautiful hotel with ocean-view rooms that will surely exceed your expectations.
Watch the sunset from its comfortable facilities and receive a message at the beach’s edge, without a doubt, a service of another level.
3. Punta Mita Suites & Hostel Eco-friendly hotel
Its facilities near the beach are comfortable and warm.
4. W Punta Mita
Preferred by young people for its beautiful and modern hipster decor, alluding to surfing and beach life, the W Punta Mita preserves the cultural principles of Mexico but with contemporary styles.
Its 119 rooms have ocean views and private terraces. In any of its five restaurants near the pool area, you will taste the typical Mexican food of the region and international dishes.
5. Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa
An all-inclusive beachfront hotel renowned for its excellent guest service and beautiful facilities, including swimming pools and recreational areas for children and adults. Each of its rooms has an ocean view.
6. Iberostar Playa Mita
This hotel has excellent spaces for the entertainment of everyone in the family, from the water parks for children and the bar or spa for adults.
The deluxe rooms have a bonus: spa and whirlpool tubs.
In addition, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis courts, and a gym.
Its spacious deluxe rooms with private baths, Internet, minibar, and 24-hour room service, offer a view of the golf courses and the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
7. Imanta Resort
An ideal hotel for couples who want a romantic vacation.
Its fully-equipped rooms have a unique ocean view that gives a sense of freedom and unsurpassed harmony.
In addition to strolling on the soft sand at the beach’s edge, you can eat at its restaurant and have a piña colada.
8. Casa de Mita
Although a little smaller and 3-star, the Casa de Mita Hotel is equally comfortable, cozy, and pleasant, with rooms designed considering even the smallest detail to make guests feel at home.
The service is excellent.
9. Punta de Mita Luxury Beachfront Condo
All 12 rooms at this boutique hotel have ocean views. Its swimming pool has a beautiful panoramic ocean view where you will feel the rich sea breeze on your face. It is more than pleasant; it is pleasurable.
The Punta de Mita Luxury Beachfront Condo bar offers delicious cocktails you can enjoy while relaxing in its facilities.
10. Hotel Meson de Mita
A hotel with a more rustic flair but with fascinating colorful decorations, where you’ll find nearby mini-shops to buy local handicrafts and beach accessories.
The Meson de Mita, located on Anclote Beach, 40 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, also organizes excursions and surf lessons for a fun afternoon.
Its 22 rooms overlook the ocean and the spectacular Marietas Island. You can choose between double, triple, and quadruple suites with a kitchen.
11. Marival Armony Resort and Suites Punta de Mita
The rooms at this 5-star hotel have Internet service, private bathrooms, and a sitting area to share with friends.
The Marival Armony Resort and Suites Punta de Mita spa is known in Mexico and internationally for its packages and different types of massages, hydro-massage tubs, and exercise equipment.
12. Haixa
This cute hotel is located in Higuera Blanca, a town near Punta de Mita known for its beautiful private beaches.
Its facilities include swimming pools, recreational areas, spas, saunas, and a cozy restaurant bar.
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