The Jaltemba Bay on the central Pacific coast of Mexico has helped grow and nourish three little towns that – even though they are a stone’s throw from tourist haven Puerto Vallarta – are as authentic coastal Mexican towns as you will find. Jaltemba Bay activities can have you relaxing on the beach or fighting a huge marlin out in the clear blue water.
First there is Rincon de Guayabitos, where sheer cliffs plunge into the ocean beside beaches lined with jagged rock before giving way to exquisite sand, blue waves, and beautiful views of the mountains across the bay. Rincon de Guayabitos is probably the most upscale town in the Jaltemba Bay area – although upscale is a relative term around here. And the thing is, the tourists traveling up this coastal area of Mexico are likely not looking for the top-of-the-line restaurants and hotels and spas of Puerto Vallarta. While attracting tourism is definitely a priority in all of these tiny fishing towns, they also know that the party atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta is not what is going to bring tourists through the area. The villages in the Jaltemba Bay area really try to maintain a more authentic, low-key tone, and therefore deliver a more relaxed and enjoyable trip.
La Peñita is a lively fishing village full of activities on Jaltemba Bay that simply oozes with authentic Mexico. The tropical fruit and seafood in this town are unbelievable, all of it so fresh as to have been hanging in a tree that morning, or swimming in the bay the night before by any of the areas hundreds of local small-time commercial fishermen and their crew.
Los Ayala is relatively modern and comfortable as well, although it is the smallest of the fishing villages for Jaltemba Bay activities. Barely a half-mile long, do not be surprised to see chickens skittering across the mostly unpaved streets or the occasional tiny lizard wiggle out the door of a cantina. Los Ayala is not frat-party, touristy kind of place. It is a real Mexican village that – while they love the tourism that does make it through there – they do not attract the frat-party or exclusive resort crowd. The village has a few vacation rentals, of course, but mainly it is simply a home to the local Mexicans, who are friendly and quite patient with rudimentary Spanish speakers. Meals of fresh seafood and regional crops are ridiculously cheap and the freshness makes it all so delicious.
All of the Jaltemba Bay activities are in the Riviera Nayarit – a region in Mexico where state and local officials have made a positive and concerted effort to attract tourism, modernize facilities and infrastructure, and maintain a low crime rate.
The Riviera Nayarit in Mexico is a secret, eco-friendly alternative to big resort Mexico vacations.
Bahia Jaltemba Bay is only 1 hour from Puerto Vallarta airport, yet a world away; come immerse yourself in Mexican culture and see how real Mexico lives.
