I’m a traveler who embraces stark contrasts. Take, as an example, my current journey to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.
Simply north of Puerto Vallarta, this 200-mile stretch of shoreline is residence to among the most luxurious beachfront resorts on the earth. But simply down the street, you’ll discover lower-key, extra bohemian-feeling villages with a decidedly native aptitude. Native communities, together with some Huichol Indigenous individuals, reside right here among the many passing vacationers (like me).
My journey started within the gated, five-star neighborhood of Punta Mita. Whereas I liked the opulence there, coming to Riviera Nayarit and never exploring the cities past would have been a missed alternative. So the latter half of my journey took me to Sayulita and San Pancho.
Whereas it’s true that these enclaves are not hidden gems, they each present a style of Mexican village life. I wandered by colourful plazas, devoured freshly grilled seafood at cut price costs and hiked by the native jungle to a virgin seaside.
The place did you keep? What was the vibe?
A boutique lodge with a jungle-like setting. This a part of Riviera Nayarit doesn’t (but) have the mega-resorts or all-inclusives you would possibly discover in Puerto Vallarta or Punta Mita. As an alternative, boutique lodging abound. I stayed at Casa Selva, which has 14 particular person bungalows on a sloping hillside within the north a part of Sayulita. The placement was superb: lower than quarter-hour on foot to the middle of city however a world away from the late-night commotion. Seashore entry is throughout the road, and the beginning of the hike to Playa Malpaso was simply two minutes from my door.
Favourite exercise from the journey?
My guided tour by the jungle. Whereas its eclectic spirit and thriving nightlife is a significant draw, Sayulita has loads of nature-filled actions on the town, too. My mornings began off with a stroll as much as the northernmost part of city, on Avenida del Palmar (lower than quarter-hour from the city heart). From there, a winding path weaves its approach by the jungle to Playa Malpaso, a secluded seaside lower than two miles from city. My information, Alejo, accompanied me and expertly shared his information of the wildlife alongside the route.
Smartest thing you ate?
I sampled quite a lot of dishes within the Riviera, and a powerful spotlight was the seafood at El Jakal, a homey, unassuming restaurant within the north a part of Sayulita. My favorites included the smoked marlin tostada and grilled mahi-mahi with pineapple stew. The home-made salsas – like passionfruit, habanero and blueberry mix – are punchy and flavorful. Ask for Angelica if you’re there.
What’s the one factor that you simply didn’t anticipate?
The attraction of San Pancho. First, let’s be clear: with a inhabitants of solely 5000, Sayulita isn’t an enormous metropolis. Its major thoroughfare is busy, nevertheless – and because of an abundance of golf carts and outsized margaritas, it has a sure Disney-for-grown-ups vibe. But simply 4 miles away, San Pancho has a attraction that feels far more Mexican. I favored Sayulita, however I liked San Pancho (formally often known as San Francisco). The city’s major avenue, resulting in the seaside, has a smattering of hip eating places, cafes and bars. However stray a couple of blocks away and also you’ll encounter gems like San Pancho’s solely teahouse or a brightly coloured cantina tucked behind rows of cinder-block homes.
Did you carry residence a memento?
Regardless of the place I’m on the earth, savoring the tastes, sights and sounds of an area market is considered one of my favourite journey actions – and San Pancho’s small however thriving native artisan market each Tuesday morning delivered. Count on loads of natural greens, espresso, textiles, native artwork and reside music. And are available hungry: the Tuesday market had a wide range of distributors, together with contemporary blue-corn quesadillas and (surprisingly) among the finest samosas I’ve sampled outdoors of South Asia. Wash all of it down with a coconut horchata.
What was the most convenient factor you packed?
Footwear that may be worn on the streets…and the seaside. Wherever you’re going within the Riviera, you’ll in all probability encounter two sorts of terrain: cobblestones and sand. I packed my favourite pair of espadrilles, which I bought in Guatemala – the perfect shoe for each strolling and seaside going.
Your prime tip for anybody planning the identical journey?
Go to in spring. My favourite time to go to is April, earlier than the rain, humidity and crowds arrive in June. The climate continues to be balmy however snug and you may expertise most sights with ease.
Chris traveled to Mexico with the assist of Casa Selva. Lonely Planet doesn’t settle for freebies in alternate for optimistic protection.
