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Riviera Nayarit
Once you continue beyond Banderas Bay, the mountains hide the remainder of the Pacific Coastline until you zigzag through them to once again connect with the shore. While it´s not the first town, nevertheless Sayulita is recognized worldwide for good surfing. And that was long before Internet cafes joined the shops, boutiques and galleries of growingly chic Sayulita. Next on the coast is the Mexican pueblo of San Pancho (San Francisco) where not only do you find gourmet but polo, beaches and boutique hotels. And finally, the popular Lo de Marcos, where Mexican families find their spots on the beach during busy holidays.
PROS
• Genuine character to each of the towns
• Growing population allows for decent investment opportunities
• Increasingly popular for rentals, both national and international
• Artist colony attracts consumers which increases business
• Good surfing including classes for those new to the sport
• Can´t beat the polo with a stick
• Fantastic beaches
• Boutique properties and villas for vacationers
• Variety of price ranges for investors
CONS
• Distance from airport and Puerto Vallarta
• Lack of services such as supermarkets, hospitals and variety of restaurants
• Infrastructure such as drainage, water, gas and decent streets slower to come by
• Day-trippers take all the parking during the busy season
• Small town life not for everyone
Rural Mexico shows a sophisticated face in the small towns north of the Punta de Mita peninsula. While a highway connects to Sayulita through the developing area of Litibú on the north side of Punta de Mita, the main highway (Mexico 200) takes a winding route through the mountains to arrive once again at the coast. New entrances have been built from the highway to access each of the three major towns mentioned. Visit each one to discover its particular character. Since the area faces the Pacific Ocean rather than the bay, breezes tend to be more constant throughout the season, reflected in the open architecture of the homes.
Sayulita is primarily known as an art community with a growing foreign presence effecting not only prices but availability of services. Villas, boutique hotels and colorful residences are some of the options for rentals. The main beach is fronted by businesses, restaurants with beach palapas, stores, a cyber café and a well-developed beach campground with security, clean showers and other facilities. Right on the beach you´ll find the surfing school with classes easily arranged for all ages and abilities. Walking around town you´ll discover art galleries, more boutiques and chic local restaurants and cafes. During the annual Sayulita Days of the last week of February, local events include live music, street dancing, stands with handcrafts and other wares as well as samples of local cuisine.
San Pancho (San Francisco) is a more rural town accessible once again off the main highway by bus or private vehicle. One main street lined with restaurants, cafes and shops leads into town dead-ending at the beach where parking is allowed for day-trippers. Options for rentals include a boutique hotel in town, a larger resort hotel on the north end and a number of private villas and homes. Unique to this coast are the exhibition polo grounds with regular Saturday matches from November to May. During San Pancho´s annual birthday September 26, expect a week-long series of events including street stands with local cuisine, a religious procession honoring patron saint San Francisco de Assisi, a parade on horseback including the polo club and local charros and finally, fireworks, live music and a street dance.
Lo de Marcos is primarily a market for nationals, arriving throughout the season by chartered bus from destinations such as Guadalajara, León, Mexico City and beyond. Numerous inexpensive hotels and beach cabins fill to capacity while streets are lined with stands offering local fare and wares. Most rental options tend to be quite average but standards are rising as investments continue in this growing town. Lots and parcels of land are still available for investors.
