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If you’re an American living in a colder region of the United States, and you haven’t had the chance to escape to a sunny spot yet, whether that’s because of the rising prices we saw last summer or just a bad timing, then chances are you’re entertaining the idea of an escape to the Mexican Pacific Ocean.
We can’t blame you because it really is a phenomenal destination when it comes to all-inclusive stays, beaches and all that incomparable, warm hospitalitybut there’s also no denying that it has become extremely busy in recent years and is the opposite of what a relaxing holiday should be.
It’s perhaps not surprising that tourists are now flocking to this alternative destination, just north of the hugely popular Puerto Vallarta, where they can access all those world-class amenities and still be surrounded by nature (with smaller crowds):
This unheard of city is becoming a popular vacation destination for Americans
The small town of Rincón de Guayabitos is located about an hour’s drive north of Puerto Vallarta, in the neighboring state of Nayarit. attract more American travelers this year because demand for lesser-known, not very busy destinations is growing.
Although Puerto Vallarta ticks all the boxes when it comes to a tropical vacation, with sandy beaches, a highly developed resort strip and a bohemian zone, it can packed during high season.
Last year Vallarta saw its highest arrival numbers to date, and looks set to surpass it in 2023 as the main international airport serving both the city and the adjacent Riviera Nayarit, of which Guayabitos is part, records records a double-digit increase in passengers.
However, not all incoming visitors head to Puerto Vallarta and will often use the city as an access point to the wider Pacific coast.
Of all the secondary destinations riding this wave of popularity, Guayabitos is one of the most sought-after places because it a contrasting experience compared to that of Puerto Vallarta, as it is much smaller, resulting in a more abundant natural environment and less of a party scene.
What’s so special about Guayabitos?
It has a population of around 3,000 and is part of the wider Riviera Nayarit, a coastal area that stretches for 200 miles, dotted with luxury hotels, golf courses and surfing zones, and where there is certainly no shortage of quaint, sleepy towns to choose from . a base.
Still, Guayabitos is unique:
For those of you who have been to these parts before, you already know that the coast can be more rugged compared to the Caribbean, that the sand is usually golden and that the seas – amusingly enough – are not as ‘peaceful’ and deep can be. azure blue as opposed to crystal clear.
In Guayabitos there are not alone numerous swimming-friendly areas which resort guests can easily access, but the municipal beach is a sandy beach, white sand thenlicked by light blue water.
With temperatures ranging from 69°F to 89°F, it’s one of the best hidden corners to enjoy Nayarit’s spectacular scenery, sunbathe and slow down for a while, without the constant interference of bachelor parties and city noises you might find in Vallarta come.
Are you looking for an all-inclusive where you can barricade yourself, mute your phone, pamper yourself and sample an assortment of delectable dishes from an impressive continental breakfast?
You will be spoiled for choice here.
Plenty of charming hotels to choose from
And they fit every budget
With rates this winter starting as cheap as $123 per night and going up to as much as a eye-watering $1,704there is an incredible selection of tourist accommodations in the city that cater to a diverse audience, from budget-conscious travelers to big spenders.
If you fall into the first category and spend most of your time outdoors, it is reasonably priced Villa Corona del Mar is a good choice, because it is within the ‘normal’ price range, and it is an oceanfront property where breakfast is included and it is just a short walk to the nearest beach.
Other options are the three-star Reg suites, a short 0.4 mile walk to the main shopping street ($150 per night), or the rustic, budget-friendly Las Glorias bungalows, for those who simply need a cozy sleeping space a few steps from the beach.
Want to spend your money on a monumental, ultra-luxurious resort instead?
@destinationinspiration #lurch with @saltyluxe_ Necesito practicar mi accento 🤪 Would you stay here?? #restiktok #bucketlisttravel #airbnbfinds #travelinspo #traveltips #uniquetrip #Mexico #puertovallarta #greenscreen ♬ Original Sound – Destination Inspiration 🌍
The One&Only Mandarina might just be the right choice for you, with an outdoor pool, lush green gardens that give the illusion of being in a wooded area, 24-hour catering, a kids’ club and even an airport shuttle that eliminates the need for overpriced private accommodations transfers.
When it comes to food, there are American-style, Mediterranean and of course Mexican dinners on site, and for those with dietary restrictions – vegetarians and vegans – there are many options available upon request, as stated on their website.
If you want to explore the area surrounding the resort, the hotel also offers car rental and you may be able to book day trips that take you deeper into the Nayarit Protected Reserve, where you can hike, snorkel, and more in the surrounding mountains.
This feature is most appreciated by couples, who give it an almost perfect score 9.7/10 average for a stay for two.
An underrated hotspot for culture and foodie
@cocos__ixtapa 🍍piña loca🍍 @cocos_ixtapa ♬ sonido original – 🌴Cocos ixtapa🌴
Apart from the beautiful beaches and great service, a standard among coastal towns in Mexico, this is what you would expect some cultural value in Guayabitos, as it is known on the Nayarit Riviera as a traditional settlement that has retained its small town character, and a foodie hotspot.
No visit to Guayabitos is complete without sampling a refreshing piña loca, a sweet and sour dish with tamarindo peanuts and pineapple, plátanos fritos (or fried bananas) and pan de coco, an originally Jamaican coconut milk-based filled pastry that has evolved into a popular street snack across Nayarit.
Guayabitos is preparing for a wave of tourism this season, as Benito Castillo Lerman, head of the local hotel association himself said.
According to Lermanm, ‘more than a thousand employees’ have now received extensive training for this to receive foreign visitors better this winterand area businesses are exploring new ways to provide them with more “meaningful” cultural and culinary experiences.
The quality of tours and excursions is also increasing, as are hygiene levels, a widespread problem among Americans who stray from the path in Mexico as the country is portrayed in the media as having suboptimal food and water safety standards outside major urban centers and resorts. towns.
Guayabitos expects a record number of visitors this winter
As much as 30,000 tourists They’re predicted to head straight to Guayabitos upon arrival in the region in the coming months – far less than Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta will receive, but it’s exactly why it’s perfect for travelers actively looking for a relaxing getaway.
The nearest airport is Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, which serves both Puerto Vallarta and the Nayarit Riviera. 32 miles from the airport.
If your hotel reservation does not include a shuttle service, please pre-book your private transportation for a stress-free transfer.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
