Curator’s statement
Our southern neighbor, Mexico, is a country rich in culture, food and history. Its culture is a vibrant mix of pre-Columbian traditions and Spanish influences. When a colleague described Punta Mita on the Nayarit Riveria as the Costa Rica of Mexico, I wasted no time on planning a visit. Punta Mita and Punta de Mita are the same place. Punta Mita is used to refer to the small peninsula, while Punta de Mita is used to refer to the larger area above the peninsula. Punta Mita boasts a breathtaking landscape where lush tropical mountains seamlessly converge with the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its seven main resorts are all Fora Preferred Partners and welcome guests at different price points. I was delighted by the warm hospitality of the locals, the delectable freshness of the food, the luxurious ambiance of the resorts and the impeccable service.
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Where to stay in Punta Mita, Mexico
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Things to do in Punta Mita, Mexico
Things to Consider:
Seasonality Factors to Consider: The high seasons in Punta Mita are November to the first week of January and March to May. I visited in February and the weather was warm in the mid 70s. You can definitely visit in summer, but be prepared for the heat and humidity. Summer is also considered the rainy season. I was told that means it rains for thirty minutes or so most days but not for a large portion of the day. Lastly, summer and the first part of fall are hurricane season. So be prepared for storm possibilities by purchasing trip insurance. Take insect repellent as well as sunscreen in every season.
Cash Needs: At resorts, housekeeping and other staff seem indifferent to being tipped in dollars or pesos. In town, larger merchants take credit cards while flea market vendors want cash in pesos. Definitely know the dollar to pesos exchange rate before you go. And make sure that you have small bills in dollars or pesos appropriate for tipping.
Tipping: General guidelines are to tip between 10-20% at restaurants. At resorts, there is a 10%+ gratuity added to your food bills. This amount is split among all hotel employees. Expectations seem to vary among resorts. Ask your hotel check-in staff or concierge to decide how much more, if any, you want to add to your resort restaurant check totals. Leave up to $5 (or peso equivalent) per day for housekeeping staff. Taxis and App Cab drivers appreciate a tip. Consider rounding up the fare on the meter to the nearest $5 or $10 pesos.
Transportation: Most of the resorts have contracted companies that provide transportation for hotel guests. Hotel transportation costs more than Ubers and taxis. However, several hotel employees at different resorts told me Ubers and taxis are also safe. Decide what you are comfortable with. I used hotel transportation. If you use a taxi, make sure you know what the cost will be before you get in.
Things to Do:
Visit Marietas Island - The island is part of the Marietas Islands National Park and is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural beauty.
One of the main attractions of Marieta Island is its hidden beach, called Playa del Amor or the Hidden Beach. This beach is nestled inside a collapsed volcanic crater and is only accessible by swimming or kayaking through a natural tunnel. The Hidden Beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine sandy beach, making it a unique and picturesque spot for visitors to explore.
In addition to the Hidden Beach, Marieta Island offers opportunities for snorkeling, bird watching, and observing marine wildlife. The island is a protected marine reserve, home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various seabirds.
Whale Watching - December to March is prime whale watching season. I found private chartered excursions available for this. It is definitely a worthwhile experience, especially if you don’t live close to an area to see them or if you have several people in your group.
Tequila Tasting - Mexico is well-known for producing tequila, a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant. Tequila is a significant part of Mexican culture and is enjoyed both locally and internationally.
A Photography Session - Whether for your group, a couple or an individual session, Punta Mita provides a stunning backdrop for photography and prices are very reasonable. Be sure to review the photographer's website to ensure their photography style matches your aesthetic preferences before making a decision.
Golf and Tennis - Although golf and tennis are not unique activities, they are pastimes enjoyed by many, and there are several resort options in the area.
Visit Sayulita or San Pancho - These are both wonderful towns close to Punta Mita. I chose to visit Sayulita because it is the closest. However, several locals told me that San Pancho is less crowded, has fewer tourists, and is more authentic. Sayulita has some great restaurants and shopping, including a flea market. Both are also on the beach.
ATVs - Guided ATV excursions through the jungle are popular.
Surf Lesson - If this is something you have always wanted to learn, Punta Mita is a good place for it. Many people surf on the beach. And your resort may have boards to use if you want to try it alone.
Visit Monkey Mountain - Monkey Mountain is a popular hiking destination, but you will not see monkeys. Hiking Monkey Mountain offers breathtaking views of the lush jungle, nearby beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail to the summit is considered moderate in difficulty, with some steep sections and rocky terrain. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views once they reach the top. Monkey Mountain is also a great spot for birdwatching. Photographers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to capture the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes found on the mountain. While you can use All Trails to hike on your own, I would recommend using a guide and not going in the heat of summer.
Places to eat & drink in Punta Mita, Mexico
Resort Restaurants:
Codex or Mezquite at the Conrad
Casamilpa at Susurros del Corazon
Majagua or Carolina at The St. Regis
Aramara, Dos Catrinas, or Bahia at the Four Seasons
Restaurants In Corral del Risco:
La Rustica Mita
Hector’s Kitchen
Tuna Blanca
Casa Teresa Punta Mita
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Travel Advisor
Lisa Livingston
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Punta Mita.