Affordable Riviera Nayarit: Bargains Beyond the Big Resorts Mark Rogers - USA Today | |
go to original August 26, 2016 |
The word “riviera” sparks instant thoughts of luxury and privilege. It’s where well-heeled French vacationers have holidayed for centuries, and in Mexico, the Riviera Maya has been attracting luxe-loving tourists for decades. The newest riviera destination is Riviera Nayarit, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. While Riviera Nayarit was initially promoted as a luxury getaway, it’s now garnering attention as a well-rounded destination with appeal for all types of travelers, including those on a budget.
During my travels in the region, I thoroughly enjoyed my stays at over-the-top resorts such as St. Regis Punta Mita, and Imanta Resort. But I was even more impressed by the simple pleasures to be found in laid-back towns like Sayulita and San Francisco (San Pancho to the locals). Here are some tips on how a traveler with limited funds can make the most of their time visiting Riviera Nayarit.
Mexicans love to eat out, which often means grabbing a bite from a street vendor. Travelers in towns like Sayulita can score a fish taco for $1, or opt for more exotic street fare, like a fresh fruit salad dusted with spicy Tajín. One of the most enterprising vendors I saw was in San Francisco — he was selling an assortment of Mexican sweet bread from the trunk of his car. Look around for the busiest vendors, the ones Mexicans frequent; this is often where the finest street food is being served. It’s possible to eat very well in Riviera Nayarit for $10 to $15 a day, leaving plenty of room in a budget for splurging once in a while on a sit-down restaurant meal.
I can recommend Don Pedro’s in Sayulita for such a meal, where you’ll be right on Sayulita’s main beach, which is always lively with surfers, people strumming guitars, friendly dogs, and little kids playing at the edge of the ocean. Get one of the tables inside the restaurant that look out on the beach, order up some ceviche and cerveza and enjoy the show.
While Riviera Nayarit has championship golf courses, marinas filled with yachts, and sophisticated spas, it also has plenty of options for simple pleasures...
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From activities like hiking, swimming, bike riding and yoga, to restaurants offering healthy menus, Vallarta-Nayarit is the ideal place to continue - or start - your healthy lifestyle routine.