clifftop ocean views and uncrowded surf breaks
We spend a lot of time enjoying the beauty of the Baja desert from Cabo north to Rosarito. However, we also welcome the opportunity to enjoy the greener parts of Mexico. One of our favorite spots is Rancho Banderas Punta Mita. The lush and tropical green mountains of Punta de Mita make you realize how mainland Mexico is almost a different country than Baja.
Punta de Mita is a beautiful coastal region about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Its secluded green coastal cliffs run for several miles north until you reach the quiet little town on the bay. The road is quite narrow and windy though, and so I did have to take some peppermint essential oil to calm my stomach.
Rancho Banderas Punta Mita is a resort on the cliffs just outside of the small town. We chose this spot so we could enjoy the clifftop ocean views and uncrowded surf breaks. The sunsets there are also perfect every night!
Two of the breaks (Veneros and Paredon) were a short walk up the beach from Rancho Banderas Punta Mita. There’s nothing like being able to walk to the waves and surf the warm waters in a swimsuit. However, if you can’t handle intense heat and humidity, you may want to skip this region all together or visit in December.
peppers restaurant at rancho banderas punta mita
The Restaurant at Rancho Banderas Punta Mita had excellent food and gorgeous scenic views. We never had to wait to be seated or pay inflated resort prices like many other places. Meanwhile the infinity pool and 2 for 1 happy hour had a way of sneaking into our daily routine.
w punta de mita
A new W hotel opened this year just a few minutes walk north on the beach. This gave us several more upscale restaurants (The Spice Market and Venazu) to explore without having to bother with driving. We also caught some stunning sunsets by their gorgeous pool.
marietas island
You can even see tiny Marietas island which sits about 10 miles off the coast. Marietas is famous for its hidden beach which rumor has it was created by explosions from government test bombs. At high tide, you have to swim under a rock arch and through a cave to get inside the “beach of love.” At Low tide, an entrance opens up large enough that you could enter by kayak.
After you swim through the underwater cave, you reach a tiny beach where you can only see the sky through a large hole in the ceiling (or is it the ground?). It’s even more beautiful than Leonardo do Caprio’s secret beach in “The Beach.” We didn’t have a waterproof camera but Manny J. Soto (@ohhh_itsmanny on Instagram) took this picture which does it justice.
You can catch a boat to Marietas from Punta de Mita for about $70 (half the price that tour campanies charge from Puerto Vallarta). There is also excellent snorkeling around the island preserve.
day trip to sayulita
Another 30 minutes north of Rancho Banderas Punta Mita is Sayulita, a bustling little surf town with lots of energy. It usually has a very gentle surf break reminiscent of Waikiki, which attracts both beginners and seasoned longboarders.
We spent a whole day in Sayulita walking around exploring the beaches, bars, restaurants and shops. We also stumbled upon Playa de Los Muertos, an interesting and beautiful secluded beach surrounded by a cemetery at the south end of town.
If we ever stay the weekend in Sayulita, we will have to try Villa Amor. The boutique hotel nestled on a jungle hill next to Playa de Los Muertos is a popular scenic destination for weddings.
road tripping to puerto vallarta
When there were no waves, we rented a car for $50/day to explore. Just 10 minutes south of Rancho Banderas Punta Mita we found a beautiful marina called La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. There were two nice restaurants with great views of the marina but unfortunately they were closed for summer until November.
We continued south to the crowded downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. We had heard about a new observation deck at the top of the hills surrounding the city. The steps up to the observation point begin at an excellent restaurant called Si Señor. After a delicious meal, the staff was kind of enough to give us directions up and around to Mirador La Cruz where we could see all of the Bay of Banderas and Puerto Vallarta.
Although the observation deck was still under construction, the 360 degree hilltop views were amazing. The few hundred steps to the top only took about 15 minutes but made for an intense leg workout. My husband’s leg cramped on the first large step down, and I had to nurse it back to health with essential oils (deep blue rub).
los arcos preserve
About 15 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta we found excellent views of the famous Los Arcos marine park near Mismaloya. Like the Marietas, this is a protected area popular for its excellent snorkeling and unusual rock arch formations.
If you haven’t tried chocolate coffee tequila, stop at Mama Lucia tequila distillery not far from the Los Arcos lookout. After the free tour and tasting, we decided to bring home a bottle to enjoy at home. Yes, Chocolate coffee tequila! It’s our new favorite decadent desert drink!
dinner with a view in mismaloya
We rarely treat ourselves to “fancy” dinners, preferring to spend our money on more vacations. However, if you are going to treat yourself to the best restaurant in town, you can do it for 1/4 of the price in Mexico versus California. The 19 peso to one dollar exchange rate is extremely favorable for us tourists. We remember when it was 10 to 1 just fifteen years ago! We treated ourselves to an amazing meal at Le Kliff in Mismaloya, known for its incredible views.
You can see all of Bahia de Banderas from Le Kliff, and it really helped us put the area in perspective like a map. From here we could see that all of these little towns and bays are part of one very large bay (Banderas) with Rancho Banderas Punta Mita directly across from Mismaloya, and Puerto Vallarta at the middle of the C shape.
After a lot of sightseeing, the waves picked up for the second half of our week. Finally, my husband was in heaven surfing, and I was able to get back to my Jodi Piccult book!
Looks like it was a great trip!
It was so much fun!
Looks amazing!
It was! The views are amazing!
Holy cats this place is gorgeous! I have never been to Mexico, but it is definitely on my to-see list 🙂
Mexico has many amazing places… but this is definitely one of our favorites.
Looks amazing, love the photos! So interesting I like sayulita
Thank you so much. Sayulita was an adorable town.
Oh my gosh I want to go there!! All of there! Absolutely beautiful!
I hope you get there!!! We should go together!!
I love Mexico, natural views, W Hotels as well as boutique hotels. So basically this article is for me. LOL! I’ll have to look into the Villa Amor. And the chocolate coffee tequila sounds quite interesting. Great post!
It definitely sounds like the place for you. ? If you end up at Villa Amor, be sure to let us know!!!
Seems like you enjoyed your trip. I LOVE Mexico the food is incredible and the locals are always very nice. I am dying to go back.
Yes!! We love the food and locals as well. Where is your favorite place in Mexico?
Wow, I love the pictures you took, this looks like a lovely place to spend a few relaxing days. Saving this.
Thanks so much, Sheri!! Let us know if you make it there!!
Wow, this looks unbelievable. I love traveling in Mexico so much! Last summer, we went to Tulum. Have you been there before?
Thank you! We haven’t been to Tulum yet, but we are heading there early next year to kitesurf and explore the ruins! If you have any tips or recommendations we are all ears!
Oh my goodness it looks incredible there! Your photos are beautiful
Thanks so much, Ellie!
How gorgous! There is something so freaky to me about having to swim to get to a cave though. I would love to do that, but I would probably be scared. I would just stick to low tide 🙂
Hahaha. I hear you! Low tide is a must. My husband swam under… I stayed safely on the outside. Lol.
Mexico has been on my list of places to visit for such a long time and these pictures just make me want to go even more! I bet the food was amazing! Your meal at Le Kliff looks so romantic – we always try to save some extra money for one or two special meals on our travels!
Mexico has so many great places. I sure hope you get there. Le Kliff was special for sure… ?
I love these photos! It makes me wish I could travel more. Maybe one day.
Traveling is amazing… I definitely hope you get to travel in the future. ?
This looks like it’s right out of an episode of Bachelor’s in Paradise! Haha this is beautiful. I’m adding this to the list!
xx, Tomi
http://goodtomicha.com
Ha ha, thank you Tomicha! We are thrilled that you enjoyed our post and are adding it to the list. Thanks again for sharing!
I keep adding to my bucketlist places I should visit and oh boy I want to visit this part of Mexico so bad. EVERYTHING looks and sounds amazing
Thank you for sharing Anosa! We are happy that we have inspired you to visit sometime! It’s really a great spot because it’s luxurious, yet very inexpensive and a short easy flight. Thanks again!
Your photographs are beautiful, Jill! I have never been to Mexico before. I would love to visit the places you listed. Just to be by the ocean would be amazing and so peaceful.
Thank you, Jennifer! I agree… just being by the ocean is calming and wonderful!
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this place..these pics are SO beautiful! I’m from San Diego and go to Mexico a lot (TJ and Rosarito especially) and love it. Definitely want to go here sometime!
Thank you Hanna! The flight to Puerto Vallarta is super cheap and easy from Orange County on Southwest. Once in Puerto Vallarta, you can take a taxi to Punta Mita for about $30 or rent a car as the drive is about 40 minutes from the airport. We love Rosarito as well – so easy from San Diego and so cheap and beautiful with great surfing. Have you got your SENTRI Pass yet? We highly recommend it. Very cheap and easy to obtain and cuts your border entry time in TJ down to about 15 minutes. Thanks again for sharing!
Wow that’s not bad at all! And no, I don’t have a SENTRI pass but definitely need to look into it. The majority of times I cross the border I just do it on foot then get a taxi haha
looks like you had quiet a trip. Love the views of those mountains beyond the water, and the mist hanging up on them. Also, your beach shack looked quiet cozy, And oh my! What a view. I am already in love with this place
Thank you Neha! Rancho Banderas was a lovely resort with very nice AC rooms comparable to a nice beachfront hotel in the US. Their restaurant was the beach shack, referred to as a Palapa in Mexico. You’ll see many of these Palapas all over the beaches in Mexico for their simple construction and protection from the sun and rain. We love the Palapas so much we put one on our patio in hour house in Mexico! Thanks again for sharing with us. We hope we have inspired you to visit Punta de Mita sometime!
Beautiful! OMG, I love Punta Mita. Went surfing there during sunrise while I was staying almost 2 weeks in Sayulita. The town is just amazing and people are so friendly. I am sure you had an awesome time there. Can’t wait to come back and try one of the hotels in Punta Mita. The surf there seemed less crowded 🙂
XX
Nadine Cathleen
Karateandcaviar.com
Thank you Nadine! I would recommend staying at Rancho Banderas or W Punta Mita (more expensive) if you want to surf at Paredon (long board easy reef break) or Veneros (short board tough beach break). Both are walking distances to the breaks. Palladium is another resort that is located in front of an easy long boarding reef break called Burros. The breaks are far less crowded than Sayulita. La Lancha is our favorite break in Punta Mita but access is not convenient. Enjoy and thanks again!
Gosh, I haven’t even been to Mexico. Your pictures are amazing. The beach, the views from the hotel and the hole in the ceiling thing all make me wanna hop on a plane right now!
So happy you enjoyed it Delaine! So you’ve decided it’s a ceiling? Ha Ha, we’re still not sure!
I need to go there, looks absolutely stunning!
Thank you crickets confections! We hope you make it there someday!
Wow, what beautiful photos! I really like your aesthetic and love seeing your travels!
Thank you Lisa! We are so glad you enjoyed it! We hope you have fun on your next trip!
This place looks like true paradise! Would love to go surfing there! 🙂
Thanks you – It is paradise! We have only been there for small swells and had a blast. I know my husband would love to catch it sometime when there is a larger swell to see the waves really come alive! I hope you catch a nice swell when you go!
Calgon take me awayyyy to this beautiful place, it looks so gorgeous… great post! xo
Ha ha, funny! Calgon take us on our next trip also! Thanks so much for the kind words!
Punta Mita looks stunning! Keeping it in mind for Mexico ideas!
Wow breathtaking. This is where I want to be right now. !! I am sure you had a fabulous time.
Oh yes, you know it! Everything really came together nicely for us that trip! I hope you visit soon and enjoy it as much as we did!
Truly breathtaking pictures and place. I would sure love to visit. Thanks for sharing.
http://www.hautepalette.com/single-post/2016/11/12/Blazers-I-love-this-Fall-inter
Thank you for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you can visit soon!
This looks so amazing!!!! Did you dine at the W? Quite surprised that they also have Spice Market there, I didn’t know that it’s kinda like their signature restaurant. I loved Spice Market when I was in Doha. 🙂
Yes, we ate at the Spice Market, and the food was fantastic (pricey, but great!). The service there was also over the top. The chef came out to chat with us and see that we were well taken care. They also had a DJ at the Living Room bar which was quite swanky. They hadn’t had their “official opening” yet, so it was quieter than your typical W, but I imagine that it will pick up after their official launch party kicks off. We will have to visit again next year and see! Thanks for visiting and commenting!
The pics are spell binding.Will keep this in mind when we travel to Punts Mita
Beautiful views! I’d love to visit. I love all of the pictures!
These pics are so beautiful. This place is definitely getting added to my “to go” list.
Your photos are incredible, especially the sunset. And the beaches look practically empty. This is definitely my kinda place!
This looks like an unbelievable vacation. The infinity pool made me want to jump right in for happy hour! The shorelines and beaches are just spectacular! I want to go!
What a perfect location! I think Rancho Banderas would be the kind of place where I could spend a week wandering around. Wild nature, coastal villages, beautiful sunsets… HOw much time would you recommend me to spend there to have a good knowledge of the area!
I would say you need at least a week to really see a bunch of the highlights. You could also easily spend two weeks there and not get bored at all. With so many beautiful places within an hour driving distance, it’s one of our favorite destinations. I hope you have a wonderful time and feel free to contact us if you have any questions planning your trip!
This place looks amazing and your photos are absolutely breathtaking! Wish i was here right now!
Oh I wish I was there right now too! Vacations always go so fast don’t they? Thanks so much for your kind words!
Absolutely stunning! I am so due for fabulous vacation like this.
Yes you are! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions planning your fabulous vacation! Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Omg what beautiful views!!!
Thank you! I hope it inspires you to visit sometime!
I am in love with your pictures. Gorgeous! You clearly had a great time and so much sweet memories there. Mexico is one of the places to visit in my wish list. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.hugshomemade.com
Now I could go for a vacay like this. It looks great. I love it.
So glad you like it! Thank you for visiting and commenting!
Aww wow, beautiful place and photos, I seriously need some beach time!
Thank you! We can always use a little beach time! I hope you get yours soon!
wow looks like you have found paradise, I am jealous lol. I think this will have to be on my list of places to visit love it !
It is quite a place! So much to see and do around that whole area. I’m glad you enjoyed our post and thanks so much for commenting!
Wow your pictures are so beautiful. I wish I had a chance to travel there!
Thank you! Keep an eye out for cheap flights. Fortunately our time share exchange works with Rancho Banderas so it’s quite a cheap trip for us. I hope you make it there sometime!