Few places in Mexico do peace and tranquility quite as well as the beach towns of Jalisco. The stretch of coast from Puerto Vallarta down to Barra de Navidad is an underdeveloped paradise of pristine beaches, remote fishing villages, and lush jungle. From the luxury boutique hotels of Careyes and Las Alamandas on the underrated sunny paradise of the “Happy Coast” to the hidden bays of Yelapa, Pizota, and Corrales, Jalisco’s coastline is something special, a world away from the more famous resorts of Cancún or the crowded attractions of Los Cabos.
Tucked away from Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta around the curve of the Cabo Corrientes and hidden down a long, dusty road, Mayto Beach is one of the most charming spots on this incredible stretch of coast and one of the best beaches in Mexico. Despite being relatively close to the bright lights of Puerto Vallarta, at least as the crow flies, it is remote and secluded, with minimal modern infrastructure and few foreign tourists.
It’s not an easy place to visit, which is the key to its serene charm. Puerto Vallarta is the closest international airport (just over 50 miles away), but the drive takes more than two hours, thanks to the narrow jungle road down to the coast from the town of El Tuito on Highway 200. There are buses that run from Puerto Vallarta to El Tuito, but you will still need to arrange a taxi for the ride through the jungle to the sea, as there is only one colectivo bus from El Tuito to Mayto per day. One delightful alternative is to take a water taxi, locally known as a panga, from Boca de Tomatlan near Puerto Vallarta, travelling by motorboat around the hidden bays of Cabo Corrientes until you reach Mayto.
Where to stay near Mayto Beach
Mayto Beach lies at the end of a long road hemmed in by verdant tropical jungle, a drive of about an hour from the nearest town and highway. Arriving at Jalisco’s coast, you are greeted by a lazy 11-mile curve of sumptuous, soft, golden sand and almost nothing else. A few rustic palapas poke their noses out of the jungle that encroaches onto the beach, and there is a low-rise hotel and a makeshift eatery/bar with plastic tables and chairs near the southern end of the beach. Mostly, it is stunning sea views, gently rolling green hills, and mile after mile of empty sand.
Accommodation options in Mayto are limited but excellent. Hotel Mayto is a simple, relaxed affair with pretty lawns that run down onto the beach and a lively beach bar by the pool. El Rinconcito is even more laid-back, a family-owned spot with great service and a superb restaurant. There are also a few homestays and holiday rentals to be found, and some intrepid people even enjoy camping on the beach!
Just over a mile down the road, Tehuamixtle Beach is a fantastic spot for snorkelers, with calmer waters protected by its location in a tiny cove. It also boasts several fantastic seafood restaurants, which are a wonderful option if you tire of the handful of eateries in Mayto. The locally harvested giant oysters at Cande’s Restaurant and Bar are a particular highlight.
Sea turtles, whales, and an unexpected music festival
