Mexico is full of gorgeous little beach towns. From the stunning sandy shore of Bahia San Agustin in Oaxaca to the pristine, desert island vibes of Isla Holbox in Yucatan, almost every coast and corner of this wonderful country boasts somewhere to escape from reality for a short while. But even with this rich smorgasbord of amazing exotic beach destinations, few are as charming or authentic as Bucerías.
Located just outside the bustling resorts of Puerto Vallarta, between Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita, it is almost unbelievable that a town as untouched as Bucerías could exist in the shadow of such a touristy destination. And yet, somehow, this delightful little slice of Mexicana goes about its business, hidden away from the tourist trail, one of the most captivating towns of the Riviera Nayarit.
Thanks to its amazing location, it is almost comically easy to get to Bucerías. Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s busiest and most popular airport hubs, with planes flying in from New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston, to name just a few routes. A 15-20 minute taxi ride whisks you from the airport to Bucerías, and with good luck and a following wind, you could be sipping margaritas on the beach less than an hour after you land. For thriftier travelers, two bus routes run directly from the airport to the town, with tickets costing $1-2.
Where to stay and dine in Bucerías
Despite its proximity to the bustling modern city of Puerto Vallarta, Bucerías is still sleepy, simple, and authentic. From the cobbled streets to the traditional bright-colored houses, and even the pink bandstand in the central square, it is a throwback to classic Mexican beach style, which makes it quaint, charming, and eye-catchingly beautiful.
It’s hardly a remote spot and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and other amenities to choose from, but Bucerías has avoided the over-development that has enveloped other areas of Mexico. In fact, there is only one large resort in town, and most of the accommodations are independent guesthouses and boutique hotels. This helps preserve peace and tranquility, ensuring the vibe remains more “relaxing beach vacation” than “spring break.” While the main resort, the Grand Decameron, is on the south side of town near Nuevo Vallarta, the best boutiques tend to be to the north, towards Punta Mita. Los Picos has great sea views and a couple of nice pools, while Hotel Ysuri is set in beautiful grounds and is renowned for its fabulous restaurant.
In general, the food in Bucerías is superb. There are a few international restaurants and American grills, but the best eateries serve up no-frills, classic Mexican cuisine, and fantastically fresh seafood. The casual setting of Los Tejabanes is a great place for breakfast or a light lunch, while the coffee at Cafe Aventura is excellent. Restaurante Buena Vista across the highway from the beach is a local favorite, and La Negra is a great option if you want to splash out a little, with delicious food and exceptional service. A must-visit spot at any time of the day is La Empanaderia de Bucerías, which serves up incredible freshly-made empanadas all day long.
Bucerías is a divers’ paradise with gigantic underwater encounters
