Explore Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit, Mexico
Rincón de Guayabitos is a small and colorful resort and fishing village nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and the gentle Bay of Jaltemba. It is widely known as a safe, friendly, and family-oriented beach town, as well as a vacation spot for budget-conscious travelers. Over the past 10-15 years, Guayabitos has gained popularity as a vacation and second home destination for Americans, Canadians and Europeans. The name Rincón de Guayabitos means “corner of little guava trees” in reference to the guava orchards that used to be planted throughout the bay area.
Avenida del Sol Nuevo (main street) stretches the entire length of Guayabitos. At the main entrance, the town is divided into two areas: if you turn left (south) you will head past the plaza and church, and into the Hotel and Commercial Zone; if you turn right (north) you’ll drive past the tourist office and police station, and into the Residential Zone.
The Zona Hotelera (Hotel and Commercial Zone) is jam-packed with hotels, bungalows, condos and trailer parks that draw Americans and Canadians during the winter, and Mexicans at Christmas, Semana Santa (Easter) and during the summer. There are several mercados (grocery stores), pharmacies, gift shops offering Mexican handicrafts, jewelry and clothing stores, discos, and restaurants and street stands featuring Mexican and American cuisine. The atmosphere here is casual, relaxed and beachy.
In contrast, the Zona Residencial (Residential Zone) is comprised of vacation homes large and small with beautifully maintained pools and gardens, and winding cobblestone streets lined with manicured trees and shrubs. There are several Bed & Breakfasts and rentals homes, a few hotels and bungalows, as well as tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts.
Time Zones
It is worth noting that when you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, you will be on Central Time. Once you head north, you will leave the state of Jalisco and enter the state of Nayarit. The time zone no longer changes at the state lines as it once did. The new time zone includes the towns of Mezcales, Bucerias, Sayulita, San Pancho and Lo de Marcos. So, once you pass Lo de Marcos (and head towards Los Ayala, Guayabitos and La Peñita), be sure to turn your watches back one hour as you will now be on Mountain Time.
Upon your return to the airport in Puerto Vallarta, remember that you will lose an hour as the time zone changes back to Central Time. Be sure to set your watches accordingly so you don’t miss your flight.
Location & Map
The Bahia de Jaltemba (Bay of Jaltemba) is located 40 miles north of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Nayarit on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The large bay stretches all the way from Punta Raza on the south to Playa Boca de Naranjo on the north. It includes three small towns – Rincón de Guayabitos, La Peñita de Jaltemba and Los Ayala – and nine spectacular beaches. It is the perfect place for those who want to experience the “real” Mexico.
Jaltemba Bay is situated in the center/heart of the beautiful Riviera Nayarit region, which spans nearly 200 miles of Pacific coastline from Nuevo Vallarta to the historic port of San Blas. The nearest major cities are Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, both of which are located in the state of Jalisco.
Driving Distances from Rincón de Guayabitos:
- La Penita – 3 km / 2 miles (5 minutes)
- Los Ayala – 3 km / 2 miles (7 minutes)
- Puerto Vallarta Airport – 65 km / 40 miles (1-1½ hours)
- Guadalajara – 262 km / 163 miles (4-4½ hours)
If you live in Rincón de Guayabitos and have additional information about the town, beaches or attractions, please contact us.