Getting Around
Mexico’s Pacific Coast is known for its charming coastal towns, pristine bays, jungle-covered mountains, golden sand beaches, spectacular sunsets, diverse flora and fauna, fabulous food, great shopping, colorful Huichol Indian artwork, outstanding surf breaks, world-class golf courses, and friendly hard-working people. Here, you’ll find the perfect mix – from quaint fishing villages to secluded beach hideaways, from flea markets to chic boutiques, from micheladas to martinis, from budget hotels to ritzy gated resorts – and they’re all waiting to be explored.
And lucky for you, the Explore Nayarit Directory can help you hire a tour guide, find a rental car or catch a bus to travel from town to town. The journey from the Puerto Vallarta airport to Tepic, the capital city of the state of Nayarit, or the coastal town of San Blas is only 3-3½ hours each way, and there’s so much to see along the way.
Get out there and explore Nayarit, Mexico!
Local Transportation Options
On Foot or Bicycle (Jaltemba Bay)
The easiest way to get between the main towns of Rincón de Guayabitos and La Peñita is by foot. You can either walk along the beach or via the “Bridge of Life,” a suspended footbridge that connects the two towns. Los Ayala is accessible by foot or car via the paved road at the south end of Guayabitos. Please note that the road is a bit dangerous, so be cautious if you decide to walk. La Colonia is a 5-minute drive from La Peñita.
Colectivos
Colectivos (12-15 passenger vans) are available in most towns and are the least expensive mode of transportation (usually less than $10 pesos). However, taking a colectivo is not the fastest way to get to where you are going, as these group taxi vans make numerous stops along their route.
Car Rentals & Insurance
It is certainly not necessary to rent a car, but doing so will give you more freedom than using buses or taxis, especially if you want to explore other towns and beaches. You will find all major car rental companies at the Puerto Vallarta airport.
Because your hometown auto insurance policy does not cover you while driving in Mexico, you are required to purchase liability insurance ($25-35 USD daily). You may also purchase collision if you’d like. In order to rent a car, you will need a valid driver’s license and a major credit card.
- View a list of Taxis & Transportation options in our area.
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Taxis
Taxis are easy to use, inexpensive and offer service throughout the entire area. The prices listed below may vary depending on where you catch it, how many people in your party, how much luggage you have, and whether you need a car or large taxi van to accommodate your group. Regardless of where you are going, be sure to confirm the price before getting into a taxi.
Taxi Rates to/from Rincón de Guayabitos:
- La Peñita – $30-35 pesos
- Los Ayala – $35-40 pesos
- Lo de Marcos – $150-200 pesos
- San Pancho – $250-300 pesos
- Sayulita – $300-400 pesos
- Chacala – $350-450 pesos
- Bucerias – $450-500 pesos
- Puerto Vallarta Airport – $600-1,500 pesos
- Puerto Vallarta Centro – $700-1,500 pesos
- View a list of Taxis & Transportation options in our area.
Buses
Buses are a convenient, efficient and adventurous way to travel throughout Mexico; just keep in mind that it can take you an extra hour to get where you are going. There are two main bus stations in the area: Puerto Vallarta and La Peñita.
NORTH from Puerto Vallarta: The main bus terminal (Central Camionera) is located 10 minutes from the airport. There are two terminals at this station: Terminal de Autobuses and Terminal Vallarta Plus. Go to the Terminal de Autobuses, locate the Pacifico counter and purchase a ticket to the town you are traveling to. Pacifico buses depart from the terminal every 20 minutes (from 6am-11:30pm). Once you arrive, you can take a taxi to your final destination.
One-Way Ticket:
- Sayulita – $63 pesos
- San Pancho – $71 pesos
- Lo de Marcos – $84 pesos
- Rincón de Guayabitos – $129 pesos
- La Peñita – $138 pesos
SOUTH towards Puerto Vallarta: Buses leave for Puerto Vallarta every 20 minutes from the Pacifico Bus Station in La Peñita. You will need to get off at the main bus terminal in PV, and then take a taxi or city bus into town from there. Please note that some scheduled buses travel direct and others make frequent stops along the way. Be sure to ask the travel times before you embark. If you are not going to Puerto Vallarta, please visit the bus stations and/or website links below for current schedules and fares.
- View a list of Bus Lines that service our area.
TIME ZONE
REMINDER
When you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, you will be on Jalisco/Central Time. Once you head north, you will leave the state of Jalisco and cross into the state of Nayarit. While the time zone originally changed at the state line, a time zone change went into affect in 2010 within the Bahía de Banderas municipality, including the towns of Mezcales, Bucerias, Sayulita, San Pancho and Lo de Marcos. So once you pass Lo de Marcos (and head towards Los Ayala, Rincón de Guayabitos and La Peñita), be sure to turn your watches back one hour, as you will now be on Nayarit/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.
