and Print the Riviera Nayarit Mexico Travel Agent Brochure

INSTRUCTIONS
Riviera Nayarit
MEXICO’S PACIFIC TREASURE
Riviera Nayarit is a diner’s delight, a golfer utopia,
a family’s next unforgettable Holiday vacation.
Romantics will fall in love with each other with
the landscapes around them, while spa-goers and
adventurers will discover their next favorite “happy
place”. Even the pickiest of travelers will be pleased
to know that Riviera Nayarit ranked first place in
Mexico for certified clean beaches awarded by the
federal government.
This slice of Mexican heaven on Earth has never
been closer to travelers than it is right now. With
convenient flights to Puerto Vallarta from all over
the United States and Canada and a smart collection
of accommodations for all tastes and budgets
–including award-winning luxury resorts and
restaurants- this is the obvious choice for clients
looking to expand their horizons yet retain all the
comforts to which they’re accustomed to while
away from home. After all, if it’s enticing enough for
the likes of Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga, Courtney Cox
and Kim & Kourtney Kardashian, all of which spent
their vacations in Riviera Nayarit in 2011, chances
are your clients will love it as well.
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To date, Riviera Nayarit has been ranked as the
destination with the highest private tourism
investment in Mexico, with so many natural
attractions that demand is quickly growing for more
accommodations and tourist access. Moreover, the
Riviera Nayarit Conventions & Visitors Bureau is
always at hand to help you discover this incredible
destination. On it’s website (www.RivieraNayarit.
com) you’ll find all the comprehensive detailed
destination information you need to keep informed
on what Riviera Nayarit’s offers your clients.
Additionally, you and your clients can now enjoy
videos on everything from colonial San Blas to rustic
seaside villages and posh Punta Mita.
Our travel professionals can learn more, be
rewarded and even win a free all-inclusive vacation
by entering our travel professionals section (www.
RivieraNayaritAgents.com) designed to keep you
informed and stimulate your selling potential.
We invite you to use this education program to learn
all about Riviera Nayarit - Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.
If its name sounds unfamiliar to you, it won’t be for
long. As the secrets of the Riviera Nayarit’s bounty
are slowly discovered-the remarkable diversity of the
region, world-class beaches, abundance of wildlife,
luxurious resorts and spas- it is quickly becoming a
top destination for visitors.
Our Riviera Nayarit Education Program is designed
so you can help your clients discover and make the
most of this little-known stretch of Mexico’s Pacific
coast. You’ll find our format easy to follow, as it
closely resembles clients’ predilections-whether
it’s a golf getaway or a soft-adventure retreat. By
becoming a Riviera Nayarit Destination Specialist,
you will also open venues for yourself by increasing
bookings and spreading the word to clients about
all this nascent region has to offer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Once you’ve gone over our specially prepared
program, head to our quiz section so you can
complete our course and become a Riviera Nayarit
Destination Specialist.
Choosing Riviera Nayarit
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Getting to Know Us 4-5
Q&A With Marc Murphy 6-9
This is a burgeoning area that is virtually exploding
as a new tourism destination with thousands of new
hotel beds in the works coming up in the next few
years. Now’s the time to get in on the ground floor of
this exciting new destination opportunity.
At a Glance 10 -11
Family Getaways
12 -13
Outdoor Pursuits
14 -16
Remember that the Riviera Nayarit Convention &
Visitors Bureau is also at the ready to help you better
sell the region. In fact, it offers a fantastic travel
professionals section it its destination website to
help agents get the tools they need to make that
sale. To learn more, visit www.RivieraNayaritAgents.
com.
Romance20
Golf17 -19
Spa & Wellness 2 1-23
New Developments 24 - 25
Sample Itinerary 26
Serving Riviera Nayarit 27 -29
Happy learning and happy selling!
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GETTING
TO KNOW US
• San Blas:
• San Francisco: Better known as San Pancho,
• Bahia de Matanchen:
• Sayulita: A surfer’s haven with a thriving artists’
• Punta Custodio:
• Litibu:
Known as much for its pristine
beaches as for its birdwatching options, San Blas
is rich in the area’s colonial history.
A quiet bay with
placid beaches and savory fish and shrimp dishes.
A popular spot for kayak
tours and turtle releases.
this is a fast-growing but slow-paced village with
great waves for surfing.
community.
An up-and-coming town with several
grand resorts in the works.
• Chacala: A small village with a colorful past of • Punta de Mita:
Dutch and British pirate “visits”.
• El Capomo:
A small cove surrounded by
untamed wilderness and with several estuaries,
will soon be the future site of a new FONATUR
project that include golf courses, marina, and
various resort hotels.
Home to some of Riviera
Nayarit’s most luxurious resorts.
• Costa Banderas: Home to some of the finest
coastline on Banderas Bay.
• Destiladeras:
The site of future beachfront
development called NAUI including hotel growth.
• Rincon de Guayabitos: Also known locally • La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Unpretentious yet
as the largest pool in the world for its cove like
bay, this is a favorite spot for fishing and diving.
Numerous Bungalows and villas available.
• Punta Raza:
Just sparsely populated, Punta
Raza is recognized for its pristine beaches and
as-yet untouched flora. It presently is under
development and will feature luxury hotels and a
golf course.
• Lo de Marcos: Once a coconut oil hacienda, Lo
full of life, La Cruz is home to a new, state-of-theart marina.
• Bucerias:
A tiny fishing town with great
restaurants and shopping.
• Flamingos: A modern tourist destination with
gold-sand beaches.
• Nuevo Vallarta: A well-developed town full of
tourism amenities, from top spas to great golf.
de Marcos has both jungle and ocean attractions.
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Q&A
With Marc Murphy, Director General of the
Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau
What type of brand awareness is the Riviera Nayarit hoping to create
with travel professionals and consumers?
Is there a plan in place to preserve the Riviera Nayarit’s unspoiled charm
“as is” and protect its natural resources?
The Riviera Nayarit is based upon two themes: nature and luxury. It
is comprised of a range of mid- to high-end luxury resorts and sports
facilities that have been constructed to blend with and protect its
wildlife and nature. We are very excited about our revamped website,
www.RivieraNayarit.com, which illustrates our brand.
Absolutely! The state government remains dedicated in their
commitment to protecting, preserving and conserving the natural
and pristine environ¬ment that makes the Riviera Nayarit such
a special place to visit, and live in. Their efforts have guided the
protection of our beaches, mangroves, wildlife, sea turtles, water
resources, development plans, and more, ensuring our treasures will
be respected and enjoyed by the state’s residents and tourists.
In fact, the Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau now has
mini-video tours available on the website. Numerous never-beforeseen videos of the region, each approximately one to two minutes
in length, on a wide variety of topics: world-class golf courses,
luxury spas, sumptuous dining, outdoor adventures, and cultural
experiences.
For example, the state government currently has a study program
that includes a micro-study of the beaches’ waters. Each week,
results are printed and posted on every beach along the Riviera
Nayarit. It is the only program of its kind in Mexico.
The website also provide maps and destination information as well
as a specific section devoted to travel agents, whereby we encourage
agents to sign up for our Contests and newsletters so they can learn
about the destination and reap rewards by doing so.
Plans for development extend along the entire coast, rather than
being concentrated in just a few towns. Development includes lowrise construction as well as protection of the beaches, mangroves,
natural flora and fauna. The state government is also providing
incentives for investors to develop along the entire extension of the
region, rather than developing in concentrated areas.
Since the launch of the Riviera Nayarit brand in early 2007, we have
received enthusiastic and positive responses from tour operators,
travel agents, the media, and tourism industry partners. There have
been an increasing number of inquiries ... and we expect this to
continue.
What kind of traveler would enjoy the Riviera Nayarit the most?
We believe a wide spectrum of travelers would be interested in
coming to the Riviera Nayarit, especially those who appreciate
the beauty of the region’s natural wonders. It’s mangrove forest
reserves, Reilly sea turtle sanctuaries, 250 species of birds, Sierra
Madre Mountains, and 150 miles of golden-sand beaches form the
perfect backdrop to a vacation paradise. There is so much to do in
this region, including watersports, hiking, deep-sea fishing, golf,
tennis, zip-lining, swimming with dolphins, whale watching, and so
much more. In terms of accommodations, the Riviera Nayarit offers
many options ranging from intimate bed and breakfast inns to allinclusive hotels to luxurious five-diamond resorts. It attracts couples,
families, destination weddings, incentive groups, golfers, outdoor
adventurers and watersports enthusiasts.
The many travelers who love Mexico will be excited to be among the
first to experience and discover all the treasures this new destination
has to offer.
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What type of benefits can meeting and
incentive planners and agents in general
expect from this destination?
We understand that planners may have one of the
most challenging tasks that one can undertake:
find the perfect location that will satisfy the diverse
leisure interests and tastes of dozens to hundreds
of different people, while simultaneously providing
a seamless setting and flowing agenda so that
business gets done without a hitch. The Riviera
Nayarit’s experienced professionals and superb
tourism facilities can help make it all come together
more easily with our world-class venues, modern
infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology. Of
course, the incredibly diverse environment where
mountains meet the sea and a long list of activities
rarely found in one place, do make everyone’s job
a lot easier. Add to that Mexico’s famous friendly
hospitality and a O percent VAT for the meeting
industry and we believe you’ve got the perfect place
for your perfect event. We’re in constant contact with
travel professionals in the United States and Canada.
For instance, we work closely with tour operators to
create packages for the Riviera Nayarit. In addition,
we work with various airline companies that service
the Riviera Nayarit to increase visitor awareness
on the destination. And throughout the year, we
participate in agency educational programs, both
seminars and FAMs, with our major tour operators
in cities throughout the United States and Canada.
Our initial plan was to develop strong marketing
endeavors to reach North American travelers-for
example, an educational marketing campaign
to educate and inform the travel industry, media
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and travelers about this exciting new destination
and its attractions. Now, the Riviera Nayarit’s tour
operators are developing an interesting spectrum
of vacation packages so visitors can opt to embark
on an adventure/nature vacation or a luxury retreat
complete with spa treatments, golfing on some of
the best courses in North America and much more.
We presenting an Online Agent Interactive Training
Module that´s working from early 2012 to provide
agents with the chance for them to become a
Riviera Nayarit Specialist and reap additional
rewards! Furthermore, our website offers travel
agent promos and cash-in opportunities, as well!
We want travel professionals to be able to send
their clients to us with confidence and that means
product knowledge. We will always be providing
tools to make it easy to close sales and at the same
time offer rewards for doing so. We will keep in touch
with agents via our updates and newsletters as well
as exclusive industry events and opportunities just
for travel professionals who want to excel and be the
absolute best at selling the Riviera Nayarit.
What is coming up for the Riviera Nayarit in the
next year or so?
One of our main goals is to generate more
awareness of the Riviera Nayarit, making it instantly
recognizable not just as Mexico’s newest destination
but also as one of Mexico’s top destinations. Just
recently we awarded Mexico’s largest tourism fair;
Tianguis Turistico which for 36 years has been held
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in Acapulco and in 2012 was held in Riviera Nayarit
& Puerto Vallarta. We expect a major increase in
awareness from the travel industry with this fair
and hope to build on that with the announcement
of new developments such as new hotel openings,
marinas, golf courses and much more.
Development and the addition of infrastructure
are well underway, considering that the Riviera
Nayarit is only in the beginning stages of its major
tourism development. Between 2005 and 2010, the
government and private sector have invested over
$3 billion in tourism facilities and infrastructure.
We expect this growth trend to continue in the
years to come with announcements of new tourism
developments, which should in turn increase the
number of travelers over the next three to four years.
It is hard for us to believe that only a few years
ago, the Riviera Nayarit was unknown to most
international travelers! Now, it is hard to keep up
with the impressive new attractions and services,
including a wealth of new resorts, spas, attractions,
golf courses and new nonstop air service from
numerous cities.
For detailed development plans in the Riviera
Nayarit, please see the “New Developments” section
(page 24) of this supplement.
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AT A GLANCE
FACTOIDS
Location & Orientation
• Four species of protected sea turtles are found in the Riviera Nayarit:
Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Green Turtles.
The tourist corridor known as the Riviera Nayarit is located just
10 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport and
encompasses more than 192 miles of coastline along the Pacific
Ocean within the state of Nayarit, beginning in Nuevo Vallarta and
moving north all the way to the colonial port of San Blas and beyond.
Even though Nayarit is one of Mexico’s smaller states, the stretch of
land known as the Riviera Nayarit brings together an impressive mix
of cultural and natural attractions within the municipalities (counties)
of Banderas Bay, Compostela, San Blas, Santiago and Tecuala which
make up the land extension of Riviera Nayarit.
History
Mexico’s newest destination actually dates back thousands of years,
as evidenced by archaeological sites currently being excavated. This
region was discovered by Spaniards in 1525 and became part of
Spain’s kingdom of Nueva Galicia in 1531. Commercial mining and
tobacco farms helped Riviera Nayarit grow during the 16th and 17th
centuries.
Four ethnic groups survived the Spanish conquest and still exist in
the Riviera Nayarit today: the Coras, Mexicaneros, Tepehuanos, and
Huichol peoples. Visitors are most often exposed to the latter, who
are famous for their colorful crafts.
The Riviera Nayarit’s wealth of natural treasures was a well-kept secret
for many years. However, the popularity of Puerto Vallarta, whose
airport sits just 10 minutes south of Nuevo Vallarta, made investors
and Mexico’s federal government take a second look at this pristine
region and its many attributes. In the last decade or so, hotels and
condos have made their way into the Riviera Nayarit, welcoming
visitors with an ever-growing array of vacation options.
The Riviera Nayarit’s tourism development is still in its early stages.
To date, the government and private sector have invested over $3
billion in tourism facilities and infrastructure since 2005. Even though
the next few years will see more resorts, residential developments,
roads, and recreational facilities sprouting up along the region, the
preservation of the Riviera Nayarit’s natural resources remains a
priority.
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• 250 species of birds are indigenous or migrate to the Riviera Nayarit each yearthe second highest number of North American birds in one location.
• The development of the Riviera Nayarit ranks first place nationwide in private
tourism investment in Mexico.
• The Spaniards built the first port in the entire Pacific Coast of Mexico in San Blas,
which provided transportation from the Americas to the Orient (specifically,
Manila).
• Riviera Nayarit has nine 2011 AAA four and five diamond winners in the
resort/hotel category:
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Five Diamond Award
St-Regis Resort Punta Mita
Five Diamond Award
Grand Velas AII Suites & Spa Resort
Five Diamond Award
La EstanciaFour Diamond Award
Riu Palace Four Diamond Award
Marival Residences & World Spa
Four Diamond Award
The Grand MayanFour Diamond Award
Vallarta PalaceFour Diamond Award
Dreams Villa MagnaFour Diamond Award
Hotel des ArtistesFour Diamond Award
• Here there is also a list of restaurants that made the AAA 2011 Diamond and/
or The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences Star Diamond Award:
Carolina – St-Regis Resort Punta Mita
AAA Five Diamond Award
Aramara - Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
AAA Four Diamond Award
Luca - Grand Velas AII Suites & Spa Resort AAA Four Diamond Award
CIimate
Frida – Grand Velas All Suites & Spa resort
AAA Four Diamond Award
The Riviera Nayarit enjoys an average annual temperature of 77°F,
which makes this a fantastic destination to visit year-round. Summers
see highs in the low- to mid-90s-a good reason to hit the beach and
enjoy watersports. While its rainy season is roughly from June to
November, brief afternoon showers during these months provide a
cooling respite from the summer heat and allow regional vegetation
to flourish throughout the year.
Piaf - Grand Velas AII Suites & Spa Resort www.RivieraNayarit.com
AAA Four Diamond Award
& Star Diamond Award
El Patio – Dreams Villa Magna
Star Diamond Award
Cafe des Artiste del MarStar Diamond Award
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Beachside Fun
The Riviera Nayarit has miles upon miles of gorgeous
beaches of all types, with those in Sayulita, Bucerias
and Nuevo Vallarta providing particular charm for
families. Local hotels, resorts and outfitters can easily
arrange for kayaking, banana boat rides, parasailing,
surfing, snorkeling, and other watersports.
FAMILY GETAWAYS
W
ith rare tropical birds flying overhead
and the ocean always a short walk
away, the Pacific paradise of the Riviera
Nayarit may often seem like the setting
for a Disney movie. Families coming here
will have their choice of exciting activities,
whether at their hotel of choice or amid the
picturesque surroundings of the area.
Culture & Nature
Thousands of years of history are being discovered
each day in archaeological zones around the area,
and the Riviera Nayarit offers families a peek at a
few of those historical sites. Most of these are in the
quiet town of San Blas, birthplace of Franciscan friar
Junipero Serra, who founded the California missions.
Here they’ll find the remnants of a port founded by
the Spaniards in the 17th century and a gorgeous
church dating back to 1769.
There are three marinas that welcome visitors
stopping by on yachts and each have boats available
for fishing or leisurely excursions on the water: the
Paradise Village Marina, the Nuevo Vallarta Marina,
and the brand-new Riviera Nayarit Marina at La
Cruz de Huanacaxtle, which features 400 slips ... this
newest harbor is part of a larger development that
will include a resort, shops and restaurants.
From San Blas, visitors can journey to the small
island of Mexcaltitan, made up of lowlands and
mangroves. This is reputed to be the birthplace and
ancient home city of the Aztec civilization.
The smattering of towns and villages in the Riviera
Nayarit are also filled with traditions and practices
handed down from generation to generation, as
well as the people whose ancestors helped make
this area what it is today. Chief among these is the
Huichol, whose colorful garments and crafts are
emblematic of the region.
Children of all ages will love all the natural
attractions the Riviera Nayarit has to offer, from
the release of baby turtles into the ocean to the
site of colorful tropical birds acting up amidst the
treetops. Indeed, La Tovara National Park provides a
full experience of the region’s many creatures, with
motorboat tours available. The lush areas around La
Cruz de Huanacaxtle are great to explore on foot or
horseback.
Shopping
The Riviera Nayarit’s cultural influences make it
a wonderful area in which to indulge in another
popular pastime: shopping. Visitors will find
handmade pottery, textiles, leather, silver, and
jewelry in assorted shops, as well as designer brands
in more high-end boutiques that make local resorts
their home.
The most coveted regional finds in the Riviera
Nayarit come from the Huichol. They create colorful
glass bead and wooden handicrafts, including
jewelry, animal figurines and paintings. Many of
their creations are found just as easily in open-air
markets as they are in high-end hotel boutiques.
snake their way into its main square and assorted
shops. Bucerias’ authentic Mexican feel is especially
notable each January, when the annual Virgen de
la Paz (Virgin of Peace) festival takes place and its
fishing fleet is blessed.
Sayulita is also a preferred spot for picking up
quality items, as its slightly bohemian vibe and expat community bring much charm to its beachside
ambiance. Its art colony is a boon to visitors that
frequent the town’s fine galleries and stores that
feature locally made lotions and potions, clothing,
decorative items for home and garden and other
handicrafts. Here, also, Huichol crafts abound.
Among the towns that make up this region, several
are considered tops by shopping enthusiasts.
Among these is Bucerias, where cobblestone streets
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Arctic to the region’s warmer waters to give birth
and raise their calves. More than 600 whales make
this annual trek and even though there are strict
rules as to how close visitors can get to them, there
are many whale-watching excursions available for
all types of travelers.
OUTDOOR PURSUITS
W
ith miles and miles of
glittering coastline and a
flurry of jungle greens spilling
over from the Sierra Madre
Mountains, the state of Nayarit
reveals a bounty of unadulterated
attractions that could only be
created by Mother Nature.
Eco Travel & Adventure
Riviera Nayarit’s abundance of natural wonders
make it a top destination for nature-Ioving
vacationers who care to leave the most unobtrusive
of footprints upon its ecosystem. Ecological
preservation is a paramount concern here, and tour
operators, hoteliers and tourism entities have made
it a priority to preserve their surroundings and teach
visitors about the area’s flora and fauna.
Many outfitters offer fantastic adventures in the
jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Among
them is an off-road jeep safari journey through the
secrets of the wilderness and local villages, and ziplining options that offer a magnificent view of the
jungle. Hikers of all levels of expertise also love the
challenges and natural habitats that the Riviera
Nayarit’s landscape offers - particularly along the
Sierra Madre - while horse enthusiasts can go on
a horseback tour along the beaches of Sayulita
and even up the Hill of the Monkey, the highest
mountain within the bay.
Another big draw in the Riviera Nayarit is its avian
population. Both Islas Marietas and La Tovara
National Park off of San Blas, are sanctuaries for
rare birds and thus popular among birdwatchers.
Located in a dense mangrove forest in a side channel
known as Rio Tovara, La Tovara and its surroundings
have the highest concentration of migratory
birds, with more than 250 species - Mexican wood
nymphs, great blue herons, black-bellied tree ducks,
and roseate spoonbills, to name a few. Travelers can
visit La Tovara on small motorboats and enjoy not
just birds but also turtles and endemic flora. Nearby
is a crocodile reserve with baby and full-grown
crocodiles.
Other sports and adventure options in the Riviera
Nayarit include San Pancho’s polo club, with an
active season from October through May; ATV
excursions along Banderas Bay; and totally unique
amphibious vehicle with eight traction wheels that
takes visitors on an exhilarating journey across the
jungle and the Ameca River.
One such effort is the preservation of endangered
sea turtles. During the summer and fall months,
visitors can participate in releasing turtle hatchlings
into the ocean in the areas of Nuevo Vallarta,
Flamingos, Punta Mita, Litibu, San Pancho and
Punta Raza, among others, with different ecological
organizations.
Another popular seasonal activity takes place
in Banderas Bay and along the coastline of the
Riviera Nayarit from December through Apríl, when
hundreds of humpback whales migrate from the
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Fishing
Watersports
The Pacific waters around the Riviera Nayarit and
Banderas Bay are filled with underwater creatures
coveted by anglers from around the world. The
region has quickly established itself as a major
sportfishing destination, with several companies
offering half - and full - day excursions for deep-sea
and coastal fishing. Some of the area’s jumping-off
points for fishing trips include Bucerias, La Cruz de
Huanacaxtle, Lo de Marcos, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de
Mita, San Francisco and Sayulita.
The Riviera Nayarit offers a wealth of entertaining
aquatic adventures for all ages and interests. Surfers,
for instance, will enjoy the waters off of Destiladeras
beach, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, and especially
Sayulita (site of an annual surfing competition each
March), while those who seek a more placid peek
into the area can sail - or parasail - around Banderas
Bay. Snorkeling and diving in the area’s clear waters
are popular picks in the bay as well, especially
around Punta de Mita and the Marietas Islands.
Marlin is one of the region’s most prolific species,
with striped, blue and black marlin making their
way to these waters beginning in July. Fishermen
seeking a challenge here will be happy to know
that fighting fish such as yellow fin tuna, roosterfish,
sailfish, amberjack, and Wahoo abound, while
popular dinner choices such as dorado (or mahimahi), snapper and sierra are also plentiful.
Nuevo Vallarta’s Dolphin Adventure Center allows
visitors to swim and interact with Pacific bottlenose
dolphins in large seawater pools, in an environment
that is both safe and educational. In fact, this
center even offers dolphin therapy programs to
children with special needs, including mental,
communications and learning deficiencies. Visitors
can also arrange a snorkeling trip to Las Caletas
for friendly interaction with sea lions in specially
designed pools.
Every year, the Riviera Nayarit celebrates
lnternational Fishing Tournaments which take place
in Banderas Bay and San Blas enticing fishermen
from around the world with a sizable first-place
prize for each category.
GOLF
T
he Riviera Nayarit’s beach-and-jungle combo,
along with idyllic year-round weather, makes
it a perfect golf destination. Six signature courses
already call the Riviera Nayarit home, with numerous
more expected in the near future. Masterpieces by
Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Robert von Hagge
are among some of these golf icons that have
chosen to leave their signature. Here’s a rundown of
the region’s courses:
Useful links for outdoor pursuits:
Vallarta Adventures (www.vallarta-adventures.com)
Riviera Tours (www.rivieratours.com.mx)
Rancho mi Chaparrita (www.michaparrita.com)
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El Nayar Vidanta Golf Course
Punta Mita Pacifico Golf Course
This Jim Lipe-designed course -located at the
Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta- has recently been
renovated completely by Jack Nicklaus and has a
restaurant, full-service pro-shop, driving range and
putting green, and it’s now hosting a Jack Nicklaus
Golf Academy. This 7-year-old course features a par
71, 7000-yard challenge, with fantastic views of the
Pacific Ocean, the Ameca River and the Sierra Madre
Mountains. The highlights here are wide fairways
and ocean views from a few of the holes, especially
the signature 14th-an impressive 153-yard, par 3
with the Pacific Ocean on the left side as well as a
small lake and well-placed bunkers protecting the
approach.
Golfers from around the world come to play at the
7,014-yard Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Punta
Mita, Conde Nast Traveler’s 2008 Reader’s Choice
for the Best Golf Resort in the World. This private
championship course is laid out over 200 acres, with
eight holes bor¬dering either the ocean or Banderas
Bay; all holes provide ocean views. The course’s
signature island hole, 3B, is the world’s only natural
island green, located 194 yards away-golfers need
to drive the ball across the Pacific Ocean. To reach
the green to putt, players either walk over a pathway
over shallow waters at low tide or are shuttled in an
amphibious golf cart of sorts as the tide rises. Hole
3B is often referred to as the “Tail of the Whale,” as it
is said to resemble this from the air.
El Tigre Golf Course
Punta Mita Bahia Golf Course
This Nuevo Vallarta course opened in March 2002
with 7,239 yards and par 72. Designed by Robert
von Hagge, it features nine bodies of water, rolling
hills and 144 sand traps. The 185-yard, par 3, 6th
hole is thought to be the most beautiful par 3 in
all of Mexico, as it plays over water to a gorgeous
island green. Then there’s its par 5, 18th hole, heartstopping at 621 yards with water all down the left
side and the green entrenched in sand; this is the
longest hole in Mexico and one of the country’s
most difficult par 3 holes. El Tigre is also known for its
exquisite Spanish-inspired clubhouse, a 45,000-sq.ft. facility with a restaurant, lounge, pro-shop, locker
room and spa.
This is the second course Nicklaus has designed for
Punta Mita, the first being Punta Mita Pacifico, which
opened in 1999 mentioned above. This new 18-hole
championship course recently opened in 2010 and
features breathtaking views of the blue-green sea,
made even more spectacular from December to
April when migrating humpback whales can easily
be spotted from shore. In all, Bahia boasts five holes
that play along the ocean and an additional two with
ocean views. Undulating greens and fairways make
Bahia challenging but fun to play. Stretching 7,035
yards, this par-72 course features Miniverde greens
constructed to USGA standards, Bermuda fairways
and lush tropical landscaping.
Flamingos Golf Course
Litibu Golf Course
Built in 1978, this is the oldest golf club in Nuevo
Vallarta and indeed in the Riviera Nayarit, though
it’s recently undergone a $3 million renovation that
includes a new driving range, clubhouse and pro
shop. It’s a Percy Clifford design that plays 6,982
yards with a par 71 and brings together more than
1,800 palm trees in rolling terrain. This challenging,
but always-fun course, was designed around natural
marshes and lagoons that sustain local fauna,
including deer, crocodiles and turtles.
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Riviera Nayarit
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Designed by the legendary golf player Greg Norman,
Litibu Golf Course opened in early 2010 hosting the
International Canadian Golf Tour Tournament. The
unique feature of this par 72, 7,022 yard course is that
it was built over a surface of 68.48 hectares, where 7
holes are a “link” style, 8 others are surrounded by
virgin jungles, and the last 3 are run along the Pacific
Ocean.
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Riviera Nayarit
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SPA and
WELLNESS
Romance
T
here’s a sense of fresh beginnings that saturates
the pure and natural Riviera Nayarit, making it
ripe for romance. Whether it’s a luxurious wedding
or a beachside honeymoon straight out of a
Hollywood movie, stoking the flames of passion
here is a simple venture. For starters, the region’s
wide range of accommodations allows visitors to
mix and match the details for their memorable
event. Large resorts, for instance, are often built
for big white dresses and lots of gussied up guests.
Wedding packages at these properties may run from
the bare basics to extravagant offerings that include
reception dinners, room upgrades and his-and-hers
massages. Many resorts in the Riviera Nayarit also
provide onsite wedding coordinators to help special
days go off without a hitch.
with homey touches and personal requests such
as in-room or patio massages, Spanish lessons for
just the happy couple or any number of cultural
activities.
The other side of the spectrum consists of smaller,
more intimate hotels that can whip up sunset
ceremonies on a terrace overlooking the ocean,
with live mariachi or solo guitar music. A dedicated
concierge can also put together daytime getaways
for the wedding party, from kayaking to trekking
along jungle trails.
• Bucerias: Mark’s Bar & Grill (Mediterranean), El
Chivero (Seafood), La Provence (French), Sandrinas
(Greek)
In fact, honeymooners with naturalist tendencies
have any number of green options to enjoy together
in the Riviera Nayarit. A popular alternative is a visit
to Marietas Islands, an island wildlife sanctuary off
of Banderas Bay that is home to endangered bird
species and rare coral reefs. And in the town of San
Pancho, they can enjoy horseback riding or dive off
its shores. Cozy guestrooms often welcome couples
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Riviera Nayarit
No romantic escapade is complete without indulging
the palate, and visitors will not be disappointed
here. Fishing is a way of life in the Riviera Nayarit, and
fresh seafood makes its way to roadside eateries and
top restaurants throughout. The region’s cultural
influences also have a culinary presence here. Some
places to try:
• Nuevo Vallarta: Prime 59 (steak), Porto Bello (italian
avant Guarde), Nick San (japanese), Ginger Garden
(Asian), Porteña (Argentinean food), Dolce Vita
(classic Italian), La Laguna (seafood).
• La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Black Forest Restaurant
(German cuisine), Frascati (Italian), Riviera Nayarit
Marina Yacht Club (international cuisine).
U
sing its lush surroundings as motivation to spread the
benefits of nature, the Riviera Nayarit has inspired bevy
of world-class spas and quiet retreats where visitors can get
away from it all and emerge and renewed.
Many local spas combine contemporary treatments
with traditional remedies and native ingredients,
whit anything from tequila scrubs to papaya facials
and even Mayan mud body wraps gracing spa
menus. Spa facilities feature the latest in health and
wellness technology while also incorporating the
Riviera Nayarit’s landscapes into their services, for
which visitors might sing up for outdoor oceanside
treatments or garden-side therapies. Some spa
even feature a temazcal –an igloo-shaped brick
or adobe sweat hut where a traditional cleansing
and detoxifying ceremony takes place; an expert
temazcalero douses hot stones with water infused
with herbs while burning incense, chanting and
providing guidance release.
• Punta de Mita: Café des Artistes del Mar (French
international), El Dorado (seafood)
• Sayulita: Don Pedro’s (Mediterranean), Bedegita del
Medio (Cuban)
Gran Velas Spa at the Grand Velas
All Suites & Spa Resort (Nuevo Vallarta)
Looking out onto Banderas Bay, Grand Velas All Suites
offers a step way above the standard all-inclusive
getaways, and its spa has similarly risen to these high
standards. A member of The Leading Spas of the World,
the Grand Velas Spa features a hydrotherapy ritual of
hot-and-cold pools and shower prior massages and
treatments to choose, so guests can mix and match,
say, a Luscious Avocado Yogurt Wrap for its Vital Body
Collection with a Pre-Hispanic Massage Tukipa from
the more ceremonial Huichol Collection, in which
obsidian stones are used to relax the body and
release toxins. With 20 treatments rooms, complete
fitness center and full-service beauty salon, this is an
excellent location for groups seeking to be pampered
as they spend time together.
The resort also has a spectacular 3-bedroom Imperial
Spa Suite that comes with a steam room, massage
table and outdoor jacuzzi that fits up to 12 people, as
well as it own made, butler
and bartender.
• San Pancho: Mar Plata Restaurant (seafood and
steaks by the sea), La Ola Rica (Mexican)
For a complete listing visit RivieraNayarit.com in the
“dining section”
www.RivieraNayarit.com
The Riviera Nayarit has a spa for practically all
budgets and characters. A few choices:
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Riviera Nayarit
21
Apuane Spa at Four Seasons Resort
Punta Mita (Punta Mita)
Opened in 1999, the Four Seasons Punta Mita is one
of Riviera Nayarit’s most luxurious resort, with its
own private yacht and even an Oasis Family Complex
with a lazy river pool. Its Apuane Spa features inroom, panoramic oceanview cabana or Tamai
poolside or garden cabana therapies; couples can
enjoy tandem treatments at the luxurious Apuane
Suite, which comes with its own whirlpool, shower,
sauna and terrace. All treatments here use natural
products and local ingredients; even the name of
the spa, Apuane, comes from the Huichol language
and means “stream of water”. The spa menu includes
such options as the Mayan Temaztac body wrap,
which uses almond oil, rose elixir and milk of vanilla,
orange, corn and wheat; the Chamomile Scrub with
Vichy Hydrotherapy; and the Hakali Massage, which
combines various techniques with a whipped potion
made from cactus and pulque (from the maguey
plant), both of which have healing properties. Even
manicures and pedicures go “native” here, with
Mayan mud and lime used as ingredients.
Villa La Estancia and Villa del Palmar
Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa (Flamingos)
These Luxury sister properties, par of The Villa
Group’s, which also incorporates Mexican the
14-treatment room Tatewari Spa, which also
incorporates Mexican Indian traditions into the spa
experience, with state-of-the-art services working
22
Riviera Nayarit
www.RivieraNayarit.com
together with centuries—old beliefs. Tatewari is
the name given to a deity associate with extreme
relaxation, peace and personal growth, a philosophy
that’s alive well at the spa. Men and woman get their
own hydrotherapy centers for pre-treatment water
rituals, followed by anything from a Sea Escape
Stone Facial & Body Treatment to a Chocolate Rose
Decadent Body Treatment. The resorts also present
Wellness Week events periodically-expert-led
programs on topics such as holistic healing, stress
management, weight control and more.
are recreated here in an unparalleled environment
just for you. Each is re-created in separate quarters
with the unique characteristics notable within the
spa experiences of the world.
More spas in the Riviera Nayarit can be found at the
following hotels:
• Brio Spa at The Grand Mayan
• Hacienda del Paraíso Spa at El Tigre Golf Course
• Palenque Spa at Paradise Village
Remède Spa at the St. Regis Resort (Punta
• Renova Spa at Riu Palace
Mita)
• Spa at the Marival Resort & Suites
For those seeking the unparalleled in pampering, the
10,000, square foot Remède Spa is the consummate
place to relax and revitalize. Nine treatment rooms
are available for Remède’s large variety of customized
beauty and massage services, including two rooms
for couples’ treatments, and a Deluxe Spa Suite with
a couples’ treatment room and private Jacuzzi. The
world class spa also includes a sauna and stream
back area with lounges for relaxation.
• Spa by Pevonia at the Dreams Villamagna
Resort
Mélange World Spa at the Marival
Residences Resort (Nuevo Vallarta)
• Spa at the Vallarta Palace Resort
• Spa at the BelAir Collection Hotel
• Wellness Center at Haramara Retreat
• Wellness Center at Taheima Resort
For a full description visit: www.RivieraNayarit.com
in the Spa section.
At the extraordinaire World Spa, the world comes to
your doorstep. The very essences of relaxation and
renovation from eight distinct cultures of the world
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Riviera Nayarit
23
NEW TOURISM INFRAESTRUCTURE
DEVELOPMENTS
D
espite its current wealth of
attractions and accommodations,
Riviera Nayarit keeps growing as it keeps
a watchful eye on its natural resources.
Here are the latest highlights:
Nuevo Vallarta
Litibú:
Public investment:
This is where Riviera Nayarit was born, and the
current pulse of the destination makes it renew
constantly. The Occidental Allegro currently is
making a large investment to remodel its facilities in
this destination in order to attain a higher category
and to offer better services to their guests, so its
upcoming reopening promises to be a great surprise.
Furthermore, Nuevo Vallarta is the new gastronomic
Mecca of Bahia de Banderas, as new restaurants
open every day in this area, featuring avant-garde
gastronomic concepts.
Litibú, the first federal supported tourism project in
Riviera Nayarit developed by the National Fund for
Tourism Development (Fonatur) which is nestled
on 160 hectares of spectacular beachfront next
to Punta de Mita, has recently inaugurated an 18
hole Greg Norman Golf Course and the first condo
hotel; La Tranquila which opened its first phase
with 73 private villas and luxury amenities, and the
second phase of this project is scheduled to open
in late 2012. Meanwhile, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
who owns three of these beachfront hotel lots has
indicated that it plans on completing the first of
their three hotels by mid 2012 which will feature 560
rooms.
The development of tourism infrastructure has
also promoted new government investments that
contribute to improve the experience of tourists. A
new expansion to create a four-lane road connecting
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Punta Mita has already
begun and will greatly reduce travel time. This
construction work will cost $250 million pesos (22
million dollars), which will be paid in full by the State
Government of Nayarit, and is expected to conclude
by mid-2012.
Nahui at Destiladeras Beach
Nahui is the most ambitious project currently under
development. Its plans include a large residential
area that will extend over 800 hectares with 2.8
miles of beach front overlooking Bahia de Banderas.
During the first stage, the development will build
a cozy little town, with shops that will house some
of the most renowned restaurants and stores in
the region, villas and lots for residential properties
as well as a resort hotel, 15 boutique hotels, a
residential beach club and public access to the
beach. Tau Resort one of these boutique hotels is
presently under construction and is expected to
open in mid 2012.
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Riviera Nayarit
www.RivieraNayarit.com
El Capomo:
The second development in Nayarit promoted by the
National Fund for Tourism Development (Fonatur) is
now taking its first steps. It’s nestled on 226 hectares
on the coast in the municipality of Compostela,
approximately one hour north of Nuevo Vallarta out
of which 143 hectares will be developed and the
rest will be dedicated to nature conservation. Once
completed, the project is expected to offer 4,800
units and a golf course, generating around 24,000
jobs.
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Riviera Nayarit
25
SAMPLE 5 DAY ITINERARY
SERVING RIVIERA NAYARIT
I
Hospedaje en Riviera Nayarit
t is suggested to rent a car and/or hire a private
guide/driver for part of this itinerary.
DAYS ONE AND TWO
Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos
• A round of golf at El Tigre Club
• Jungle trek or ATV excursion
• Whale watching excursion during the months of
December through April
• Treat your self with the best hands at any of the
SPAS, not only for the hotel guests, also open
to the public: SPA at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit,
Melange World Spa at Marival Residences or
Tatewari SPA at Villa La Estancia
Bucerias
• Learn to windsurf or kitesurf
Go Shopping in this quaint town
Have dinner at Marks Bar & Grill, featuring
contemporary cuisine with
Mediterranean and Asian touches
DAY FOUR
Sayulita
• Walking tour of town including art shops
• Take a Stand Up Paddle surf lesson
• Have a late lunch at Sayulita’s Beach Tacos, which
serves tasty fish tacos and homemade salsas,
burritos, empanadas and more
San Pancho
• Visit the Turtle Sanctuary between the months of
June through November
• Bahía del Sol: 52 (322) 297-0527; bahiadelsol.com.mx (Nuevo Vallarta)
• Belair Vallarta: (322) 226-1050; belairvallarta.com (Flamingos)
• Bungalows Princess: 52 (329) 298-0100; bungalows-princess.com (Bucerías)
• Cactus Inn: (329) 298-1280; cactusinnbucerias.com (Bucerías)
• Club Hotel RIU Jalisco: (800) 225-5748; riu.com (Flamingos)
• RIU Palace Pacífico: (800) 225-5748; riu.com (Flamingos)
• Costa Azul Adventure Resort: (311) 258-4120; costaazul.com (San Pancho)
Lo de Marcos
• Decameron Los Cocos: 52 (327) 274-0190; decameron.com (Rincón de Guayabitos)
• Enjoy the sunset at the beach of this town.
Probably best pacific Sunset in Mexico.
• Dreams Villamagna: 52 (322) 226-8700; dreamsresorts.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
DAY FIVE
• El Coral: 52 (327) 275-0008 (Lo de Marcos)
• Four Seasons Punta Mita: (329) 291-6060; fourseasons.com/puntamita (Punta de Mita)
Rincon de Guayabitos
• Explore this beachside village or go snorkeling to
Isla Cangrejo
• Grand Velas AII Suites & Spa Resort: (322) 226-8000; grandvelas.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
San Blas
• Hotel Cinco: (329) 291-5005; hoteldesartistesdelmar.com (Punta de Mita)
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
• En-route to San Blas, stop at a roadside market for
fresh fruit
• Hotel Garza Canela: 52 (323) 285-0112; garzacanela.com (San Bias)
• Boat trip departing from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle’s
new marina
• Tour of La Tovara National Park (San Blas is the
jumping-off point for this national park)
• Hotel Real Villas: 52 (327) 274-0340; hotelrealvillas.com (Rincón de Guayabitos)
Punta de Mita
• Visit colonial sites of San Blas
• Tour this chic little town
• Imanta Resorts: (329) 298-4260; imantaresorts.com (Higuera Blanca)
• Have dinner at El Delfin Restaurant at the Hotel
Garza Canela. Chef Betty Vazquez a former
student at the Cordon Bleu School of Culinary
Arts in Paris, uses Mexican ingredients fused with
European cooking techniques. Overnight at Hotel
Garza Canela.
DAY THREE
• Snorkel or dive at the Marietas Islands
• Have dinner at The über-chic Cafe des Artistes
del Mar, by award-winning restaurateur Thierry
Blouet, offers French-Mediterranean alternatives
with seafood as the star attraction
26
Riviera Nayarit
www.RivieraNayarit.com
• Haramara Retreat: 52 (329) 291-3038; haramararetreat.com (Sayulita)
• Hotel RIU Vallarta: (800) 225-5748; riu.com (Flamingos)
• La Tranquila: (322) 298-4311; latranquila.com.mx (Higuera Blanca)
• Marina Banderas Suites: 52 (322) 297-6056; marinabanderas.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
• Mayan Palace Nuevo Vallarta: (322) 226-4000; mayanpalace.com/nuevo (Nuevo Vallarta)
• Marival Residences & World Spa: (322) 226-8200; marivalresidences.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Riviera Nayarit
27
Airlines and Airports
• Marival Resort & Suites: (322) 226-8200; marival.com.mx (Nuevo Vallarta)
G
• Meson de Mita: 52 (329) 291-6330 hotelmesondemita.com (Punta de Mita)
• Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa: (329) 226-9900; fiestahotelgroup.com (Costa Banderas)
• Paradise Village: (322) 226-6770; paradisevillage.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
Flying to the Riviera Nayarit is easy and convenient for
national and international travelers.
• Playa Escondida: (329) 291-3640; playa-escondida.com (Sayulita)
The Tepic International Airport and the Puerto Vallarta
International Airport both await you with exceptional
customer service and all the amenities required that
ensure your arrival and departure will be pleasant
experience.
• Rancho Banderas: 52 (329) 291-7000; ranchobanderas.com (Destiladeras)
• Royal Decameron Costa Flamingos: 52 (329) 298-0226; decameron.com (Bucerías)
• Samba Vallarta: 52 (322) 226-8250; sambavallarta.com (Flamingos)
• Suites Costa Dorada: 52 (329) 298-0046 x 806; scostadorada.com (Bucerías)
• Suites & Resort Las Margaritas: 52 (327) 275 -0452; bungalowsmargarita.com (Lo de Marcos)
• Taheima Wellness Resort & Spa: (322) 176-0200; taheimahotel.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
• The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort: (329) 291-5800; starwoodhotels.com/stregis (Location: Punta de Mita)
• Tres Torres Suites: 52 (327) - 275 0444, trestorresdepartamentos.com (Lo de Marcos)
• Vallarta Gardens: (329) 295-5100; vallartagardens.com (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle)
• Villa Bella: (329) 295-5161; villabella-Iacruz.com (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle)
• Villa Corona del Mar: (327) 274-0912; villacoronadelmar.com (Rincón de Guayabitos)
• Villa del Palmar Flamingos Beach Resort & Spa: (322) 226-8100; villagroupresorts.com (Flamingos)
• Villa La Estancia: (322) 226-8100; villagroupresorts.com (Flamingos)
• Villa Varadero: (322) 297-0404; hotelvillavaradero.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
• Vista Panoramica: 52 (329) 298-0312; cactusinnbucerias.com/vistapanoramica (Bucerías)
Riviera Nayarit
The Tepic International Airport (TPQ) is located just
1 hour east of the resort coastal area of San Blas in
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico’s Pacific Coast’s oldest sea
port. Below is a list of the regularly scheduled airlines
with service to Tepic as well as the cities they fly from.
Commercial Airlines that fly to Tepic International
Airport (TPQ)
• Aeromar Airlines (flights from Mexico City): 1 855
237-6627; www.aeromar.us
• Vallarta Palace: (322) 226-8470; palaceresorts.com (Nuevo Vallarta)
28
etting to the Pacific paradise of Riviera Nayarit
is a breeze whether you are venturing via the
highway system or one of the two airports that
service the region.
www.RivieraNayarit.com
Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is located
just 10 – 15 minutes from Riviera Nayarit’s southern
most resort areas of Nuevo Vallarta/Flamingos,
30 minutes from the resorts of Punta Mita, and
Litibu, and approximately 1 hour from the area of
Guayabitos. With both National and International
arrivals, this modern facility offers much for the
traveler. The terminal provides several snack bars and
drink counters, rental car agents, banks for currency
exchange, Duty-Free shops and tour information
www.RivieraNayarit.com
booths. The parking lot offers short and long-term
parking. Taxi service to and from the various hotels
and resorts in the area is available at the front door
and charter buses are provided for groups of travelers
through their respective travel agencies and are
located at the side doors. The airport also handles
private jets as well as general aviation.
Commercial Airlines that fly to Puerto Vallarta
International Airport (PVR)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aeromexico: (800) 237-6639; aeromexico.com
Air Canada: (888) 247-2262; aircanada.com
Air Transat: (866) 847-1112; airtransat.com
Alaska Airlines: (800) ALASKAAIR; alaskaair.com
American Airlines: (800) 433-7300; aa.com
Continental Airlines: (800) 523FARE; continental.com
Delta Air Lines: (800) 241-4141; delta.com
Frontier Airlines: (800) 432-1359; frontierairlines.
com
Interjet (866)-285-9525; interjet.com.mx
United Airlines: (800) UNITED-1; united.com
US Airways: (800) 428-4322; usairways.com
Virgin America: 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN; virginamerica.com
Volaris (866) 988-3527; volaris.com.mx
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required.
LANGUAGE: Spanish. English is spoken in the major
tourist areas.
Riviera Nayarit
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Riviera Nayarit
www.RivieraNayarit.com