The Riviera Nayarit is becoming one of the most fashionable destinations for tourists from around the world. It is also a favourite of the rich and famous who are looking to escape the paparazzi and star sightings are quite common now. Just because the Riviera Nayarit is relatively new to the world doesn’t mean you won’t find much to do. With over 345 days of sunshine a year, exotic rainforests, 50 miles of soft sand beaches, warm ocean waters and eclectic seaside towns, you could spend weeks, even months exploring all the treasures of this region. Everything from surfing schools, jet-ski rentals and boogie boarding to world class golf facilities, exquisite spas and enchanting nightly entertainment await you so there is something to do every day of your vacation.

Nueva Vallarta is the most populated and modern town in the Riviera Nayarit and is home to almost all of the major resorts, hotels and entertainment. This town is all about living the high life and the majority of accommodations and amenities are luxurious five star facilities. The area is also home to two championship golf courses, ritzy beach clubs and an exclusive marina. Nueva Vallarta also offers a number of excursions and tours, most of which can be booked through your hotel. If you want nature and adventure, the Sierra Madre Expedition takes visitors on a 4x4 adventure through streams, forgotten mountain villages and jungle and gives you a chance to witness the vibrant flora and exotic wildlife. The Dolphin Signature Swim is also a great excursion. Spend some intimate time swimming and making friends with the dolphins. Looking for something a little different for your nightly entertainment? The Rhythms of the Night cruise is something you should experience for yourself. Board the sunset cruise to Las Caletas where you will enjoy a delectable meal and then the best part, the spectacular show under the starry night sky which is set in the jungle with flickering torches around a mysterious hidden pyramid. The ambiance alone is truly enchanting.

The Riviera Nayarit is full of other unique villages and towns that should definitely be experienced. Sayulita is a casual, laid back art community and surfer’s paradise. It is slightly larger than some of the surrounding villages and has a number of boutiques, seaside bars, cyber cafes and restaurants. However, Sayulita has managed to maintain its relaxed, casual vibe and this is also where many of the Hollywood stars have purchased their hideaways. San Francisco or San Pancho as the locals call it, was up until recently a sleepy little fishing village. Here you will find that the locals out number the tourists and you can fully experience the rich culture and traditional way of life. San Blas is located at the northern end of the Riviera Nayarit and is a fishing and agricultural town. Bird watchers from around the globe flock to this small town as it is a haven to over 300 migratory birds every winter. The San Blas area also offers a number of eco tourism excursions. No matter where you go, once you have visited the Riviera Nayarit, you will see why it is becoming Mexico’s premiere vacation destination. The currency is the Mexican Peso, divided into 100 centavos. All major credit cards are also widely accepted. The US Dollar is widely accepted in tourist areas too. ATMs are a convenient way to obtain local funds. Gustavo Ordaz International Airport (“PVR”) is located 10km north of downtown, close to the river that divides the areas of Puerto Vallarta and the new Riviera Nayarit in the adjoining state. Transfers to either area are quick and easy. 130vAC, 60Hz - the same plug type as Canada. Consulate of Canada
Address: Edificio Obelisco Local 108, Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio 1951, Zona Hotelera Las Glorias, 48300, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Tel.: +52 (322) 293-0098/9
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 001-800-514-0129
Fax: +52 (322) 293-2894
Most of the area is on GMT-7. The time at Puerto Vallarta airport though is GMT-6, with daylight saving time from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October. Other than a couple of weeks where Daylight Saving dates differ, Puerto Vallarta airport is one hour behind Toronto and Montréal, one hour ahead of Calgary, and two hours ahead of Vancouver