The best of all ocean-side Mexico is contained within a 50-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast. It begins at the town of Puerto Vallarta [state of Jalisco] and extends north, along the coast, to an area just past the fishing village of Chacala [state of Nayarit]. Since Puerto Vallarta is located just a few miles from the Jalisco/Nayarit border, the majority of this magnificent area [approx. 90%] lies in the state of Nayarit. The Pacific Coast of Nayarit is one of the most exciting and beautiful of all the ocean-side locations in Mexico. So, if you are interested in fantastic scenery – as well as – great weather, a multitude of available activities, and ease of access, you’ll also discover that The Best of Mexico lies within that scenic 50 miles.

EASE OF ACCESS – Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport provides convenient connections to most major U.S. and Canadian cities and is a comfortable 2-4 hour flight from most points of origin within the U.S. [Map of Flying times]

JET LAG – The coast of southern Nayarit is at the same latitude as Maui, Hawaii; it can usually be reached from a major portion of the U.S. with no more then a one hour time-zone change. In contrast, mainland travelers to Hawaii will experience a minimum 5 hour, to as much as an 8 hour, time–zone change.

WEATHER – This is the ideal zone between the southern and northern extremes of West-coast Mexico. Rain is largely confined to the summer months. Most winter days are sunny with a slight breeze [it is not windy]. Daytime temperatures are in the upper 70’s and low 80’s. On a winter evening, a person can be comfortable in a short-sleeve shirt. The weather in the eight months from October to May is, arguably, the best in the world.

SCENIC BEAUTY – The area between Puerto Vallarta and Chacala is blessed with all the enchantments of the ocean as well as alternating stretches of beach, rugged cliffs and bluffs. This area also enjoys the magnificence of lush, jungle-vegetation that exists in a setting of tropical splendor. Outside the boundaries of this 50 mile area, things begin to change. Thirty miles north of Chacala, marks the beginning of coastal Mangrove Swamp [mosquito’s are a big problem] that extends north for 100 miles. [Beyond that, the shoreline becomes increasingly arid and finally terminates in the desert that typifies northern Sonora and Southern Arizona.] Just minutes south of the town of Puerto Vallarta, the highway turns inland and travels through the mountains. The lush jungle-vegetation quickly gives way to pines. It is a 2½ hour drive through the mountains before you reach the ocean again.

POLITICS – Political stability has existed in Mexico for over 50 years. The recently signed NAFTA agreement has enhanced the already good relationship between the U.S. and Mexico and helped further a friendly business atmosphere. Recently, the government of the state of Nayarit has become interested in the promotion of its southern coastline. They have published a report that summarizes a study they completed regarding development of that area. Their pro-development attitude has been shaped by the dictates of that study which has provided several possible benefits for someone considering property ownership in the state of Nayarit, Mexico:

• Streamlining of the legal procedures regarding property acquisition, creation of Bank-trusts [a form of property titling most preferred by Americans] and transfers of ownership between buyer and seller.
• The expanded use of title insurance.
• Investors and property purchasers will encounter friendly attitudes from the involved government offices, [e.g., the building permit office, the planning and zoning office and the forestry department].
• Greater government awareness of and interest in providing conveniences and services that would enhance successful development, [e.g., talk of a new airport, expanded phone service, a 4 lane highway and finer medical facilities].
• The Nayarit Government’s desire to avoid past conceptual mistakes common to the development of certain other resort areas of Mexico, [eg. they are planning to promote low-rise structures vs. high-rise].
• Greater ease of owning Mexican residential property due to the signing of the foreign investment law [FIL] in 1973 and amended in 1994.

CITIES – The proximity of a major city is an important consideration for some second-home seekers. From Chacala [which is at the northern end of that area we’ve described as the best of Mexico], it is just a little over an hour’s drive to Puerto Vallarta, an exciting, international city on the West Coast of Mexico. It has restaurants, shopping and the Denver Post rates it the golf capitol of Mexico. Conde Naste called it the friendliest city in the world. It also boasts a very modern hospital.

UNEXPECTED BENEFITS – As a result of Puerto Vallarta’s popularity as an American tourist destination, English is spoken almost everywhere you go.

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