Mexico › Punta de Mita › Best Bars
Updated: March 10, 2022

Where to Find the Best Cocktails in Punta de Mita, Mexico

Punta de Mita is a town best-known for its similarly named gated community, Punta Mita, and the condos, golf courses, and luxury resorts that live within it, like the Four Seasons and St. Regis. However, an array of interesting dining and accommodation options can be found outside the gates too. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything open in the area past 10 or 11 pm, but if you venture out earlier you can definitely enjoy a world-class drink.

These are the spots with the best cocktails in Punta de Mita, whether you’re after a traditional margarita or a signature cocktail created in house at a famed resort.

1. Chevychería (at W Punta de Mita)

Sitting at the W Hotel’s beachfront ceviche bar is an experience in its own right. Patrons can enjoy fresh seafood with Latin flavors served straight from a ’50s Chevrolet pickup truck. The cocktails are all made from fresh ingredients at a bar inside the truck and are perfect for the beach slash poolside location. Try the Ananash, a concoction made from roasted pineapple puree, agave honey, lime, and raicilla – a local agave distillate similar to tequila and mezcal that you shouldn’t miss.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333

2. Mita Mary Boat Bar & Bistro (St. Regis)

Keeping in line with the food truck movement, this beachside “boat” bistro allows guests to enjoy mouthwatering seafood tacos or tostadas accompanied by fresh tropical fruit cocktails. Margaritas come in unique flavors like watermelon, jalapeño, passion fruit, or basil and pineapple. At night, a fire pit burns on the sand, adding a bohemian element to the beachy atmosphere. This is a place where you’ll probably want to go in the company of your significant other, as the sound of the waves, the moonlight, and the feeling of the sand between your toes are the ingredients for a memorable holiday date night.

More info:
• Address: Lote H-4, México 200 km 19.5, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5800

3. The Shack (at the Four Seasons)

This beachfront bar at the Four Seasons serves signature cocktails created in house by expert mixologists. The Machete, a smoky mezcal drink infused with watermelon and chilies shouldn’t be missed. And if you’re after something that will whet your appetite –or cure the previous night’s excesses– you can’t pass up the Cielo Rojo, a refreshing combination of Riviera Nayarit’s sangrita mixed with Cora beer, a label made exclusively for the resort by Cerveza Minerva. The innovative cocktails are served in unique glasses that will make you want to order a drink just to experience the joy of drinking from a see-through skull-shaped mug oozing smoke or a tall totem-inspired highball.

More info:
• Address: Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 6000

4. Spice Market (at W Punta de Mita)

If you’ve been to an iconic Buddha Bar at one of its locations around the world, this place is bound to remind you of it. DJ beats, dim lights, opulent furniture, and spicy pan-Asian cuisine weave together smoothly to provide the perfect atmosphere for a swanky night out. With outposts in New York City, Doha, and San Miguel de Allende, Spice Market is guaranteed to make you feel like a real-life VIP. A cold sake seems like a very appropriate drink order, but they also have several expertly-crafted cocktails that go well with the chef’s take on Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian cuisine.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333

5. Lobster Paradise

Guess what we recommend you order if you decide to give this place a go? Yes, lobster! But if drinks are what you’re after, this restaurant located at El Anclote strip offers you the choice between sitting on a large beachfront deck or seeking refuge from the heat at the enclosed air-conditioned bar. The bar’s impeccable maritime décor and signature cocktails are bound to keep patrons in there for a while. Try a Sí Señor, which combines espadín mezcal with coconut water, lime, and tonic water, or a Ramon is Hot, prepared with silver tequila, cucumber, jalapeño, agave honey, and lime.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 9, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 6296

6. Rosa Mexicano

Margaritas poured in front of patrons accompanied by mouth-watering Mexican antojitos (starters that will help you sample a lot of different items on the menu) is the way to go at this brightly-colored restaurant with seating right on the sand. Warm complimentary salsa is prepared tableside for you to enjoy with tortilla chips while you wait for your order and the friendly staff will go the extra mile to ensure you have everything you need. If you find yourself in the area soon, make sure you give this place located at El Anclote a try. It’s as Mexican as it gets but with a tropical beach twist.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 114, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5495

7. La Pescadora

Formerly named The Blue Shrimp, La Pescadora is also found in El Anclote and it retains its striking surfboard decor at the entrance. Self-described as a “Barbecue–Beach–Booze” joint, this is a great spot to relax by the beach at sunset with a drink in hand while you gaze at people expertly paddleboarding. Try a freshly-made lime margarita served in a colorful mouth-blown glass, either sitting at a table if you’re planning to accompany your drinks with an order of guacamole or seafood specialty, or from one of their comfortable lounging chairs.

More info:
• Address: Ave El Anclote 10, Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 291 5212

Tips & Advice

• When to Visit: June through August are the hottest months to visit Punta de Mita, so if you’re looking for a bit of a cooler climate, you might want to wait till November –although it should be noted that temperatures don’t vary significantly throughout the year. If you want to ensure that it doesn’t rain while you’re there (and you don’t mind the crowds), consider visiting during the high season of January, February, or March. Good deals can be found in May, the slowest month in Punta de Mita.
• Arrival: Your flight will arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport, which is about an hour’s drive to Punta de Mita. Airport taxis can be expensive, as is private transportation arranged in advance by the hotel, but you can get an Uber in Puerto Vallarta for much less. Alternatively, there are several private and group transportation options leaving from the Puerto Vallarta airport.
• How to Get Around: Whether you stay in the gated community of Punta Mita or at a hotel located elsewhere, you can get to the town of Punta de Mita by taxi or hotel shuttle. The main strip in the town is called El Anclote, where you’ll find bars, restaurants, and shops. El Anclote also offers accommodation options –albeit more modest than others in the area.

Read More

• Best Places to Stay in Punta de Mita
• Best Restaurants in Punta de Mita
• Best Hotels in Cancun
• Cancun Airport Hotels
• Cancun to Tulum Transportation
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Isla Mujeres Family Hotels
• Tulum Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta Family Hotels
• Los Cabos Family Hotels
• Mazatlan Family Hotels

Mexico › Tulum › Biking
Updated: March 10, 2022

See Also

• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Family Hotels in Tulum
• Maps of Tulum

The bike path in Tulum that runs all the way to the beach.

Getting Around Tulum By Bike

Biking along the beach road in Tulum. The road is narrow with no bike lane, but traffic moves slowly and drivers are used to looking out for cyclists. Biking is the best way to get around Tulum, whether in the town or at the beach.

There are five ways to get around Tulum

• Walking is easy to do in the pueblo (downtown) or at the playa (beach). Most of the pueblo’s hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and the bus station sit within a three square kilometer section of town. Streets follow a mostly grid-like pattern with wide sidewalks and good lighting at night. The clubs stay open until late (some as late as 5:00 a.m.), so it’s not unusual to have the streets crowded with pedestrians until late in the evening. At the playa, there is only one narrow road, so it’s impossible to get lost. Most hotels and many restaurants are set up along the eastern, beach side of the road, while most restaurants, shops, bars, and yoga studios lie on the western, jungle side of the road. Though there is no sidewalk for most of the length of the beach road, cars move slowly and drivers are used to pedestrians, so it’s generally safe to walk during daylight hours. Exercise caution walking at night, as there are no street lights here, just the lights from the hotels and other businesses, so it’s hard for drivers to see pedestrians. Though walking is the most common way to get around in the beach zone, the whole length of the beach is over 10 km from the ruins in the north to Sian Ka’an in the south and would take around 2.5 hours to walk the full length. For longer trips or to travel the 5 km between the pueblo and the playa, you’ll want a more efficient mode of transportation.
• Busing is an easy, affordable way to travel from Tulum to nearby cities, including Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Bacalar. There are two bus stations in Tulum, the main one in the pueblo and another one at the ruins. However, there are no bus routes connecting the pueblo to the beach. The closest thing Tulum has to a public bus serving local routes in the pueblo or on the beach is the colectivo, a large van that operates as a bus and is mostly used by locals and hotel workers. The colectivo between the pueblo and playa runs about every hour; it’s often full and when that’s the case, it won’t pick up more passengers. Colectivos are incredibly cheap if you’re lucky enough to flag one down on Avenida Coba, but it’s not recommended to rely on the colectivo.
• Taxis are the most expensive public transport option, but they are the best option for traveling with luggage, large groups, or for late-night trips to or from the beach zone. Taxis are easiest to find near the bus stations, Chedraui supermarket, and near hotel-heavy areas, or call ahead to reserve one. Taxis in Tulum do not use meters; instead, they charge flat rates depending on which zone you are traveling to or from. Drivers have an official list of fares per zone in their taxis, and you’ll also find these lists at designated taxi stands. For a taxi from the pueblo to the North Beach Zone (up to the ruins) or Beach Town area (as far south as Zamas Hotel), the price should be around 100 pesos, while a taxi from the pueblo to the South Beach Zone, near the entrance to Sian Ka’an will be around 180 pesos. Not too bad for an occasional expense, but for multiple trips, it adds up fast. There is no Uber in Tulum to compete with taxi rates.
• Driving is easy to do in and around Tulum and offers more flexibility for exploring farther-flung attractions, including the Cobá ruins, Punta Laguna Nature Park, or Dos Ojos cenote. But a car can be a burden for traveling along the beach road since there is not much parking available and the narrow road is prone to congestion with work trucks and too many taxis. Rent a car if you plan on doing a lot of exploring outside Tulum proper, but if the bulk of your time will be spent in the pueblo or at the beach, cycling is the best option.
• Cycling is the best way to get around Tulum especially for traveling up and down the beach road, for getting between the pueblo and playa, and for getting to the cenotes just outside of town. Bikes are everywhere in Tulum. They’re easy to rent and cost about 150 pesos a day (less if you rent for multiple days). Tulum pueblo, playa, and the surrounding areas are mostly flat with a few very slight inclines here and there. The bike ride between the town and beach takes 20 to 35 minutes depending on your precise starting and stopping points. Along the beach road, car traffic can stop for 5 to 15-minutes for seemingly no reason at all. On a bike, you sail right by all the traffic and are happy for not being stuck in a car.

Renting a Bike in Tulum

Ola Bike in Tulum Pueblo – on the bike path heading towards the beach.

The best bike rental shop in Tulum is Ola Bike Tulum in the Pueblo on the road to the beach. There are many rental shops nearby, but Ola has the most well-maintained bikes in all sizes, plus accessories like baby carriers. If you book in advance, they’ll even deliver the bikes to you at your hotel and pick them up when your rental term ends.

Paola is another good shop in the Tulum pueblo. The bikes are older and not as high-end as Ola’s, but they are cheaper, about 100 pesos a day. The downside is that they will keep your ID for collateral as long as you have the bike.

Punta Piedra Beach Posada is the most popular spot to rent a bike at the beach in Tulum.

There are also bikes available to rent on the beach, but most beach bike rentals are run out of hotels with a limited selection of bikes at an inflated rate (around 250 to 500 pesos per day). The best bike rentals on the beach are at the hotels Punta Piedra Beach Posada and Las Palmas Maya. Both places have a good selection of well-maintained bikes at reasonable rates (around 150 pesos a day).

Cycling in the Tulum Pueblo

The bike path on the main road in the Pueblo, Carretera Tulum-Cancun, is new and well-marked with a wide sidewalk on the inside and a large buffer space between the bike lane and the road.

Many of Tulum’s best taco stands, restaurants, and bars are either right on this road or within a block, including Antojitos la Ciapaneca, seen here…

…and Burrito Amor, with plenty of bike parking available.

The pueblo, espcecially Avenida Centauro Sur, is the main nightlife hub of Tulum, with bars open all night until 4 or 5:00 a.m. The area is fairly well-lit all night with plenty of people on the streets, so it feels safe. On a bike, it’s easy to zip down the narrow, pedestrian-filled streets where cars would struggle to cross.

Avenida Cobá is the road leading from the pueblo north to the Cobá ruins or south to the beaches. Headed toward the beach from the pueblo, the bike lane becomes a shared walking/cycling path for about 3.5 km.

Cycling in the Beach Zone

Avenida Cobá runs from the pueblo south and dead-ends at the beach road, Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila, where there is a roundabout and a small police station. Turning left (north) here takes you off the bike path onto the road. Follow the road past several sandy and a few rocky beaches all the way up to the Tulum ruins. On a bike, you can park for free in the bike lot (seen here) right next to the main entrance. Car drivers will have to pay to park their cars in one of the lots about a 10-minute walk away.

View of the Temple of the God of Winds at the Tulum ruins. Biking to the ruins and exploring the archaeological site is a major highlight of any vacation to Tulum.

From the main intersection of Avenida Cobá and the beach road (seen in the background), turning right (south – the opposite way than these cyclists are going) leads to the most popular beaches of Tulum. The shared cycling/walking path continues south along the beach road all the way to the small collection of hotels, shops, and restaurants at the start of the main strip of beach hotels. (I call this Beach Town, but no one else does).

The bike lane ends just past Azulik Hotel. South of here is no path along the beach road, but traffic moves slowly – it always feels safe to be on your bike as long as it’s not dark (there are no street lights in the beach zone, so it’s hard for drivers to see cyclists at night).

The beach town area is the skinniest part of the beach road as shops and restaurants tend to spill over the boundaries.

If you’re uncomfortable navigating this patch, just walk your bike.

For hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars south of here (the opposite way of these cyclists) you’ll ride on for 1 to 5 kms. The road along the beach is flat.

The beach road stretches south for about 7 km before reaching Arco Maya, the entrance to Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve. The road gets pretty bumpy and patchy as you approach and continue into the nature park.

Hotels in Tulum with Free Bikes

The following hotels offer free use of their bike fleets for hotel guests. Bikes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get an early start to your day.

Free bikes at Casa Malca in the South Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Sueños Tulum in the South Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Una Vida Tulum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Naay Boutique Hotel in Aldea Zama.

Free bikes at O’ Tulum Boutique Hotel – Adults Only in Tulsayab, north of Tulum.

Free bikes at Teetotum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Villas Geminis in the pueblo.

Free bikes at LiveTulum in the pueblo.

Free bikes at Casa Ambar Boutique Hotel – Adults Only in the Middle Beach Zone.

Free bikes at Posada Lamar in the Middle Beach Zone.

Read More

• Best Hotels in Tulum
• Best Hotels in Tulum for Families
• Best Cheap Hotels in Tulum
• Where to Stay in Tulum
• Best Restaurants in Tulum
• Best Bars and Clubs in Tulum
• Best Tacos in Tulum
• Best Cenotes in Tulum
• Best Time of Year to Visit Tulum
• Tulum Travel Guide
• Cancun to Tulum Transportation (including Airport)
• Videos of Tulum
• Maps of Tulum

Mexico › Riviera Nayarit Hotels
Updated: March 10, 2022

The days when the Riviera Nayarit used to piggyback off its then most famous neighbor, Puerto Vallarta, to gain visitors are long gone. The Riviera Nayarit has a personality of its own, with its nearly 200 miles of coastline extending from Nuevo Vallarta in the south all the way to San Blás in the north.

With 23 seaside towns that make up this tourist destination, visitors can find a host of different accommodation options, some as unique as the towns where they’re located. Sayulita and Punta de Mita might have put it on the map, but lesser-known towns like Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacastle, and San Francisco – affectionately known as San Pancho – are also worth a visit. Here are 7 unique hotels in the Riviera Nayarit that are sure to attract those seeking intriguing decor, extraordinary service, and striking locations, with options for every budget.

1. Casa de Mita – Punta de Mita

This eight-room adults-only property is everything you’d want a boutique hotel to be. It’s located outside the gated community the Punta de Mita area is known for, but don’t let the bumpy gravel road you’ll travel down to get there fool you into thinking you picked the wrong spot. The staff pampers you from the moment you arrive and the hardest decisions you’ll have to make are whether you’ll have that second signature margarita, or whether you should move from your reading nook on a secluded Balinese bed full of pillows to a plush sunbed in a sunnier spot by the pool. Art and color abound, each room has a private terrace and the white-sand beach the hotel sits on is practically private. You’ll feel like you’re royalty at this place.

More info:
• Address: Playa Careyeros, 63734 Punta de Mita
• Phone: 329 298 4114
• Current prices starting at $775 USD per night

2. W Punta de Mita – Punta de Mita

The contemporary design of this hotel will make each and every one of your shots Instagram-worthy. The headboards in some rooms are made from surfing boards, private patios have colorful Acapulco-chair-style floating cocoons, and surfing or skating Frida posters in bold hues hang on the walls. But the rooms aren’t the only thing that oozes cool at this luxury property, the pool has hot tubs inside it, and a ceviche bar in an old Chevy truck sits right beside it. Spice Market, its pan Asian restaurant, has a sophisticated Buddha Bar feel to it, and the spa is undoubtedly one of the best in the area —if not the world. You’ll swoon as soon as you walk into the reception area and stumble upon the mosaic tapestry that climbs down steps, extends across the pool area, and reaches a bridge where you’ll want to be at sunset.

More info:
• Address: Km 8.5, Carr. Federal la Cruz de Huanacaxtle – Punta de Mita, Desarrollo Costa Banderas, 63734 Punta de Mita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 226 8333
• Current prices starting at $254 USD per night

3. Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita – Higuera Blanca

Despite its name, this luxury property is located in the town of Higuera Blanca and offers eco-luxe at its best. Sitting on a 250-acre ecological jungle preserve, the resort’s suites and larger “casas” provide great views of the jungle or ocean while offering lavish indoor comforts. All the suites of this boutique hotel, which belong to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection, are incredibly spacious and many have their own pool. The Jungle Spa is completely outdoors and the “cabins” have thatched walls —without much else— so the guests can hear the sounds of nature while receiving their treatments. The beach has Balinese beds and boulders of different sizes arranged in interesting formations, adding to the property’s Zen vibe.

More info:
• Address: Monte Nahuac Lote L, 63734 Higuera Blanca, Nay.
• Phone: 329 298 4200
• Current prices starting at $596 USD per night

4. Hotel Cielo Rojo – San Francisco

This small nine-room hotel is located in the town of San Francisco, Nayarit, affectionately referred to as San Pancho. The town’s laid-back atmosphere is one of the main reasons to visit, especially now that neighboring Sayulita gets jam-packed with tourists. Charming and decorated in minimalist yet very Mexican details, Hotel Cielo Rojo is the perfect base to explore the community. While it doesn’t have a pool, its restaurant is a definite highlight, both for the local artwork on its walls and its innovative and organic menu. Don’t leave this place without trying the avocado and cacao nibs smoothie.

More info:
• Address: Asia 6, 63734 San Francisco, Nay.
• Phone: 311 258 4155
• Current prices starting at $58 USD per night

5. Villa Bella B&B – La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

The views at this B&B in the town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle are truly breathtaking. Perched high on a hill, the property overlooks the town below —nestled among the greenery— and the ocean as far as the eye can see. The best part is that the spectacular views can be enjoyed by all the guests from the pool area, not just by the select few with the rooms on the top floors. Each of the seven rooms is different from the rest and some have separate living rooms, terraces, and kitchens, ideal for guests looking to feel right at home on longer stays.

More info:
• Address: Calle Monte Calvario 12, Nayarit, 63732 Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nay.
• Phone: 329 295 5161
• Current prices starting at $64 USD per night

6. Refugio del Mar – Bucerías

Balconies overlooking a street covered with bunting, colorful sitting rooms, full-size kitchens, and Mexican accents throughout are some of the reasons to pick this boutique hotel located in the understated town of Bucerías, an older sibling to Sayulita, and a more casual cousin to Punta de Mita. Visitors will enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by an eclectic decoration that combines the traditional with the contemporary. The hotel does not have direct access to the beach —it’s only a brisk walk away— but it’s the space granted by the suites and its three outdoor pools that will have you returning time and time again.

More info:
• Address: Benito Juárez 51, Bucerías, Nay.
• Phone: 322 101 8705
• Current prices starting at $132 USD per night

7. Casablanca Sayulita Hotel – Sayulita

This beachfront property with thatched-roof villas and bungalows is located on the quieter side of the bustling town of Sayulita. Sure, you’ve seen the pictures with the colorful bunting on the main road and the cute bohemian boutiques lining the streets, but when it’s at its peak, the main beach is nothing to write home about. Opt to stay instead in a laid-back, affordable haven that —at least during the low season— can make you feel like you own beachfront property with access to a semi-private beach. The rooms all have a separate sitting area, a kitchenette, and a balcony overlooking the pool. If you’re traveling as a group, consider booking the main house. Consisting of 3 bedrooms, your party of 10 will have a private pool, unobstructed beach views, and an outdoor palapa with a BBQ grill.

More info:
• Address: Av. del Palmar 79, Sayulita, Nay.
• Phone: 329 298 8565
• Current prices starting at $100 USD per night

Tips & Advice

• When to Visit: June through August are the hottest months to visit the region, so if you’re looking for a bit of a cooler climate, you might want to wait till November –although temperatures don’t vary significantly throughout the year. If you want to ensure that it doesn’t rain while you’re there (and you don’t mind the crowds), consider visiting during the high season of January, February, or March.

• Arrival: Your flight will arrive at Puerto Vallarta airport, which is about an hour’s drive to Punta de Mita, 45 minutes to Sayulita, San Pancho, and Higuera Blanca, 30 minutes to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and 22 minutes to Bucerías. Airport taxis can be expensive if you’re going to the towns further away, as is private transportation arranged in advance by the hotel, but you can get an Uber in Puerto Vallarta for much less. Alternatively, there are several private and group transportation options leaving from the Puerto Vallarta airport.

• How to Get Around: Local taxis are okay to get around from one neighboring town to the next. Some towns are small enough for you to walk from your hotel to the beach, the shops, and other places of interest, and you can also get around by bike or buggy in towns like Sayulita and Bucerías (hotels like Refugio del Mar even have some available for their guests).

Read More

• Cancun – Best Hotels
• Cancun – Family Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Best Hotels
• Isla Mujeres – Family Hotels
• Los Cabos – Travel Guide
• Los Cabos – Best Hotels
• Los Cabos – Family Hotels
• Mazatlan – Best Hotels
• Mazatlan – Family Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Best Hotels
• Playa del Carmen – Family Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Best Hotels
• Puerto Vallarta – Family Hotels
• Punta de Mita – Best Hotels
• Sayulita – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Best Hotels
• Tulum – Family Hotels