If you’re looking for an under the radar tourist destination to visit in Mexico, it’s time to add Costalegre to your travel bucket list immediately. Located in the Mexican state of Jalisco along the Pacific Ocean, Costalegre’s natural landscape is remarkably well preserved, serving as a pristine playground for luxury travelers — and one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
Costalegre’s name means “happy coast.” The area has a pleasant tropical-savanna climate with warm weather throughout the year. The rainy season runs from May through October, but even during the wet months, there’s often plenty of sunlight outside of some afternoon downpours.
You won’t find hordes of tourists or sky-high hotels interrupting the coastal views like you might in popular Mexico tourist destinations like Tulum, Cancun, and Cabo. Instead of mega-resorts and shopping plazas, you’ll find lush jungles, rugged mountains, and long stretches of untouched golden sand.
Stretching from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo, the coastline is dotted with small villages and upscale communities that ooze quiet luxury, all connected to Mexico’s Highway 200 by various dirt roads. During your visit, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the Mexico of old. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic small-town culture and immerse yourself in nature.
Explore unspoiled coastal beauty
Thanks to Mexican officials, along with a handful of developers and wealthy property owners, the development in Costalegre has been slow and intentional. Many of the resorts in the area are upscale eco-resorts conscious of environmental sustainability and the preservation of biodiversity. Some mainstream resorts have even gone so far as to create their own nature preserves, like the 3,000-acre protected area surrounding the new Four Seasons Resort.
Rugged and remote, Costalegre is a nature lover’s dream come true, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, windsurfing, and swimming are popular pastimes. As the landscape changes along the way, you’ll see cacti, palm trees, and tropical plants encroaching on the sandy shores. You’ll find quaint villages like Melaque and Barra de Navidad all along the route.
No trip to Costalegre is complete without exploring the secluded coves and beaches. With miles upon miles of soft sandy coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to carve out a little slice of paradise all for yourself. Cabo Corrientes is one of the best areas for seekers of sun, sand, and swimming. It’s a rugged and wild landscape with abundant wildlife. Navidad Bay is an excellent place for tasty seafood and scenery.
Planning your adventure to Costalegre
If you plan to explore all that Costalegre offers, your best bet is to acquire a rental car. The closest airport offering commercial flights is located in Puerto Vallarta, the region’s most well-known resort city. Many major cities around the world offer direct flights to Puerto Vallarta, so getting there is easy and convenient. Economy rental cars start at about $15 per day but consider upgrading to a 4×4 if you plan to stray from the main highway. Public buses also run along the route, stopping at some smaller towns.
Driving south from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo along Costalegre would take about five hours without stopping. Hence, base yourself somewhere central or make several overnight stops along the way if you plan to explore the whole coastline. Along the route, you’ll find various accommodation options ranging from small budget-friendly hotels starting at around $75 per night to luxurious private villas. If you’re willing to stay in the small villages in modest but comfortable accommodations, it can be one of the best budget-friendly beach vacations to take in Mexico.
Costalegre has been a favorite vacation spot for jet setters for years, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to high-end lodgings. Consider booking a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo for optimum luxury. The property is on a private peninsula where visitors can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of Costalegre in comfort and style. Rooms start at around $1,000 per night.
