La Peñita de Jaltemba Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions and activities to do in La Peñita de Jaltemba in Nayarit, Mexico. Find insider tips on where to stay, what to eat, and more in this detailed travel guide.


La Peñita de Jaltemba Travel Guide

Welcome to La Peñita de Jaltemba, a charming town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. This town offers visitors a unique blend of beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and amazing food. With numerous attractions and activities, there is no shortage of things to do. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and more. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for some adventure or a family in search of a relaxing vacation, La Peñita de Jaltemba has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in La Peñita de Jaltemba

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Casa de la Cultura - This is the cultural center of La Peñita de Jaltemba, where visitors can learn about the town’s history and culture. The center includes a library, a museum, and various exhibitions.

  2. Parish of Our Lady of La Peña - A beautiful church located in the heart of town, the Parish of Our Lady of La Peña showcases stunning architecture and serves as a spiritual center for many locals.

  3. Tianguis Market - A weekly market that takes place every Thursday, the Tianguis Market offers visitors the opportunity to buy local goods such as handicrafts, fresh produce, and more.

Natural Attractions of La Peñita de Jaltemba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Isla del Coral - Take a boat trip to this beautiful island and enjoy activities like snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking in the beautiful surroundings.

  2. La Peñita Beach - The town’s main beach, La Peñita Beach, is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

  3. Estero La Cacalota - A wetland area located near La Peñita de Jaltemba, Estero La Cacalota is a great place for birdwatching and hiking. Visitors can also kayak or take a boat trip around the lagoon.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Peñita de Jaltemba

  1. Cerro del Toro - This hill offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. Hikers can reach the peak by taking the route starting from the El Mirador lookout.

  2. The Coastal Route - This route follows the coastline and offers hikers and bikers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The route passes through beaches, cliffs, and small towns.

  3. Sierra de Vallejo - More experienced hikers can take the challenging route through the Sierra de Vallejo, located north of La Peñita de Jaltemba.

Best Things to Do in La Peñita de Jaltemba: Activities and Tours

  1. Whale Watching - From December to March, visitors can take a boat trip to see the magnificent whales that migrate from the Arctic to the Pacific Coast.

  2. Surfing - La Peñita Beach is an excellent spot for surfing. There are also several surf schools that offer lessons for beginners.

  3. Cooking Classes - Learn how to make delicious local dishes like ceviche and mole Poblano in traditional cooking classes.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Peñita de Jaltemba

| Day | Activity | |———|——————————–| | Day 1 | Explore the town’s cultural center and the Parish of Our Lady of La Peña | | Day 2 | Take a boat trip to Isla del Coral for some snorkeling and picnicking | | Day 3 | Enjoy a leisurely day at La Peñita Beach | | Day 4 | Take a hike up Cerro del Toro for stunning views | | Day 5 | Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Mexican dishes | | Day 6 | Visit Estero La Cacalota for hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking | | Day 7 | Take a day trip to the nearby San Blas for more adventure |

Food and Drink Scene of La Peñita de Jaltemba

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Ceviche - A popular seafood dish made with raw fish, lime juice, and vegetables.

  2. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo - Shrimp cooked in a garlic and butter sauce, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.

  3. Mole Poblano - A traditional Mexican sauce made with chili peppers, chocolate, and spices, Mole Poblano is often served with chicken or turkey.

Local Beverages

  1. Tequila - A well-known Mexican spirit made from the blue agave plant, Tequila is often enjoyed as a shot or in a margarita.

  2. Mezcal - A spirit similar to Tequila, Mezcal is made from the agave plant and has a smoky flavor.

  3. Michelada - A refreshing beer-based cocktail made with lime juice, salt, and various spices.

Where to Stay in La Peñita de Jaltemba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Posada Real - A beautiful beachfront hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.

  2. Casa Encantada - A charming guesthouse located in the heart of town. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed.

  3. Hostal San Juan - A budget-friendly hostel with clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in La Peñita de Jaltemba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handicrafts - La Peñita de Jaltemba is known for its beautiful handicrafts made by local artisans.

  2. Tequila and Mezcal - Visitors can bring back a bottle of Tequila or Mezcal as a souvenir.

  3. Huichol Art - A type of traditional art made by the indigenous Huichol people, Huichol Art is known for its intricate beadwork and colorful designs.

Local Culture and Customs of La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba is a friendly town with a rich culture. One local custom is the weekly Tianguis Market, where locals and visitors gather to buy and sell goods. Mexican culture places a strong emphasis on family and community, so visitors can expect to be welcomed warmly by locals.

Best Time to Visit La Peñita de Jaltemba

The best time to visit La Peñita de Jaltemba is during the dry season from November to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Peñita de Jaltemba

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local food
  • Take advantage of the natural attractions

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture
  • Leave valuables unattended
  • Ignore safety precautions while doing outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Safety in La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba is a safe town, but visitors should always take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of theft or scams. Avoid walking alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings, and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba is a relatively healthy destination, but visitors should take precautions to avoid food poisoning and insect bites. Only drink bottled water and avoid eating food from street vendors.

Getting to La Peñita de Jaltemba: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near La Peñita de Jaltemba

The nearest airport to La Peñita de Jaltemba is Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which is about 60 miles away. From there, visitors can take a bus or rent a car to get to La Peñita.

Bus Stations Near La Peñita de Jaltemba

The town has a bus station called Autobuses La Peñita, which has connections to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car and drive to La Peñita de Jaltemba. The town is located on Highway 200, which connects the Pacific Coast cities of Mexico.

How to Get Around in La Peñita de Jaltemba

The town is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors can also rent a bike or take a taxi to get around.

Where to Go Next from La Peñita de Jaltemba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. San Blas - A charming town known for its beautiful beaches, San Blas is about 40 miles away from La Peñita.

  2. Sayulita - A popular surfing destination, Sayulita is about 30 miles away from La Peñita.

  3. Puerto Vallarta - A bustling city with a vibrant nightlife, Puerto Vallarta is about 60 miles away from La Peñita.

Conclusion

La Peñita de Jaltemba is a hidden gem on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. With its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and amazing food, it offers visitors a unique and memorable vacation experience. Follow this guide and discover all that La Peñita de Jaltemba has to offer.