Nayarit is situated in a spectacular landscape that is
unique among Mexican resorts. Located in the Banderas Bay,
(one of the largest bays in the world) on the Punta de
Mita peninsula and the pristine beaches north provides
a diversity of scenery that makes Nayarit more than your
average "fun in the ssun" spot. Not only will
you find all of the usual beach/ocean activities such as
jet
skiing, parasailing, surfing, fishing, boogie boarding
and sunbathing, there is also a wide variety of land and
sea tours to enjoy. The Bay is also a major breeding ground
for whales. During winter and spring there are numerous
whale watching tours where you will see humpback whales
and dolphins.
You may find yourself on a tropical jungle expedition
learning about the flora and fauna indigenous to the area
or zipping through the jungle on cables suspended hundreds
of feet above the ground. There are tours where you
can get a taste of Mexican culture, learn about the areas
history, and the traditions. The endless list of activities,
the friendly people, the warm, family oriented culture,
and the world class facilities and private accommodations
available all combine to provide an unforgettable vacation
experience that you will not want to end.
Riviera Nayarit … everything
but the crowds.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
The Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican heritage as well as others, mainly in Mexico, but also in the United States as well as other countries. On the 1st and 2nd of November, gatherings of family and friends pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The dates of November 1st and 2nd connect with the Catholic holy days of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Some traditions include building private alters honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, as well as visiting graves with these as gifts.
The sea turtle diving and surfacing. Venture into the world of a magnificent Jurassic survivors: marine turtles. The symbol of the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
Latitude 20
For the best, most enjoyable, worry-free
weather while on vacation, you will look no further than
Latitude
20. Some of the most wonderful vacation destinations
share
this band around the world, like Hawaii and the Caribbean.
With mile after mile of shoreline, Banderas Bay is
dotted with secluded spots as well as developed beaches
with restaurants
and semi-private sunbathing areas. Ocean conditions are
usually good for swimming, and excellent for surfing
at the beaches of Nayarit.
Climate
The climate is semi-tropical with
an average temperature of 75F (24C)
in winter months and
85F (29C) in summer, with sea breezes year
around.
The months of November through May are practically
free of rainfall providing day after day of sunshine,
while
intermittent late afternoon showers and high humidity is
typical June through October.
Month
High Temp
Low Temp
Rainfall
Ocean Temp
January
79°F
61°F
-
80°F
February
79°F
61°F
-
78°F
March
80°F
62°F
-
76°F
April
81°F
64°F
-
74°F
May
84°F
69°F
-
75°F
June
87°F
75°F
-
82°F
July
88°F
75°F
-
84°F
August
89°F
75°F
-
84°F
September
89°F
75°F
-
84°F
October
88°F
73°F
-
82°F
November
84°F
67°F
-
79°F
December
80°F
64°F
-
79°F
Time Zone
Puerto Vallarta is on Central Standard
Time and changes to Daylight Savings Time each year along
with the United
States. When it is 9.00 a.m. in Puerto Vallarta, it is 7:00 a.m. in Los Angeles (Pacific Time) and 10:00 a.m.
in New York (Eastern Time.)
BUT, when it is 9:00 a.m.
in Puerto Vallarta it is 8:00 a.m. in Nayarit!
When in Mexico the locals usually go on Puerto Vallarta
time, so if you are making arrangements for tours or
transportation of any kind, or planning any functions,
i.e. weddings,
make sure you communicate which time you are making your
plans around.
Clothing
The atmosphere is casual anywhere you go in Nayarit.
Dress with the weather in mind. In the winter,
nights are a
little chilly, but in the summer they are usually balmy.
You may want to carry an umbrella during the evenings
in the rainy season (June to October), but a heavy
jacket would only be needed if you plan to take
an excursion
into the mountains.
General Info
Adults
As
of January 1, 2007 everyone visiting Mexico will need
a valid passport
(also required for re-entering the US or Canada).
Citizens of most Western European countries are required
to have a valid
visa to enter the USA and a tourist card. A visa
to Mexico
is not required. Visitors from other countries
and non-citizen residents of the US and Canada
should
check with the Mexican Embassy (www.embassyofmexico.org)
for visa information.
Minor Children
As
of January 1, 2007 children will need a valid passport.
If you are traveling with
minor
children,
you must have certified proof of their relationship
to you
and written, notarized permission from the parent(s)
not accompanying them. Check with the Mexican Embassy
for details.
Vehicles
Proof of ownership and Mexican Insurance are required
for driving in Mexico and there are limits on the
number of motorized vehicles (RV's, motorcycles,
etc.) you may bring into the country. As laws governing
driving and accidents are not the same as in the
US or Canada, it is a very good idea to get information
before traveling from your automobile club or from
the Mexican Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Airport
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport lies 4 miles
(6.4 kilometers) northeast of the city and is one
of the most modern and convenient airports in Mexico.
The entire building is air-conditioned and offers
a money exchange, restaurant, snack bar, bars,
shops and newsstands. Its relatively small size
makes it
easy to locate friends or hotel transportation
meeting flights.
Travel Insurance
It is a good idea to make sure you are covered with
travel medical coverage/or travel assistance coverage
when visiting Mexico or any other destination you
may travel to.
Cell Phones
The best advice is to call your provider and find
out if your particular phone is a “Tri Band”.
This allows you to use the GSM (Global System for Mobile)
network in Mexico. This will work as long as your provider
has enabled international roaming on your account and
there is a reciprocal agreement with Telmex (Mexico
phone company.) You need to know that roaming charges
are very high. This is worth it if you plan to travel
to Mexico frequently.
Know that you can buy a “Pre-pay” Mexican
cell phone. This will cost between $75 and $100 for
a “phone kit” which includes a phone, charger
and up to half the cost price in call credit included.
Top-up cards can be purchased in denominations of 100,
200, 300 and 500 pesos at various locations and you
can increase your call credit at anytime. The credit
must be used within 60 days. The network has an English
option to manage your account. This phone will work
only in Mexico.
If you are going for the first time, you may want to
rent a mobile phone. You will need I.D. and a credit
card to do this. An imprint of your credit card will
be held as collateral for the phone. There is a daily
charge for the phone and ask if this charge includes
insurance or not. If you are making international calls
the charges may be very high because of roaming.
US “calling cards” are an option too. The
access numbers in Mexico are:
AT&T – 01-800-462-4240
Sprint – 01-800-877-8000
MCI – 01-800-674-7000
And then there are pay phones that you can call where
you need to and either pay cash or reverse the charges.
Electrical
Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC.
Fiestas in Mexico
January
1st New Year’s
3rd Fiesta of St. Isador the Farmer
6th Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
9th Regional Fair
15th Fiesta of St. Sebastian the Martyr
17th Feast of San Antonio Abad
18th Feast of Santa Prisca
February
1st Blessing of the Sea Festival
2nd Fiesta de la Candelaria (Candlemas)
15th Constitution Day
Pre-Lenten Carnival Celebrations (dates vary)
Ash Wednesday (dates vary)
March
6th Day of Our Lord of Xalpa
19th Spring Equinox Festival in Chichen Itza
21st Birthday of President Benito Juarez Semana Santa
April
1st Flower Fair
12th Feria de San Marcos
13th Tianguis
26th Fiesta de Mayo
27th Feria Del Azucar
30th Dia del Nino (Children’s Day)
Feria de Las Flores in Xochimilco
Good Friday (dates vary)
Easter (dates vary)
May
1st Labor Day
3rd Dia de la Santa Cruz
5th Cinco de Mayo
13th Fatima’s Virgin Day and Fishermen’s Day
10th Jazz Festival Weekend
15th Dia de San Isidro
June
1st Mexican Navy Day
10th Corpus Christi
13th Dia de San Antonio de Padua
14th National Ceramics Fair
29th St. Peter and St. Paul Day
July
8th Bar-b-que Fair
15th Feast Day of Our Lady of Carmen
21st Guelaguetza Dance Festival
August
1st International Chamber Music Festival
2nd Cuauhtemoc Day
5th Day of the Virgin of Charity
20th Assumption of Virgin Mary
September
1st Mariachi Festival
15th Independence Day
October
4th Fiesta de San Francisco de Asis
7th International Festival Cervantino
12th Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day)
Fiestas de Octobre
November
1st Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
6th November Festival
10th Fiestas Del Mar
20th Revolution Day
29th National Silver Fair
December
8th Dia de la Inmaculada Concepcion
12th Festival du Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe
18th Virgin de Soledad
23rd Night of the Radishes
25th Navidad (Christmas)
28th Day of the Innocents