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Platanitos: Picture Perfect
By Robin Noelle
If you are fortunate enough to drive up the verdant coast of Nayarit from Puerto Vallarta or other close-in destinations, make sure not to miss your chance to have lunch and enjoy the beach at Playa Platinitos (little bananas). Located approximately 27 km north of Las Varas, the little town just past Chacala, on the highway to San Blas, Platinitos is a wonderful place to stop and stretch your legs.
What initially drew me off the highway during my latest road trip was the brilliant glow of the estuary on the opposite side of the hill from the beach. If you turn and head down the hill, past the parking lot and palapas, and make a left onto the dirt road, you will soon find yourself with an incredible view of gleaming sand and the gently waving palms of Playa Las Tortugas, which is situated on the opposite side of the river mouth. You can get down to the estuary by car but if you keep going around the curve, you’ll find a fantastic photo opportunity of the beach, palms, ocean and probably several snowy egrets or herons.
Heading back to the beach the way you came in, you can park at one of the half dozen palapa restaurants that line the sandy little cove. The beach is clean and the waves are gentle, making this a good location for swimming and for families. Bring your own gear and you can snorkel the nearby rocks.
The chances are unless it’s Sunday, you’ll probably have the beach almost completely to yourself. There’s cold beer, great shrimp plates and clean restrooms in the restaurants and ample parking; what else could anyone want? If you ask nice, you might even be able to camp on the beach. |
