No more excuses.
Too often, regular Joes and Janes miss out on Mexico’s wonders because they’re glued to mainstream news trashing our southern neighbor despite statistics clearly showing the vast majority of Americans vacationing south of the border make it back home unscathed after the trip of a lifetime.
News just dropped that the first-ever U.S. flight will soon fly to one of Mexico’s safest destinations — a truly stunning destination that’s yet to be discovered by even seasoned travelers since it’s been harder to reach.
Set north of Puerto Vallarta and stretching over 200 miles lies the sprawling region of vibrant coastal towns and secluded beaches of Riviera Nayarit, where a new international terminal has been in the works for years.
Rumors have swirled regarding who will be the first U.S. destination connecting to this largely undiscovered sprawl of beaches and hidden gems and the first airline to skid the runway—and now we have answers to both.
Fly Nonstop From Los Angeles To Tepic This Summer
West Coasters are the lucky winners for the first-ever U.S. route to Riviera Nayarit. The 4th most connected U.S. airport is now adding yet another awesome international destination to its already impressive portfolio of routes.
The announcement is such a big deal the State Governor of Riviera Nayarit is the one who broke the news. Gavin Newsom was too busy combing his hair…
Slated to launch July 16, 2025, travelers can already purchase tickets online for the monumental flight.
Surely more U.S.-based airlines will join the chat at some point, but for now, Mexico-based Volaris is the only option.
For what it’s worth, I really enjoy flying with them because of their frequent sales to score cheap flights across Mexico (if only the pesky TUA tack on the bottom line!).
As of this posting, one-way tickets are as low as $85 in August. See what I was saying about those sale prices?
The New Tulum?
In a sense, travelers could look at Riviera Nayarit as “the new Tulum” as far as becoming Mexico’s new hotspot.
Just how travelers formerly had to fly into Cancun and make the hours-long trek south, it’s been the same way for Riviera Nayarit’s cluster of beaches lining the coast as you would have to fly into Puerto Vallarta, which is also why a new highway was built.
But here is the kicker: Tepic is not at all a beach town. So, if you want to experience real Mexico, you can easily make time to explore a timeless city before hitting up the coast.
In fact, Tepic is one of Mexico’s most underrated cities. Dating back 500 years, it’s stood the test of time with remarkable landmarks like Catedral de Tepic amongst picturesque plazas.
Not only is it a delight to explore for photo-ops, it’s safe and super affordable. Should you want to make a day trip or weekend getaway, charming Hotel Saint George is only $47 and walkable to the aforementioned cathedral and numerous cozy cafes and authentic eateries.
But let’s be real. You didn’t lose 5 lbs. and pack your swimwear to show off in Tepic; you’re eying the coast.
Best Beaches To Visit: What You’ll Discover In Riviera Nayarit
With over 200 miles to cover, there are definitely hidden gems we’ll miss here. That being said, there are some notable rising beach towns creeping up on travelers’ radars.
Costa Canuva:
Costa Canuva is the perfect example of why Tepic’s new terminal will benefit the region. This well-kept secret is an understated resort town, but it’s stayed hush-hush because it’s been quite a journey from Puerto Vallarta.
Aside from postcard beaches, Costa Canuva boasts underrated luxury hotels, a PGA-standard golf course, and miles of nature trails.
Rincon De Guayabitos:
If you’re looking for a place where you can leave your belongings on the beach without a bandito snatching your beach bag, Rincon De Guayabitos is just the place.
This small coastal town is safe, welcoming, and down right beautiful with calm waters and even a hot spring to enjoy.
Punta Mita:
I’m gonna leave this one brief as a tease since I’m traveling to Punta Mita next weekend.
This star-studded peninsula is laden with luxurious resorts and stunning beaches. Vacationers in Puerto Vallarta have found themselves skirting this way to avoid the crowds and in turn driving a new resort haven, which draws curious travelers like me who’ve heard of Punta Mita’s wonders through the grapevine.
Stay tuned for more!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
