Taking the local bus about 45 minutes north up the coast from Puerto Vallarta, you arrive at the quaint beachside town of Bucerias in the state of Nayarit.
Yet less ravaged by the touristy sprawl, Bucerias stands out amongst the beachside towns on this stretch of Mexico’s west coast for a number of reasons.
Firstly you quickly notice that, while various towns along the highway from Vallarta, like Nuevo Vallarta, Mezcales or Jarretaderas are mostly centered on the inland side of the highway, Bucerias’ town center, and alot of its shops and restaurants are on the ocean side of the highway. This means that it’s never too long a walk from what ever you’re doing in Bucerias to the peaceful, glistening ocean front.
You also realize before too long that Bucerias is elevated slightly higher above sea level than some of it’s northern Jalisco counterparts. Even from the highway (that runs parallel to the shore just a couple of blocks back) at certain points you can look down between the buildings at a grand view of the bay right out to the mountains on either side.
When you get down to the shore, Bucerias continues to impress, with a stretch of beach that’s as clean and picturesque as any around the bay’s crest. Looking out from the sand you can see almost 180 degree mountains, giving the impression that you’re about to go swimming in a volcano’s crater filled with sea water; and If not for what appears as a delicate bite taken out of the bay’s rim, a gap to which the rest of the vast Atlantic opens itself up, you probably wouldn’t know otherwise.
Walking around the township, you feel a much gentler ratio of locals to tourists, a welcoming feeling in a place like Vallarta.
You will still see westerners around Bucerias, but most of them are those that have retired to live in the area, or own timeshare properties down near the water. You’ll see tourists too, those that venture up the coast for a day trip as part of their Vallarta vacation, but Bucerias is also a popular spot for locals who work in down town Vallarta, seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of tourist haven.
Catering to both halves of the local population are more than enough beachside bars to grab a drink at, and half authentic restaurants to find a decent feast at any time of day; not to mention alot cheaper than you would find down town.
There’s also cafes, a local market, houseware stores, a couple of gyms, and if there’s anything else you still need, a Mega mart with everything and shuts just a few minutes taxi south down the highway.
If you’re a tourist, Bucerias is well worth a trip up for the day. If you’re looking for a place to retire, Bucerias is close enough to everything to be convenient, but quiet enough to give you the relaxation you desire.