Lo de Marcos Nayarit, Mexico

Lo de Marcos nestled in the Riviera Nayarit Mexico region, this charming fishing village has become a haven for those seeking stunning scenery and a laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a quieter place, a real Mexican town where life moves at a more relaxed pace.

Lo de Marcos Nayarit, Mexico Hotels, things to do, and how to get to

Hotels and Accommodations

The romantic Casa Los Corales Boutique Hotel boasts ocean views, while luxury seekers will adore the panoramic Punta El Custodio Resort.

La Vista Beachfront Cabanas and Las Palmitas Eco Lodge offer comfy stays at affordable prices.

Haven’t been developed as a big Resort and Hotels destination. You have the opportunity to stay in small and traditional places such as small Hotels in Lo de Marcos, Villas, Houses and Bungalows and small apartments.

Restaurants and Bars

La Casa del Pescador offers delicious seafood with bay views, El Rosal de Los Alpes serves gourmet cuisine in a tranquil garden, and El Rinconcito specializes in traditional Oaxacan recipes.

Real Estate for sale by owner

This is a great by the beach to enjoy, retire or just to have your own beach house,  the cost of living and the weather is great.

Then yo may find some Lo de Marcos Real Estate properties to invest, form small casitas, to apartments and even land.

The Authentic Mexican Town Experience

You might see patient fishermen mending their nets, a daily ritual as they prepare to head out to the warm Pacific Ocean. The paved walkway leading to the ocean is a central part of the town’s character, connecting the community to its livelihood and the beautiful coastline.

The Main Square

Like many towns in Mexico, has a central square that serves as its heart. Is a gathering place where you can often see colorful “papel picado” flags fluttering in the breeze. Locals go about their day at a relaxed pace, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

At the center of the square is a charming pagoda, often painted in vibrant colors like pink, turquoise, and yellow, making it a focal point. Benches are dotted around the edges of the square, offering a perfect spot to sit, watch the small-town life.

You’ll also likely find a set of large, colorful letters spelling out the town’s name, a common feature in Mexican towns that makes for a fun photo opportunity.

Local Beaches

You’ll find beaches like Los Venados, Las Minitas, and El Atracadero. These are surrounded by green hills and interesting rock formations, creating a beautiful contrast with the blue sky and the warm Pacific waters.

Playa Lo de Marcos itself has even been recognized as a top beach in Nayarit for socially distanced vacations, highlighting its spacious and uncrowded nature.

The natural beauty of the coastline around Lo de Marcos Nayarit, with its mix of sandy stretches, rocky outcrops, and lush greenery, provides a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing getaway.

Activities on and Near the Beaches

You might see visitors enjoying a game of beach volleyball, trying out jet-skiing, or simply splashing in the gentle waves with their children. Fishing off the shore is also a popular pastime.

For a unique experience, you can even go horse riding on the beach, which is best enjoyed in the early morning when the sand is cool and the light is beautiful.

The surrounding forest and hills around offer opportunities for hiking. It’s a good idea to go early to avoid the heat and remember to bring snacks and plenty of water.

There’s even a golf course located about a 15-minute drive.

Swimming and Surfing in Lo de Marcos

Swimming conditions at the main beach can vary. While it’s sometimes possible to swim there, the southern part of the beach is generally considered better for swimming due to calmer waters.

Nearby El Atracadero beach is also a good spot for activities like kayaking and boogie boarding.

Surfing is also possible. However, the waves here might not be as consistent as in nearby surf hotspots like Sayulita’s main beach or La Lancha in Punta Mita. Sometimes the sea can be quite flat, while at other times, the waves can become surprisingly strong.

Beach Facilities

You can find restrooms inside the main restaurant located on the beach, typically with a small fee for use. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for rent if you want to relax in comfort and shade.

However, it’s important to note that you won’t find fancy beach bars lining the shore in Lo de Marcos Mexico.

This lack of commercialization is part of what helps maintain the town’s charming and laid-back vibe. It’s a place where the focus is more on enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility rather than elaborate amenities.

Things to See and Do

The main street is home to several cute boutiques. Unlike typical tourist souvenir shops, these boutiques offer hand-picked artisan items, many of which are made by women in local communities. You can find beautiful and unique pieces here.

These shops are similar to those you might find in Sayulita and San Pancho, but some visitors feel that the prices might be a bit more reasonable. It’s a great place to find a special souvenir of your trip or a unique gift.

The Saturday “tianguis”is a lively artisan market held in a relaxed plaza, featuring everything from food to arts and crafts.

There’s often live music and even face painting, making it a fun event for all ages. Both locals and visitors from other parts of Nayarit come to this market, which usually takes place from December to the end of March.

Visiting Charming Coffee Shops

Despite its small size, has a good selection of quality coffee shops. One popular spot is Water Man Cafe, which, while also serving as a restaurant, offers excellent coffee and baked goods. Their cinnamon rolls are particularly well-regarded.

Another favorite among visitors is EL Cafe de Lo De Marcos, run by two sisters who serve delicious coffee and a variety of baked treats. While they do offer some light food options like bagels, their focus is primarily on providing a great coffee experience in a cozy setting.

Recommended Restaurants and Their Specialties

La Seafood is a great choice for fresh seafood, serving typical Mexican dishes like tuna tostadas and ceviche.

Quinta Bernal is known for its elevated cuisine and is considered one of the town’s highest-rated restaurants, offering a classy dining experience without being overly expensive. Water Man Cafe is popular for brunch and its renowned cinnamon buns, with a menu featuring both Mexican and international breakfast favorites.

La Tomatina is a beachside restaurant and bar specializing in grilled meats and seafood, along with other casual options.

Mexicolate is a must-visit for chocolate lovers, offering a range of chocolate-based treats and drinks.

Apapacho caters to vegetarians with a delicious menu of international and authentic Mexican dishes.

Fresh Seafood Options

Given its location by the Pacific Ocean, naturally boasts excellent fresh seafood.

Many restaurants will feature the catch of the day, often grilled to perfection. You can even find simple, thatched-roof huts along the beaches serving freshly grilled fish, offering a truly local and delicious dining experience.

Elevated Dining Experiences

For a more refined meal Quinta Bernal comes highly recommended. Known for its “elevated cuisine,” this restaurant offers beautifully presented dishes and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Their aguachile is frequently praised as exceptional, and the charred fish of the day is another popular choice.

Even their pizzas feature interesting and unusual toppings. The attention to detail in both the food and the presentation makes Quinta Bernal a great option for a special meal.

Accommodation Options

Local Bungalows, Villas, and Hotels

Offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets. You can find charming bungalows, spacious villas, and comfortable hotels throughout the town. Many of these reflect the traditional Mexican style of the area, providing an authentic feel to your stay.

One popular option mentioned is Bungalows El Coral, known for its beach-style ambiance. These smaller, independent accommodations often provide a more intimate and local experience compared to larger resorts. Villas offer more space and privacy, ideal for families or groups traveling together.

The range of lodging choices ensures that whether you’re looking for a simple beachfront bungalow or a more spacious villa, you can find something that suits your needs and allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

The Nearby Luxury of One and Only Mandarina

For those seeking a more luxurious resort experience near Lo de Marcos, the One and Only Mandarina is an option to consider. Located just about 6 kilometers from town, this new 104-room luxury resort hotel opened in late 2020. It offers a different style of accommodation compared to the more traditional options within Lo de Marcos Mexico itself.

The One and Only Mandarina provides high-end amenities and services, catering to travelers looking for a more exclusive and upscale stay in the Riviera Nayarit. Its proximity to Lo de Marcos Nayarit allows guests to easily visit the town and experience its charm while enjoying the luxury of a world-class resort.

This nearby option expands the range of accommodations available to those visiting the Lo de Marcos area, providing choices for both budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic local experience and those desiring a more lavish and amenity-rich stay.

Practical Information for Visitors

ATMs and Banking in Lo de Marcos

When visiting it’s good to be aware of the banking situation. There are a few ATMs in town, with the one by the OXXO near the highway being reported as the most reliable.

However, it’s generally recommended to bring enough cash for your trip, just in case the ATMs are out of service or out of cash.

While some establishments are starting to accept card payments, it’s not something you can always depend on.

The nearest bank, as opposed to private ATMs that charge fees (around 110 pesos), is located in Puerto Vallarta.

Although you can find ATMs in nearby Sayulita and San Pancho, the lack of banks in these smaller towns can make withdrawing money expensive.

Therefore, it’s advisable to withdraw cash in Puerto Vallarta, where you’ll find more bank options and potentially lower ATM fees.

There are also ATMs located at the airport. Generally, for foreign bank cards, Citibanamex tends to have the lowest fees, followed by Banorte, while HSBC and Santander often charge the most in Lo de Marcos Nayarit and the surrounding areas.

Safety

For those wondering about safety, is generally considered a safe place to visit. It’s often described as a sleepy, idyllic town with a low crime rate.

Visitors can typically relax here without significant safety concerns.

Staying in a more central location is recommended to minimize walking on quieter streets at night.

Best Time to Visit

The peak tourist season is generally from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures that are not excessively hot or humid.

This dry season also means fewer mosquitoes, reducing the risk of dengue fever.

An added bonus of visiting between December and March is that this is when the fun “tianguis” markets are active, making Saturdays a particularly lively day.

For these reasons, the late fall and winter months are often recommended as the best time to experience the town.

It’s interesting to note that the regular population around 2,100 people, roughly doubles during this peak season due to an influx of Canadian and American “snowbirds” who base themselves in the town for the more temperate weather.

Location and How to Get There

Where is Lo de Marcos?

Is situated along the Nayarit coastline, which is part of Banderas Bay. If you’re traveling north from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll pass by Punta Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho before reaching it. It’s about 18 kilometers (around 11 miles) from Sayulita and about 62 kilometers (38 miles) from Puerto Vallarta.

To give you a better idea of where it is, the next town south is Rincón de Guayabitos, which is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) away, a short 15-minute drive.

This location makes it a convenient spot to visit if you’re exploring different parts of the Riviera Nayarit.

Its location allows for easy access to other attractions while still offering a sense of being away from the main tourist flow.

Getting to Lo de Marcos from Puerto Vallarta

Reaching from Puerto Vallarta is fairly straightforward. If you’re flying into Puerto Vallarta’s airport, the drive to town takes about an hour along Highway 200. You have a few options for transportation.

Airport taxis can be quite expensive. A more budget-friendly option is to take an Uber, but you’ll need to walk a little outside the airport to catch one. A very economical choice is the local bus.

These green and white Compostela buses leave directly from the airport and stop at various towns along the Riviera Nayarit.

The bus ride costs around 75 pesos and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Just look for buses with “Lo de Marcos” displayed or ask the driver to be sure.

For those who prefer more convenience, renting a car at the Puerto Vallarta airport is also a good option, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

Transportation Options from Sayulita and San Pancho

If you’re already in Sayulita and want to visit, the bus is a simple way to travel. Head to the main bus station in Sayulita and buy a ticket for around 42 pesos.

Wait for the bus, the ride takes about 20 minutes. You’ll get off on the side of the highway at the entrance to town.

Traveling from San Pancho is even quicker. Just wait on the side of the highway where the bus from Sayulita drops people off.

Look for a bus with “Lo de Marcos” on the front or ask the driver. It’s a short ride down the highway.

Remember that the buses in this area usually only accept cash, and it’s a good idea to have smaller bills as drivers might not have change for large bills.

Uber also operates in the area, and you might be able to get a ride from Sayulita, although drivers might not always be readily available within Lo de Marcos itself.

Getting Around within Lo de Marcos

Once you arrive, you’ll find that it’s a small town that’s very easy to walk around. In fact, walking is probably the best way to experience its charm and see all the little details you might miss if you were driving.

You can stroll through the streets and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

At night, some of the quieter side streets might feel a bit empty, so if you’re out later, you can easily hail a local taxi from the main square.

While Uber does operate in the area, you might find fewer drivers waiting directly compared to nearby towns like Sayulita.

If you’re planning to use Lo de Marcos as a base for exploring more of the Nayarit Riviera and want to venture off the beaten path, having a car can be quite useful.

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Visita Nuestra version en español de Lo de Marcos Nayarit, Mexico