With year round sunshine, luxury hotels and thrilling activities Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are the perfect destinations to escape from the gloomy British weather this winter.

Most people think that summer is the best time to embark on an annual getaway, but in fact winter is the ideal time to get the most out of a visit to Mexico. Boasting hundreds of miles of golden sandy beaches and an enviable cultural heritage, these two stunning regions on Mexico’s West Coast can be enjoyed out of the peak holiday season for many reasons.

Activities

There is no shortage of things to do in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, with activities to suit all.
Sport lovers can experience an exhilarating adrenaline rush by zip lining through the lush greenery of the Mexican jungle, taking in the unforgettable view, or have a round of golf on one of the area’s championship courses. Water sports are also very popular, as the sea retains its warmth during the winter, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, sailing and scuba diving. Trendy new activities like Flyboard are also on offer through Punta Mita Adventures at the Four Seasons Hotel, Riviera Nayarit. Pioneering technology allows you to experience the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of flying into the sky, or soaring through the water by jet.
If relaxation is what you are after, the areas are famed for their world class spas, with a range of pampering treatments to indulge the senses.

Festivals

This season is also a perfect time to embrace the vibrant street scene and soak up the electric atmosphere at one of the many fiestas.

Celebrate Puerto Vallarta’s ‘birthday’ during the Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe, which sees the town come to life in religious celebrations, in particular at the cathedral downtown that bears the name of the patron saint.

For keen surfers and lovers of Mexican food and drink, music and film, the second annual Sayulita Festival (January 14th-18th) is a top attraction.

Food enthusiasts from all over the world come to the Pacific Coast of Mexico, from the 13th-23rd November to take part in the International Gourmet Festival, located in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Tepic. Visitors can get involved in cookery classes and wine tasting, as well as attending the grand, concluding polo tournament, hosted in Riviera Nayarit.

Those with an appreciation of 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music are also in for a treat at the Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival. The event is the first of its kind, with big name acts in the industry rocking the sound waves all weekend long (December 11th-14th) at the Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Nayarit.

Wildlife

Animal life thrives in the winter season, both on land and in the water. Whale watching season starts in December and these majestic creatures can be seen diving gracefully out of the water on tours that run around the iconic Banderas Bay. Visitors can also experience a memorable journey by taking part in one of the area’s Sea Turtle release programmes, as the last Olive Ridley turtles are released back into the sea in December. Over 315 different species of rare birds also reside in the regions, making them prime locations for bird watching enthusiasts.

Where to stay

There is no shortage of luxurious hotels, providing accommodation that charms all year round.
In Riviera Nayarit you can lounge in award-winning, 5 star luxury at the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita(www.fourseasons.com/puntamita), in one of its majestic suites popular with A-list celebrities and top travel publications including Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure. Or enjoy the all-inclusive experience of the famous 4-star, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta (www.hrhvallarta.com/), situated on the shores of Nuevo Vallarta, which is renowned for its water and land based sports as well as attention-to-detail service (winners of Tripadvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence).

In Puerto Vallarta you can relax in sophisticated style at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa (www.garzablancaresort.com/), or choose Casa Velas Resort (www.hotelcasavelas.com/) for a boutique romantic getaway with friendly staff that cater to your every need.

Weather

Mexico’s West Coast has a consistently semi-tropical climate, with an average temperature of 24 degrees in the winter months. With the promise of such glorious weather it’s hard to think of reasons why you shouldn’t spend a winter break in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit.

About Puerto Vallarta

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is the entity responsible for promoting the city as a tourism destination. Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, well-known for the preservation of its authentic Mexican traditions, the Pacific Coast port features 40 miles of coastline and a diverse topography, including tropical jungles, river beds, steep mountain sides and arid flatlands. Each region brings a uniqueness that adds to the entire charm of Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta encompasses all of Banderas Bay on the Pacific coast of Mexico and is comprised of the following regions: Marina Vallarta, Hotel Zone, Downtown (El Centro), and the South Shore. Download Puerto Vallarta’s Press Kit here http://goo.gl/qMuWu8 or visit: www.visitpuertovallarta.com

About Riviera Nayarit

Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. Riviera Nayarit is recognized as a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination” and was named by Frommers, Huffington Post, and Oyster in their list of “Top Destinations” for 2014. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Fan Page on Facebook

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The San Pancho Bird Observatory is collaborating with Rotary Clubs and other foreign observatories to begin workshops for youths and adults in different communities within the destination.

From September of the current year through March of 2015, approximately 10 communities within the Riviera Nayarit will begin a workshop titled “Developing Abilities for the Conservation of Birds in Coastal Communities of Nayarit.”

The project is part of the activities put forth by the Center for the Study of Bird Conservation led by the San Pancho Bird Observatory (OASP by its acronym in Spanish), in collaboration with the Klamath Bird Observatory in Ashland, Oregon, and the rotary clubs of Ashland, Bahía de Jaltemba in Mexico and others around the United States.

The objective is to develop the abilities of the youths and adults who live in the coastal communities so they can undertake ecotourism activities and scientifically monitor resident and migratory birds.

There will be two workshops held each month in the community centers of San Pancho, Sayulita-San Ignacio, Punta de Mita-Higuera Blanca, Lo de Marcos, Villa Morelos, Chacala and La Peñita de Jaltemba-Guayabitos-Los Ayala.

Marine biologist Luis Morales, director of the OASP and a local tour guide, announced the study groups can welcome up to 15 people each, no matter their level of education. What’s vital is the desire to learn about the environment in order to preserve it and, obviously, to find within it sustainable economic development.

“The training consists of online activities as well as in the classroom and out in the field. There are two profiles: nature guide and scientific monitors. If we are to win the fight against the illegal traffic of species we must work with the newer generations,” emphasized Luis Morales.

The uneven levels of education among the selected communities can be a problem, but not a hindrance. Though there may be some illiterate members in the groups they can still be excellent guides, while the more educated members can be schooled in the monitoring of the birds.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau congratulates these civic associations for their excellent work and their intention to improve ecotourism within the destination, but above all for their work in the conservation of the birds, as they are one of the Riviera Nayarit’s tourism attractions.

“Their communication efforts are an essential part of the collaboration,” commented a grateful Luis Morales about the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “It’s a great contribution in kind.”

There is still availability in several groups. For more details about the program, please contact Luis Morales at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through the website at Birds San Pancho.

Besides the cover story on the destination published in July, the magazine published additional articles in the last three issues; the publication has a domestic distribution of 30,000 books.

El Gourmet magazine put the Riviera Nayarit on the cover of its July issue after a FAM trip offered by the destination’s CVB, but it didn't stop there: the editors made the decision to publish even more articles in the last three issues.

The July cover story was titled “Aquí, el mar, Riviera Nayarit y sus sabores,” (The Sea, the Riviera Nayarit and its Many Flavors). In that same issue they published a three-page article on Marco Valdivia, a local chef from Nayarit, highlighting his top dishes from Restaurante Emiliano. The piece was titled, “Emiliano, comida y vinos; lujo nayarita” (Emiliano, Food and Wine, A Luxury of Nayarit).

In August, El Gourmet focused on the Riviera Nayarit’s mixology ambassador, Israel Díaz, in its El Personaje (Celebrity) segment. There they wrote about the drinks currently en vogue in the area and the traditional influences of spices and the Huichol culture in his products.

In September they focused on the Salsa Huichol, one of the icons of Nayarit’s cuisine. More than a brand, it’s a traditional staple at the dinner table in thousands of Mexican homes.

These additional articles multiplied the 30,000 impressions represented by the distribution of this domestic monthly publication. Their more than 120,000 followers on Facebook and an additional 20,000 on Twitter must also be taken into account.

Their farthest reach, however, stems from its website,El Gourmet Mexico; they also have subscribers via smartphones and digital tablets.

The important takeaway is the promotion and wide dissemination of Nayarit’s gastronomy, which is one of the main reasons why tourists visit the region; the main target market for El Gourmet is extremely specialized and specific to this segment.

Rock legends from the 60s, 70s and 80s will jam together during what is billed as the “Only Classic Rock Festival In The World,” which will be promoted by the Vallarta-Nayarit joint campaign.

The first Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival is set to take place from December 11-14, 2014 in Nuevo Vallarta. It’s billed as the “Only Classic Rock Festival In The World” and will feature an entire week of some of the best music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

The project is the first big event put together by the Vallarta-Nayarit joint promotions committee with the support of the Nayarit and Jalisco state governments, the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureaus, plus both destinations’ hotel associations, among others.

The announcement was made to the media at the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta—its neighboring field, known as the Sunset Garden, will be the perfect stage for the first event of its kind in the world. Present at the event was living legend Billy Burnette from Fleetwood Mac and, on Skype, the great “Skunk” Baxter from the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.

Rodrigo Pérez, Secretary of Tourism for the State of Nayarit, was also present and commented that this type of events goes hand in hand with the vision projected by Roberto Sandoval Castañeda, Governor of the State of Nayarit.

Miguel Andrés Hernández, Director of the Puerto Vallarta CVB, pointed out that this region really knows how to treat its stars, since they have been hosting celebrities for over 50 years. Jesús Carmona, who was there representing the Riviera Nayarit’s hoteliers, said that more than a classic rock event, it will be an event of the icons of rock.

John Zaring of the Zaring Group, producer and creator of the festival, said: “Vallarta-Nayarit is the perfect stage to present this first-ever festival of its kind to the world. The climate in December is amazing and the beaches are absolutely stunning.”

One of the biggest attractions will undoubtedly be the House Band, made up of stars from different bands including Burnette, Baxter and others from Dire Straits, Steve Miller Band, Little Feat, Boston, John Mellencamp and Tears for Fears.

This band will play with stars from other bands such as The Doors and The Eagles, as well as complete bands including Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. There will be at least five bands playing each day, all of which will be announced soon.

The festival will also benefit the community, especially the municipal DIF system, which will receive 100% of the money collected from a rock star golf tournament that will take place during the festival, as well as 10% of the money collected from ticket sales.

They expect approximately 5,000 attendees per day, who will not only enjoy the music, but also the cuisine of local restaurants as well as art expos and plenty of other attractions.

Ticket sales will begin on October 1st at Vallarta Nayarit Classic Rorck Fest

With the Rock Star line up that is coming to Vallarta in a performance riddled with FUN!

This time around we’re looking for our fans to share their experiences and memories created in Mexico’s Pacific Treasure through their images on September 19th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the activity peaking between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Though the Isla de Mexcaltitán is not a beach, it connected with the groups in the name of its cultural, historical and tourist value as the birthplace of Mexican heritage.

The American School of Puerto Vallarta invites high school students in Puerto Vallarta to participate in its annual University Fair 2014.

About 50 service providers from different sectors in Nuevo Vallarta received training on how to adequately manage sea turtles under different circumstances.

Aereoportuario del Pacífico (GAP) records a record 21% increase during August 2014 compared to August 2013!

These are activities that strengthen the cultural tourism of the area: every year they recycle 120 tons of glass, as well as plastic, cardboard and metal; plus, they’ve already built 7 Recicla Parques (Recycle Parks) in different communities.

According to the Satisfaction Surveys, tourists emphasized hospitality, safety, cleanliness, the beach, the restaurants, the accommodations, the Mexican culture and golf.

The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) Product and Research Department surveyed tourists during the first semester of the current year; the visitors gave the destination a 9.5 out of a possible 10 points.

The Riviera Nayarit CVB created the study in order to identify the visitors’ level of satisfaction; it allowed the tourist to grade the services and attractions offered by the destination. Among the top grades given by the majority of our visitors were: hospitality (9.59), safety (9.67), cleanliness (9.5), beaches (9.4) and accommodations (9.42).

The destination’s amazing golf courses offers duffers a top-notch experience, not only because of their excellent designs, but also thanks to the gorgeous views that surround them. They got high marks from the visitors who love the sport—the iconic greens received a 9.75 average.

Our culture continues to be a center of attention for visitors seeking something more than just fun in the sun—it received a 9.7, proving the culture that makes us unique also provides our tourists with a high level of satisfaction. Restaurants, hotel activities and spas also received scores over 9 overall.

Of the total people surveyed between January and June of this year, 48.5% were Mexican, 24% were from the United States, 25.3% were Canadian and 2.2% hailed from other parts of the world.

For the third year in a row tourists have given the Riviera Nayarit an overallx score above 9.5, which signifies this is a destination with exceptional services that meet visitor expectations and can be highly recommended by the majority of those surveyed.

These surveys take place in hotels, the airport, during events and other open-air tourist activities; they serve to improve the travel experience offered by Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.