However there is also a highway now open that runs from Punta Mita to Sayulita along the coast, parallel to the main highway #200 heading north. This road passes the village of Higuera Blanca, which doesn't really have much to offer in the way of tourism real estate, but has a major development next to it called Litibú. Developed by FONATUR, Litibú has an 18-hole golf course, is situated along a beautiful stretch of beach, and has development sites for both hotels, condominiums and homesites. Some of these developments are now under construction. Between Litibú and Sayulita are a number of smaller developments, which offer mostly hillside homes overlooking the ocean.
The beaches along this coast are broad and clean, refreshed by ocean breezes that come without fail. Services are more limited than those in Puerto Vallarta and, while the distance varies from 45 minutes to an hour, that’s much of the attraction for many investors and residents. Even though bargains might be discovered, it’s no longer the cheap land of a few years ago, and prices are bound to continue rising with the major project at Litibu.
SAYULITA
Located just 35 minutes north of the airport in Vallarta and known the world over for great surfing, Sayulita imparts the flavor of California in the “60s with a Mexican touch. Still a fishing village, boats line the sloped sandy beaches during the day and can be seen along the horizon early in the morning. Service in the colorful restaurants is attentive, albeit at a more laid-back pace. Sayulita is primarily known as an art community with a growing foreign presence effecting not only prices but availability of services. Villas, boutique hotels and colorful residences are some of the options for rentals. The main beach is fronted by businesses, restaurants with beach palapas, stores, a cyber café and a well-developed beach campground with security, clean showers and other facilities. Several upscale resorts include Villa Amor and the hillside Haramara, a Zen yoga retreat. Investment options include La Colina de la Iguana, a low-density, high-quality complex of individual villas, bungalows and condos with a great view of the sea. Visit www.sayulitalife.com for more information.
SAN FRANCISCO
The next town along the coast heading north is San Francisco, more commonly called San Pancho. Even the comfortable use of a nickname for this town gives a clue as to the flavor of its community, both foreign and native. One main street lined with restaurants, cafes and shops leads into town dead-ending at the beach where parking is allowed for day-trippers. Options for rentals include a boutique hotel in town, a larger resort hotel on the north end and a number of private villas and homes. It doesn’t attract the surfers, yet brags a long, wide beach that seems to stretch for miles on either side. Casual restaurants and bars provide service to visitors and residents all year-round. This town also boasts the first polo field in the area, serviced by aficionados from along the coast with beautiful, well-maintained stables and well-trained horses. Stop by on Saturdays during the season for the matches. Stay at the upgraded Costa Azul or any of the many bed & breakfast villas. Investment opportunities include Las Olas, a single-family, gated residential community on 25 beach lots. See www.sanpancho.com for more information.
LO DE MARCOS
The fast-growing Lo de Marcos, north of San Francisco off the same highway, is another story of just a small fishing village cum tourist resort town. The pace is even more varied here, but investment opportunities abound in the purchase of single-family residences at reasonable prices. Lo de Marcos is primarily a market for nationals, arriving throughout the season by chartered bus from destinations such as Guadalajara, León, Mexico City and beyond. Numerous inexpensive hotels and beach cabins fill to capacity while streets are lined with stands offering local fare and wares. Most rental options tend to be quite average but standards are rising as investments continue in this growing town. Lots and parcels of land are still available for investors.
FARTHER NORTH
As you continue along the highway, several other towns are worth mentioning, particularly the busy Guayabitos. North beyond Guayabitos is Las Varas, where the highway heads toward the coast once again. This route will take you to the beautiful Matanchen Bay and on to San Blas. Get out and explore the north coast, check out the number of quiet beach towns for other corners unknown.
