7 Days on the Mexican Riviera: What to do, see, and eat

The Mexican Riviera stretches down the Pacific coast and offers a stunning array and variety of sights and experiences for the adventurous traveler. From Ensenada in Baja California all the way to the beaches of Oaxaca, there is an astonishing amount of wonderful vacation destinations on this side of Mexico.

However, if you’ve chosen to take in the Mexican Riviera from the water with a cruise (like we did!) then you’ve only got a week, so you might need some help fitting everything in! Here are the best things to do, see and eat in this gorgeous corner of Mexico, and prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime.

Mazatlan

Do 

Mazatlan has a vibrant, lively and esoteric art scene, and the town is awash with excellent little independent galleries and studios. If you are lucky enough to be in town on the first Friday of the month, experience the artistic vibe with a guided Art Walk walking tour.

See 

Mazatlan’s historic centro is a picturesque delight, and well worth spending an afternoon exploring. Wander around its gorgeous muddle of leafy plazas and 19th-century architecture, and grab some refreshment at one of the many quaint and charming bars and cafes.

A short taxi ride away there is also the Mazatlan Cliff Divers:

Eat 

Mazatlan’s food scene is cosmopolitan and adventurous, blending authentic Mexican cuisine with innovative international tastes. Nao Kitchen Bar showcases the talents of Andrea Lizarraga Osuna, one of Mexico’s youngest and most interesting chefs, while the Taqueria Playa Sur is the perfect place to gorge on classic Mexican fare.

Puerto Vallarta 

Do 

This was my favorite stop! 

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most beautiful coastal towns, and exploring the Pacific is the thing to do here. Depending on the year, head out on a whale-watching boat tour, and discover the majestic beauty of the gray whales and humpbacks that migrate here for the winter or you can check the whale watching san diego if you are in California since you can watch it all year round.

Playa del Amor on the Islas Marietas just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Tucked away below the surface of the island beneath a vast hole open to the sky, it is accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a long tunnel that connects the beach to the Pacific. A truly romantic, mysterious spot.

See 

In the Vallarta downtown area of Malecón, there are plenty of fun oceanfront statues to pose in front of, but be sure and stop and see The Papantla Flying Men or The Los Voladores (Indian Flyers)! Each day, these Pole Flyers perform a colorful ritual. Spectacular, dangerous, they perform a special dance while spinning around what is essentially a flag pole, flying in the air with the ocean behind them and stunned visitors below. This tradition is centuries old too. It happens several times throughout the day, every day of the week, definitely a must-see! 

Eat 

Puerto Vallarta’s dining scene is varied and interesting, with wonderful fusion spots like Cafe des Artistes and Icu leading the way. However, some of the best food in town can be found in the huge variety of taco stands that pop up in the Zona Romantica after dark.

Puerto Escondido 

Do 

Surf! The Oaxaca coastline is world-famous for its surfing, and the beaches of Cardisarillo, La Punta and Zicatela offer breaks for everyone from beginners to pros.

See 

Puerto Escondido is one of the few places in Mexico where you can see one of nature’s most magical wonders, glowing phosphorescent bioluminescence, in the lagoons and mangroves that line the coast. Head to Laguna de Manialtepec on a moonless night and be prepared for a breathtaking experience.

Eat 

Oaxacan cuisine is famous throughout Mexico, and Puerto Escondido is a great place to experience the rich foodie traditions of the state. Try Pascale or Almoraduz for gourmet takes on authentic Mexican favorites, or El Nene for something more down to earth.