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If you have done the things to do in Mexico, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in La Peñita de Jaltemba.
La Peñita de Jaltemba is a vibrant coastal town waiting to be embraced by those who seek relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
With its colorful streets and scenic beaches, this charming destination promises an unforgettable experience that will fill your senses with joy and wonder.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Mexican culture, savor the local cuisine, and indulge in the activities that make La Peñita de Jaltemba a hidden gem of the Pacific Coast.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in La Peñita de Jaltemba:
1. La Peñita Beach
La Peñita Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the town of La Peñita de Jaltemba on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.
What to see or do: The beach is great for swimming and sunbathing, with calm, clear waters and soft sand. There are also plenty of water sports available, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, and jet-skiing.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll along the Malecón, a boardwalk that runs along the beachfront and is lined with shops and restaurants. You can also visit the local market to pick up fresh produce, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the winter months to see humpback whales and their calves in the bay. To avoid the crowds, head to the beach early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Don’t forget to try the local seafood – it’s delicious!
2. Tianguis Market
Tianguis Market is a weekly flea market located in La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a wide range of stalls offering local crafts, handmade souvenirs, fresh produce, and household goods. Food vendors offer a range of delicious local street food to try, including tacos, tamales, and fruit salads.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on trying the local specialty, fresh coconut water, straight from the coconut. Be sure to haggle with vendors for the best prices, as bargaining is expected.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to get the best selection of goods. Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the market is quite large and can be crowded.
3. Coral Island
A small island off the coast of La Peñita de Jaltemba in Mexico, known for its coral reefs and crystal-clear waters.
What to see or do: Snorkel or dive to see a variety of colorful marine life such as tropical fish, eels, and even sea turtles. Relax on the island’s white sandy beaches and take in the stunning views.
Don’t miss: Renting a glass-bottomed boat to see the coral reefs without getting wet. Also, be sure to try the delicious seafood served at the island’s restaurants.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid the crowds that come on weekends. Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent as the island can get quite hot and buggy.
Avoid touching or stepping on the coral reefs to help preserve the delicate ecosystem.
4. Turtle Release
Turtle release program in La Peñita de Jaltemba, Mexico.
What to see or do: Witness the amazing sight of baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the Pacific Ocean.
Don’t miss: The heartwarming moment of releasing the turtles into the sea.
Insider travel tips: The best time to witness the turtle release is at night.
5. Rincon de Guayabitos Beach
Rincon de Guayabitos Beach is a popular tourist destination located in the town of La Peñita de Jaltemba in Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the clear blue waters. The beach also offers various water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views of the sunset while sipping on a refreshing cocktail at one of the beachfront bars.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the off-season (June to September) for fewer crowds and more affordable accommodation prices.
6. Isla del Coral
A small island located off the coast of La Peñita de Jaltemba, in the Mexican state of Nayarit.
What to see or do: Visitors can go on boat tours around the island to see the diverse marine life in the clear blue waters, and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
Isla del Coral also has a small beach where you can relax and soak up the sun.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to see the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. You can also spot sea turtles, manta rays, and even whales during the right season.
Insider travel tips: Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, as rental prices on the island can be high. Book your boat tour in advance to ensure availability and negotiate prices.
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water as there are very few facilities on the island. Consider staying in La Peñita de Jaltemba for a more authentic Mexican experience.
7. Maria’s Restaurant
A locally owned and operated restaurant in the small beach town of La Peñita de Jaltemba in Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: Enjoy delicious traditional Mexican cuisine in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes dishes such as ceviche, enchiladas, tacos, and freshly caught seafood.
Don’t miss: The house specialty, red snapper, which is grilled to perfection and served with rice, beans, and salad. The margaritas are also a must-try.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early, as the restaurant is known to be busy, especially during peak tourist season. Ask for Maria herself, who often takes the time to chat with her customers and make them feel at home.
8. Chacala Beach
Chacala Beach is a secluded and picturesque beach located in the small fishing village of Chacala, which is part of La Peñita de Jaltemba in the state of Nayarit, Mexico.
What to see or do: This stunning beach features crystal clear waters, soft golden sand, and lush green jungle hills. Visitors can go snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in the ocean.
For those seeking some relaxation, the beach is perfect for sunbathing and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the old fishing boat that rests on the beach, which is home to a family of friendly iguanas.
Also, make sure to grab some fresh seafood from one of the many beachfront restaurants, as the fish is caught daily by the local fishermen.
Insider travel tips: If you are looking for a less crowded experience, visit Chacala Beach during the weekdays. Additionally, make sure to bring plenty of cash, as most of the restaurants and shops do not accept credit cards.
Finally, be sure to explore the nearby mangrove estuary, which is home to a unique ecosystem and provides some stunning views of the surrounding area.
9. Jaltemba Bay
Jaltemba Bay is a beautiful coastal area located in the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. The area also offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a stroll along the pristine beaches and admire the stunning sunsets. The town of La Peñita de Jaltemba is also worth exploring, with its colorful buildings and local markets.
Insider travel tips: Try some of the fresh seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
If possible, visit during the off-season to avoid the crowds.
10. Los Ayala Beach
Los Ayala Beach is a pristine beach located in the town of La Peñita de Jaltemba, in the Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico.
What to see or do: The crystal-clear waters of Los Ayala Beach are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Visitors can indulge in beachside relaxation under the palm trees or walk along the golden sands.
Take a stroll to the south end of the beach to witness the impressive Las Cuevas Islands.
Don’t miss: Don’t leave without experiencing the unforgettable sunsets that take place over the ocean.
Insider travel tips: Indulge in delicious seafood dishes at one of the many local restaurants lining the beach.
Try a unique Mexican delicacy called “ceviche,” which consists of fresh seafood marinated and mildly cooked in a blend of lime juice and seasonings.
Beat the crowds and visit early in the morning to enjoy the beach to yourself.
11. La Colonia Clinic
La Colonia Clinic is a non-profit medical clinic located in the small town of La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit.
What to see or do: The clinic offers medical care to both locals and tourists at affordable prices. Services include general consultations, laboratory work, ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and more.
They also have a small pharmacy on site.
Don’t miss: The clinic’s goal is to provide quality medical care to those who would otherwise not have access to it. By supporting La Colonia Clinic, you are helping to improve the health and wellness of the local community.
Insider travel tips: The clinic is run by volunteers and relies on donations to continue its operations.
If you’re traveling to La Peñita de Jaltemba and are in need of medical care, or simply want to support the clinic’s mission, consider donating your time or money to this worthy cause.
12. Swiming with dolphins
Swimming with dolphins in a natural environment at La Peñita de Jaltemba.
What to see or do: Get up close and personal with friendly dolphins as you swim alongside them in their natural habitat. The experience is both breathtaking and exhilarating, providing an unforgettable encounter with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures.
Don’t miss: The chance to witness these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat, as they effortlessly glide through the crystal-clear waters.
Be sure to bring your camera to capture the incredible experience.
Insider travel tips: Book in advance to secure your spot on a dolphin swim tour, and be sure to follow the guidelines set by the tour operator to ensure a safe and responsible encounter with these animals.
Additionally, consider visiting during the off-season to avoid crowds and potentially get a better rate on tours.
13. Bucerias Beach
Bucerias Beach and La Peñita de Jaltemba are two beautiful coastal destinations located in Nayarit, Mexico. Bucerias is a lively town with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
La Peñita de Jaltemba, on the other hand, is a quieter and more traditional Mexican town.
What to see or do: Bucerias Beach offers a variety of water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
The beach is perfect for a day trip or a relaxing vacation with its warm water, fine sand, and stunning sunsets.
In La Peñita de Jaltemba, you can explore the local markets, try delicious seafood, and visit the beautiful Las Penitas Beach.
Don’t miss: Bucerias Beach is famous for its colorful sunsets, so make sure to be there in time to enjoy the view.
In La Peñita de Jaltemba, don’t miss the chance to visit the Mercado de Artesanías, a traditional market where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and gifts.
Insider travel tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit Bucerias Beach during weekdays. Also, bring your own umbrella, sunscreen, and plenty of water as the beach can get hot during the day.
In La Peñita de Jaltemba, try to arrive early at the local restaurants to avoid waiting in line and make sure to notify the vendor that you’re paying with pesos instead of dollars to get a better price.
14. Surfing in Punta de Mita
Surfing destination in the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
What to see or do: Catch some waves and enjoy the beach culture in Punta de Mita and La Peñita de Jaltemba. Surf lessons and rentals are available for all levels of experience.
The area is known for its long, rolling waves, making it especially popular with longboarders.
Don’t miss: Heading out to the nearby Marietas Islands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for snorkeling or scuba diving. You may even spot some humpback whales during their migration season (December through March).
Insider travel tips: The best time to surf is during the winter months (November through April) when the swells are bigger and more consistent.
Be sure to bring reef shoes as there are some rocky points in the area. Also, keep an eye out for sea turtles while surfing; they are known to frequent the area.