Secluded beaches, mountain trails, and resorts only accessible by boat await in one of Costalegre's wellness havens
NEW YORK, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Marking the southern edge of Banderas Bay, Cabo Corrientes remains one of Jalisco's best-kept secrets. Just south of Puerto Vallarta, this rugged peninsula is known for its hidden beaches, thick jungles, and small fishing villages that are accessible only by boat. Here, days unfold by panga and foot, whether snorkeling beneath the arches of Mismaloya, trekking to the waterfall at Quimixto, or savoring beach-baked pies in Yelapa. It's a place for travelers who crave nature, simplicity, and authenticity wrapped in comfort and framed by the Pacific.
What to do:
- Explore Banderas Bay by Boat: From Boca de Tomatlán, local pangas ferry visitors along a dramatic coastline dotted with coves and beach enclaves only accessible by water. One of the most popular stops is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, where granite islets and calm, clear waters offer ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. Boats often continue south past beaches including Las Ánimas, Majahuitas, and Colomitos, each offering a different degree of seclusion, from rustic beach bars to untouched stretches of sand.
- Taste the Pies of Yelapa: On the beach in Yelapa, a jungle-fringed village reachable only by boat, homemade pies are a cherished tradition. Sold directly on the sand by the town's famed "pie ladies," these coastal desserts have been passed down through generations and capture the authentic flavors of the region. Standouts include pay de elote, a custard pie that blends the delicate sweetness of fresh corn with a robust, flaky crust, alongside a rotating mix of coconut, chocolate, banana, lemon meringue, cheesecake, pecan, and more.
- Hike to the Quimixto Waterfall: The coastal trail from Las Ánimas to Quimixto offers a rewarding 4.5-mile hike with Pacific views, jungle paths, and a dramatic waterfall at the finish. Start by taking a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán to Las Ánimas, then follow the shoreline to Quimixto for a well-earned swim beneath the falls.
- Discover Raicilla in the Mountains of Cabo Corrientes: Raicilla, a traditional agave spirit native to Jalisco, is known for its earthy, complex profile and artisanal production. At Hacienda el Divisadero, a family-run distillery operating since 1885, fourth-generation maestro raicillero Jorge Luis Carbajal Díaz continues a legacy of small-batch distillation rooted in tradition. Visitors can tour the hacienda, learn about wild agave harvesting, and sample the spirit in a setting that reflects deep respect for land and lineage.
Top Luxury Stays:
- Casitas Maraika: Jungle-Chic Hideaway in Las Ánimas – This secluded hideaway, just 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, sits above Las Ánimas Beach and offers a collection of open-air casitas and suites with ocean-view terraces, rainfall showers and minimalist design that blends with the jungle. The on-site Ritual de Fuego restaurant and bar draws a laid-back crowd with Mediterranean-inflected dishes, craft cocktails, and weekend DJ sets featuring international talent. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, yoga classes, paddleboarding in nearby coves, and lounging on private decks, reflecting the resort's secluded lifestyle.
- Xinalani: Eco Wellness Escape in Quimixto – Tucked into the jungle cliffs above the beach in Quimixto, Xinalani is an adults-only, eco-luxury resort designed for introspection and adventure. The retreat features a range of thatched-roof suites and casitas, each open to the sea breeze and crafted with natural materials to minimize environmental impact. Known for its yoga and meditation offerings, the property hosts curated wellness retreats, daily classes, and healthy cuisine served in a breezy, communal dining space. Surfing, snorkeling, jungle treks, and traditional temazcal ceremonies round out the experience, all in harmony with the remote surroundings.
- Verana: Design-Driven Jungle Oasis in Yelapa – This adults only boutique resort is tucked into the mountains above the fishing village of Yelapa, about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. With eight individually designed rustic houses, Verana offers open air, gazebo style rooms perched above the jungle canopy, some with private pools and others accented by colorful tilework and vintage pieces crafted by local artisans. Guests wake to freshly baked bread, watch for whales from the cliffside, and fall asleep to the sound of wind moving through the trees. The resort is accessible via boat transfer, with mules available at the pier to assist with luggage and transport. Water taxis can be arranged to explore nearby coves.
- Santuario Yelapa: Eco Resort Rooted in Simplicity – Nestled within the rainforest in a charming fishing village just an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Santuario is a serene eco resort defined by its geodesic domes and commitment to sustainability. Designed to welcome fresh air and natural light, the domes blend simplicity with comfort in a setting focused on wellness and restoration. Meals are crafted from local ingredients, and programs center on mindfulness, nature, and community. Powered by solar energy and built with low impact materials, the property reflects a deep respect for its surroundings and the local way of life. Access is by boat, followed by a short walk into the jungle.
About Costalegre
Situated within the state of Jalisco, Costalegre, which translates to "Happy Coast," stretches more than 200 miles along the Pacific Coast from south of Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo. Characterized by rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush jungles, it comprises the municipalities of Cabo Corrientes, Tomatlán, La Huerta, and Cihuatlán. A leader in sustainability, the region's tourism stakeholders are committed to providing a low-density environmentally minded visitor experience. Dotted along the region are charming Mexican towns known for their eco-tourism offerings, architecture, and traditional cuisine. Renowned for its exclusive resorts and properties, including the Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Careyes, Las Alamandas, Las Rosadas, and Six Senses Xala (set to open in 2027), Costalegre also offers an array of more budget-friendly accommodations, as well as a host of private homes and villas for rent.
Travel to Costalegre is easily accessible from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport (ZLO). The region is connected by Federal Highway 200, also known as Carretera Pacífico, a two-lane fully paved highway. The Chalacatepec International Airport is currently under development.
Media Contact
Allyson Doyle, PTG Consulting, 1 646 465 9789, [email protected]
SOURCE PTG Consulting
Share this article