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Costalegre, also known as Costa Careyes is one of the most beautiful drives in Mexico is along the 133 miles (212 km) of the Costalegre. While not strictly a coastal road, Highway 200 rewards the traveler from time to time with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. MBH has a number of luxury hotels in Costalegre to choose from.
Linking Puerto Vallarta with Barra de Navidad and Manzanillo, the road passes through unspoiled tropical jungle, over hills and mountains. It cuts through mango, papaya, banana and coconut plantations and is crossed by numerous side roads that meander west to hidden beaches, bays and lagoons filled with exotic water birds, to inlets and rivers, tiny fishing villages and a few luxury hotels. The entire stretch of coastline is ideal for those who wish to escape for a while from the rapid pace of big cities.
Where is Costalegre
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH
Barra de Navidad/Melaque
The town of Barra de Navidad sits on a sand bar with a large lagoon at its back. Sharing the same picturesque bay is the town of Melaque, the most important business zone in the area.
Tenacatita Bay
The road to Tenacatita Bay passes banana and coconut plantations on the way to the sandy, serene beaches of Tenacatita. Located about 12 miles north of Melaque, it has the best swimming and snorkeling for miles around. Bring your insect repellent and enjoy the beach and the seafood restaurants.
Careyes
Costa Careyes is a beautiful stretch of coastline with lovely beaches, lagoons and small islands.
How to get to Costalegre
The Costalegre can be accessed by air from airports in both Puerto Vallarta (2.5 hours) and Manzanillo (1 hour).
How to get around in Costalegre
Because it stretches out so far, the Costalegre must be discovered in a car. It is easy and safe to drive the main highway and then veer off to smaller villages in quest of a fresh seafood meal or cool drink.
What should you taste?
All along the Costalegre there are restaurants specializing, for the most part, in seafood.
What should you buy?
The hotels along the Costalegre have painstakingly gone out, traveled across the country and chosen the very best Mexican crafts, textiles and artwork for your choosing.
Keeping busy
You can horseback ride or take out a sailboat to go diving and snorkeling in nearby Bahia Paraiso (Paradise Bay) or tour exotic Isla de los Pajaros (Island of the Birds). Sport fishing is also quite good. Guests of nearby hotels may use the seaside 18-hole golf professional course at El Tamarindo, located closer to Melaque. You may enjoy taking an excursion to nearby undeveloped, unspoiled Chamela Bay.
Chamela-Cuixmala Protected Area
Also in this region is one of the most important protected areas in Mexico. With its many distinct climate zones, it is home to a high concentration of animal, reptile and bird species found only in Mexico. A biological station there includes a museum at km 59 on the highway from Barra de Navidad; and with luck you may see armadillos, crocodiles, iguanas, deer, foxes and raccoons.
Boutique Hotels in Costalegre:
| El Careyes — Costalegre — Pacific Central
Simple Elegance — Casual — Secluded
El Careyes is a remarkable getaway that combines unique architecture inspired by Mediterranean and Mexican masters, adventure and artistry with the tranquility of nature. Spacious accommodations, a freeform swimming pool and a variety of leisure activities, including horseback riding, water sports and a luscious spa facility, make this resort the ultimate relaxing escape. VIEW PACKAGES |
| El Tamarindo — Costalegre — Pacific Central
Sophisticated — Secluded — Spacious
A place that combines the untamed beauty of the tropical forest with the refinement of civilization at its best. Although Tamarindo is quite secluded, they offer a very complete activities program, an amazing golf course and exotic paths that lead to beaches and tropical jungle, all while offering impeccable service and seductive accommodations. VIEW PACKAGES •  |
| Las Alamandas — Costalegre — Pacific Central
Luxurious — Secluded — Spacious
This intimate haven to get away and be royally pampered offers among its specialties: secluded beach picnics, romantic river tours and soothing oceanfront massages. “Serene and private” best describes the experience, and the efficiently discreet staff dotes on their guests like no other. Discover why this paradise ranks first on Luxury Travel Magazine´s “A-List of Mexican Hideaways.” VIEW PACKAGES |
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