I've long been enamored with the Costalegre, a stretch of Mexico's rugged Pacific coastline between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo that has stayed somewhat of a secret, shared mostly by locals and well-traveled adventurers. Its allure lies in its remote, hard-to-access beaches, small villages and long stretches of dusty, dirt roads. For years, it was a destination known primarily to intrepid, ambitious surfers or to those with private means of transport.
But the secret is out. Named by numerous consumer magazines as one of the top places to visit in 2025, Costalegre is starting to top the bucket lists of travelers from around the world. As more people make the three-hour drive south from Puerto Vallarta, travel advisors should prepare for increased inquiries about this part of Mexico that is so dear to my heart.
The Four Seasons Tamarindo hugs a private stretch of coastline not far from La Manzanilla. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
Where to stay in Costalegre
At the heart of Costalegre's appeal are its exceptional luxury accommodations, each offering an experience that incorporates the natural beauty of the region. Careyes, perhaps the most famous of these, is a mix of colorful architecture, a holistic wellness attitude and a vibe that brings the rich and famous, the mystics and the dreamers. Known for its artistic flair, Careyes isn't just a resort — it's a lifestyle, complete with private villas, numerous restaurants, wellness and outdoor activities and a strong focus on sustainability.
Las Rosadas, another standout, is a different setup. With a handful of ultraluxe hillside residences, this resort operates more like a private estate, complete with a beachfront bar and living room setup, pool and private dining. It's perfect for discerning clients seeking a hideaway where every detail is curated. Don't miss the private beach picnics, the paddle boarding and the in-villa massages.
Las Alamandas has long lived on this coastline, set amid beautiful gardens and undeveloped beaches. With only 16 suites, it is a romantic, barefoot luxe retreat for honeymooners and other travelers looking to unplug.
Cuixmala is another coastal icon, sprawling across a massive nature reserve. The resort offers everything from palatial villas to sweet casitas. It's also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as the resort is at the heart of a 30,000-acre biosphere reserve.
The Four Seasons Tamarindo, Costaelgre's newest luxury offering, brings the brand's signature service and amenities to this remote stretch of the coast. Set within its own private nature reserve, the resort is a haven for biodiversity, and its ranch and gardens help make many parts of the resort self-sufficient.
The colorful Casitas de las Flores in Careyes are among the best vacation rentals along the Costalegre. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
How to get to Costalegre
The reason why I have always been drawn to Costalegre is because it is notoriously challenging to get to, especially if you aren't familiar with the area. Once you've got the routine down, though, it is a far less daunting journey.
There are two main airports serving the region: Puerto Vallarta Airport and Manzanillo's Playa de Oro Airport. While Puerto Vallarta is the more popular gateway, it's about a three-hour drive to Costalegre. Manzanillo, by contrast, is closer — approximately an hour and a half — and might be a better option for travelers looking to maximize their beach time. Most travelers will have to fly through Mexico City to access Manzanillo's airport, and flights into this smaller airport are more expensive than those into Puerto Vallarta.
The roads to Costalegre are safe and generally well-maintained, though potholes can be a challenge, particularly during or after the rainy season. For clients who prefer not to drive themselves, private, often costly transfers can be arranged. The local driver I recommend costs roughly $175 to or from the Puerto Vallarta airport. The resorts in the area offer private drivers, which will be considerably more expensive than that.
Barra de Navidad is one of the main towns along the Costalegre, with beautiful beaches, a marina and cozy restaurants. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
What to do in Costalegre
While the luxury resorts are a major draw, Costalegre's spirit is rooted in its sleepy villages. La Manzanilla, for example, is a lovely fishing village with a laid-back vibe. It's known for its broad beaches and a lagoon filled with crocodiles. The village is a great spot for travelers who enjoy mingling with the locals, toes-in-the-sand seafood restaurants and modest bungalows and vacation rentals.
Melaque is a family-friendly town with a lively beachfront. It's an excellent place for shopping, restaurants, live music and bars. Barra de Navidad, often paired with Melaque as it shares the same bay, offers a bit more polish, though it is still very much a small town. The village has a marina, boutique accommodations and cobblestone streets with cafes, restaurants and shops.
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure for active travelers throughout the region. Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, hopping over to the rocky islands and snorkeling are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed here. Many resorts offer curated experiences to their guests, from guided nature walks to private boat cruises.
As word spreads about the beauty of this part of Mexico, it's clear that the destination will start to change. For travel advisors, now is the time to familiarize yourself with what this destination has to offer. The draw of Costalegre, for me, has always been its unspoiled nature and its remote location. Unlike more developed tourist hubs, the region has resisted over-commercialization. The beaches are seemingly endless, the jungle swallows the highway and dusty dirt roads lead off into the sunset. It's the perfect destination for travelers who want to step away from the all-inclusive beach resorts and venture off the tourist trail into wild and rugged Mexico.