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Imagine breathtaking ocean views, gorgeous white-sand beaches that are perfect for water sports, mouth-watering food that makes your taste buds sing, dramatic hiking trails, and, of course, soothing tranquility – all just outside your spacious and elegant beach home. If this sounds like your ideal vacation, the enchanting community of Pontoquito in the Punta de Mita area of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico should be your next holiday destination.
Named for an Aztec word meaning “gateway to paradise” and about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita is a true embodiment of multicultural identity, tranquil, gorgeous surroundings and exquisite dining options. Pontoquito is a secluded and gated enclave in Punta de Mita, where luxurious homes are blessed with magnificent views and bathed in sunshine, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. If you’re planning to stay at the Equity Platinum Fund 2 Pontoquito residence, we offer the following information and recommendations to maximize your vacation enjoyment and make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Location and Airport
If you are flying from another country into Mexico, you will arrive at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerta Vallarta. The airport is highly rated and is run by friendly and helpful staff. The airport’s terminal is efficient, and getting through customs is quite easy if your passport is in order.
Pontoquito is about a 45-minute-drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport. In case you have not booked your transportation from the airport, there are taxis available in the arrival area. If you are heading to Pontoquito from Punta Mita Peninsula, the drive only takes five minutes.
Arriving at Pontoquito
Upon arrival at Pontoquito, you will be greeted at entry gate by security personnel. As you pass through the gate and approach our residence, you will be awed by the stunning ocean views and appreciative of the stylish architecture of the neighboring homes. Your residence host will be waiting at your door and a private sandy beach beckons only two blocks away.
Getting Around in Punta de Mita
Regarding transportation in Punta de Mita, there are several options available. You can decide to book exclusive VIP transportation, rent a car, or hop in a local taxi when visiting Puerto Vallarta or other surrounding areas. Make sure you get a price BEFORE you enter a taxi. Also, taxi drivers often get a kickback for recommendations so you might not get the best advice for restaurants and bars.
Outdoor Activities Near Pontoquito
Pontoquito is the perfect destination for both active vacationers and those who simply want to decompress. You can spend your vacation lounging in the luxury of your residence and its private pool, relaxing on the beach, exploring the Punta de Mita peninsula, or visiting the popular city of Puerto Vallarta. If you are into watersports, arts, shopping, hiking, tours, or boating and nightlife, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta have what you’re looking for.
Let’s check out some of the best spots for outdoor activities:
Hiking Trails
Hiking is the perfect way to connect with nature, and the area’s hiking trails are just the place to do that. If you fancy climbing rocks, walking through jungle paths, and enjoying breathtaking views of nature, locals hikes fit the bill. The views are totally worth it.
Here are some of the best hiking trails around Pontoquito:
Monkey Mountain
Monkey Mountain is the perfect hike for those seeking a challenge. The path is full of ups and downs, and a lot of climbing is required. However, the view below is gorgeous and rewarding. Just be sure to take a guide, as the paths can be confusing. Conveniently, Monkey Mountain is only 6 miles (15 minutes) away.
Playa Malpaso
Playa Malpaso is about 12 miles from Pontoquito and is an excellent candidate for a
leisurely hike to a beach pavilion. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean and the leafy green hills surrounding the pavilion. It’s also a great place to interact with locals.
The Palo Maria Waterfall
Palo Maria Waterfall: The Palo Maria Waterfall is a series of seven waterfalls in Puerto Vallarta. It’s about 34 miles from Pontoquito – the perfect opportunity to enjoy a road trip. It takes about 30 to 50 minutes to hike to the first waterfall, and after that are six lovelier ones. You’ll hike through a green jungle filled with plants of many kinds, little streams, different-sized rocks, and gorgeous scenery. This is a hike that allows you to pick your difficulty level, and if you aren’t interested in hiking, you
could just enjoy the lovely view.
Surfing
If you love to surf, you’re in for a treat because Pontoquito has a decent surf break. Here are two of our other favorite surf spots:
Sayulita Surf Village
Although Sayulita Surf Village (about 10 miles from Pontoquito) is known as a surf village, a visit will show that it’s a whole lot more. In addition to having multiple surf schools, shops, and amazing surf spots, Sayulita is a great location to visit and experience true Mexican culture, colors and cuisine.
La Lancha
La Lancha is an uncrowded and tranquil beach, about 10 minutes from Pontoquito and a 10-minute hike from the road. Before arriving, you will have to walk along a well-worn trail through the jungle reserve. However, it’s worth it. The waves are mellow, the water is warm, and the scenery is beautiful. One of the main attractions of this beach is the year-round consistency of the waves, making for a predictably good day of surfing.
Golf
If you play golf, you will be happy to know that Pontoquito is in close proximity to several high-quality options. Here are our top three golf spots.
Greg Norman Golf Course
There is a Greg Norman Golf Course in the community called Litibu, near the Hotel Conrad. Although this course provides a country club experience, it is open to the public and is only a 15-minute drive from Pontoquito. The exciting course layout follows along the banks of the Ameca River and every hole offers exceptional views of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
El Tigre Club de Golf
El Tigre Club de Golf is a spectacular golf and country club in Nuevo Vallarta. The course is beautifully designed, and the views are stunning. Although the course area is large, and some wildlife live in the trees, the golf carts have GPS on them, so you can’t get lost. El Tigre Club de Golf is 20 miles from Pontoquito.
Vista Vallarta Club de Golf
Vista Vallarta Club de Golf has two 18-hole golf courses set between jungle paths and mountain vistas. It’s perfect for a slow-paced game and has impressive landscaping. They also have an amazing restaurant where you will enjoy delicious food and meet interesting people. Vista Vallarta Club de Golf is 26 miles from Pontoquito.
Explore Local Culture
Riviera Nayarit is a culturally rich region. If you’d like to experience some of the best cultural and entertainment sites nearby, here are some suggestions:
Sayulita Plaza
Sayulita Plaza is the place where the warm sea meets the hot sun. It’s a bright and colorful location that showcases the beauty of the people and culture. Take a walk through the beach
area and enjoy beautiful music, dancing horses, and many small shops for souvenirs. Sayulita Plaza is about 10 miles from Pontoquito.
El Buzo De Bucerias
El Buzo De Bucerias also known as the land of divers, is a small town that has passed the tradition of diving from one generation to the next. One of the most popular monuments in the town is the “El Buzo”, the statue of a diving man by Jalisciense sculptor Octavio González. However, the rest of the town is also full of its rich history and culture, and is about 13 miles from Pontoquito.
Art Walk Bucerias
Art Walk is a Bucerias tour offered every Thursday from six to nine p.m. The tour takes you to some of the best galleries in the town’s Art District. This tour operates from November thru April, so plan accordingly. Bucerias is about 14 miles from Pontoquito.
Boating and Nightlife
Boating and nightlight activities in Riviera Nayarit are a wonderful blend of people and culture. If the nighttime is your best time, here are some spots you’ll want to visit.
Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruiz
Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruiz is a full-service marina that captures the area’s aura in a special way. Not only does it have an amazing restaurant and bar, but it also offers a pure taste of the local nightlife. You can enjoy parties, socialize, and meet people or sign up for boating activities. There’s much to choose from and the marina is just 10 miles from Pontoquito.
Mita Mary
Mita Mary is a beach restaurant you don’t want to miss if you’re interested in tasting Punta de Mita’s seafood and drinks while enjoying beautiful Mexican music. It also has a boat club which opens weeklong. Mita Mary is about 2 miles away from Pontoquito.
El Barracuda
El Barracuda is a beach club on Camarones Beach (downtown Puerto Vallarta). It is a local joint specializing in seafood mercadito style. They also offer several choices for non-seafood lovers, incredible sunsets, whale watching during the season, unbeatable ambiance and warmth and personal service.
Restaurants We Recommend
It goes without saying that it wouldn’t be a proper Mexican experience without food. Here are some restaurants close to Pontoquito that are definitely worth a short drive:
Lobster Paradise
Lobster Paradise has it all; delectable seafood, a beautiful ambiance, amazing staff, and a lovely setup by the ocean. The restaurant is in Punta de Mita, about a mile from Pontoquito. However, if you don’t want to eat out, it’s no problem. You can order takeout or delivery online.
Margarita’s
Margarita’s is a seafood restaurant with amazing reviews. They have original recipes, amazing drinks, and a wide fresh, and tasty seafood menu. You can dine in, order online, or even arrange a curbside pickup. Margarita’s is open from 1 pm to 10 pm and is about 4 miles from Pontoquito.
Sazón de Mita Restaurante
Sazón de Mita Restaurante offers a nice breakfast selection, authentic Mexican food, and wonderful drinks, all in a homey atmosphere. The restaurant is about 1 mile from Pontoquito and offers great prices, yummy desserts, and wonderful service.
Village of Punta de Mita
In the Village of Punta de Mita, which is only 10 minutes from your residence in Pontoquito, you can find various types of restaurants depending on your preferences. Whether you are looking for traditional Mexican or Japanese food, a wood-fired pizza, wide selection of international and local wines, restaurants such as Mina, Si Sushi, Mercedes and La Pescadora all pride themselves in using the freshest ingredients paired with traditional cultural methods, and of course, a touch of their own unique brand creativity for optimal enjoyment.
La Peska
La Peska is located on the Malecón de la Marina at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a village only 10 minutes away from our Pontoquito residence. Try their fresh, delicious seafood while enjoying the view and the spectacular sunsets that you can only find in the Mexican Pacific.
Stores and Shopping We Recommend
Whether shopping for groceries, snacks, fruits, or clothes, you have many options while vacationing in Pontoquito. Here are our top three:
Minisuper Saldiva
Minisuper Saldiva is a mini supermarket perfect for your immediate needs as it is less than a mile away. It’s easy to find and navigate, and the service is friendly. It’s also a great place to hang out with the locals, and as a bonus, a food truck parks there at night.
Frutería y Cremeria La Huerta
If you’d like to shop for some fresh produce, the Frutería y Cremeria La Huerta is a good choice. It’s about 4 miles from Pontoquito and offers a wide selection of produce at amazing prices.
Calaverita de Mita
Calaverita de Mita is a small shop on El Anclote Avenue about a mile away from Pontoquito. It offers amazing clothes, accessories, and souvenirs to remind you of your experience. The shop doesn’t sell imported items as all their art and handwork are locally sourced from Mexico.
Best Time to Visit Punta de Mita
Luckily, the weather in Punta de Mita is usually amazing, which brings flexibility to your visiting times and vacation planning. November and May are some of the best periods to visit. The weather is warm but cool enough to enjoy the outdoors. Generally, January to July offers plenty of warmth and sunshine. The wet season runs from mid-August to mid-October, so your vacation is better scheduled outside this period.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a luxury vacation experience that provides expansive ocean views, a private beach, your own swimming pool, and an abundance of dining, cultural and adventure options in a delightful, subtropical climate, Pontoquito in Punta de Mita is a place for you!
