Mexican Riviera

A resort coast running along Mexico's Pacific shore from Cabo at the tip of Baja California to Oaxaca, a classic West Coast cruise route and a winter escape.

The Mexican Riviera was originally the name US cruise lines gave to their itineraries along Mexico's Pacific coast. It now broadly refers to a string of resort areas from the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula to the coast of Oaxaca, spanning several states and contrasting with the Caribbean-side "Riviera Maya." Main destinations: Los Cabos (the Arch at Cabo San Lucas, the San José del Cabo arts district, whale watching); Mazatlán (the colonial old town and a 20-km seaside promenade); Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit (malecón sculptures, the surf town of Sayulita); farther south, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Acapulco (cliff divers), plus Puerto Escondido (surfing) on the Oaxaca coast and Huatulco (the Nine Bays eco-resort area). The classic "Mexican Riviera cruise" departs from Los Angeles or San Diego for 7 nights, calling at Cabo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Independent travelers usually pick one or two places, fly in and out, and spend 4–7 days at each. Overland distances between destinations are long, so people usually link them with domestic flights. Winter is peak escape season and prices are higher. Check the US State Department's travel advisories for certain states, and stay away from non-tourist areas.

Destinations

• Los Cabos
• Mazatlán
• Puerto Vallarta
• Puerto Escondido
• Huatulco
• Zihuatanejo
• Acapulco

Itineraries

• Oaxaca City to the Pacific Coast – Cross the mountains from Oaxaca City to the ocean, connecting Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, and Huatulco.
• Puerto Vallarta Bay & Mountain Town – Based in the Romantic Zone, connect the Old Town, Los Arcos, a silver mining mountain town, and Yelapa.
• Baja California Sur Cape Loop – Start from San José and loop through Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, Todos Santos, and Cabo San Lucas.
• Riviera Nayarit Northbound Road Trip – Drive north along Highway 200 from resort bays to surf towns, petroglyphs, and the San Blas mangroves.
• Guadalajara, Tequila & Pacific Coast – From the great western city through the Tequila region down to the coast, covering cities, wine country, ruins, and bea…
• The Two Cabos & Cabo Pulmo – Stay in Cabo San Lucas and San José to explore the Arch, snorkel in the bays, and visit the East Cape reserve.
• Zihuatanejo Fly-In 4-Day Relaxed Bay Itinerary – Fly in and stay within the Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa area to explore fishing ports, beaches, and small islands.
• Baja California Sur Winter Whales – Travel south from Loreto to Los Cabos, spotting blue whales, gray whales, whale sharks, sea lions, and humpback whales…