Are you looking for a great weekend getaway while living in Puerto Vallarta? Somewhere not too far, but feels like a world away? Well, Mayto is the place for you. This small beach town is located 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. With just a sprinkling of beach hotels and not much else, it is a true oasis. It can be made as a day trip, but I highly recommend staying at least one night if you can.
How to Get There
If you have a car, it will definitely come in handy for your roadtrip to Mayto. If not, you may consider looking up a taxi service or even a rental car. The problem with the bus system is that you can only get as far as El Tuito on the bus. There is not regular transportation from El Tuito to Mayto. Some hotels in Mayto may be able to arrange transportation for you from El Tuito, but you will need to check ahead in advance. Driving From PV is pretty straight forward. You will head south from Old Town on the main ocean highway 200. You’ll enjoy beautiful ocean views as you approach Boca de Tomatlan. After Boca, the highway veers inland and you will begin climbing in altitude as you make your way past the town of Las Juntas y Los Veranos. You will pass the famous Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens. After an hour of driving, you will arrive to the town of El Tuito, Jalisco. There is a gas station here on the main highway. Turn right into town and go about ten blocks until you reach the main church, turn left. This street will meander through town for a few blocks and then turn into a two lane country highway which will lead you all the way to Mayto (another hour). The drive offers spectacular mountain vistas!
El Tuito, Jalisco. Halfway point to Mayto from PV.
Where to Stay
Mayto is a very small town and there are not a lot of options for lodging. It is recommended to book your lodging well in advance. Weekends fill up quickly and the good old days of just arriving on doorsteps doesn’t really fly anymore. That is unless you are a camper. There are a variety of places that offer campsites on the beach with good amenities like restrooms, showers, and access to onsite restaurants. El Rinconcito is a crowd favorite. This ecclectic hotel is run by a lovely couple who has put a lot of love into their home and business. Rooms are not luxurious, but they are comfortable. There is an outdoor communal kitchen that guests may use. There is a great palapa bar that used to be self serve/honor system, but has recently changed. They offer campsites as well. Hotel Mayto is the more upscale option for lodging on the beach. This hotel has a lovely onsite restaurant that overlooks the ocean. There’s even a beautiful swimming pool. They offer camping as well.
El Rinconcito, Mayto
El Campamento Tortuguero Mayto
This is the local turtle sanctuary. You can camp under the extra large palapa structure, and wake up to the sound of the waves crashing.It is very special to be part of turtle releases at sunset. It is a truly amazing project that needs all the support it can get. They even have an onsite classroom where they give educational talks on the different turtle species in the area.
Mayto’s turtle sanctuary