Jaltemba Bay: The Integrated Zone and its Growth Potential

By Jorge Chávez
May. 15, 2024

Jaltemba Bay is one of the most popular places in Riviera Nayarit for Mexican families on vacation, who visit it throughout the year, but especially during the spring and summer months. However, a growing number of visitors from Canada and the United States have included this area among their “must-see” places when exploring Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings.

The Jaltemba Bay is made up of three towns: Los Ayala, Rincón de Guayabitos, and La Peñita de Jaltemba. Guayabitos and La Peñita have been integrated in some ways to form a larger community. To the south of Guayabitos, a rock formation separates the picturesque town of Los Ayala.

The Jaltemba Bay is made up of three towns: Los Ayala, Rincón de Guayabitos, and La Peñita de Jaltemba.

Here the real estate opportunities are mainly condominium projects located along the beach, with some located in these little villages themselves, where you can also find reasonably priced houses. While the majority of Mexican owners come from Guadalajara, foreign owners are mostly Canadians looking to escape the big cities and enjoy something authentically Mexican.

Taking into account the array of real estate opportunities to be found in this bay, the Vallarta Real Estate Guide editorial team is offering a review of the unique characteristics of each of these charming communities located just under an hour from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

RINCÓN DE GUAYABITOS

The development of Rincón de Guayabitos began a little more than 70 years ago, when it was an authentic fishing village. Thirty years later it evolved with the construction of several small hotels. Today, its busy Hotel Zone occupies most of the southern end of the beach. As the name “Rincón” suggests (meaning a ‘retreat’ in English), this town is made up of hotels, as well as bungalows, condominiums, and other accommodations.

At the northern end of the beach, you will find the Residential Zone, which is where most beachfront homes and villas are located. This part of Rincón de Guayabitos is mainly made up of second and vacation homes, owned primarily by Canadians.

LA PEÑITA DE JALTEMBA

Although the area surrounding La Peñita de Jaltemba is known for its fruit production (mainly pineapples, bananas, and mangoes), this place is the main community for services (banks, shops, markets, doctors’ offices, etcetera) for the region that goes well beyond the Jaltemba Bay, which stretches from San Pancho and Sayulita, almost to Las Varas.

Its main street runs from Federal Highway 200 to the Mexican Pacific. Along this “Avenue” (as it is popular known), one will find numerous shops, restaurants and other establishments that offer convenience and contribute in promoting the local economy.

LOS AYALA 

This small town, surrounded by green hills, has developed a wide variety of lodging options in recent years, offering its visitors cozy hotels and bungalows during their visit.

The big draw of Los Ayala is the beach, which is considered by many Vallarta · Nayarit residents as the best on the entire Mexican Pacific coast for swimming. With a population of just over 600 people, this village still retains a tranquil atmosphere.

CONSIDERATIONS

The integrated area of Jaltemba Bay has properties and investment opportunities ideal for those looking to enjoy authentic Mexican charm. It is a great place to build a sense of belonging and a community lifestyle, which can provide a stable and happy environment for those looking for a retirement destination or extended stays, like snowbirds.

Similarly, for those looking to preserve and/or grow their wealth, investing in real estate in this part of the Riviera Nayarit can be an excellent decision, as there is strong potential appreciation in property values along this entire tourist corridor.

Finally, with the imminent completion of the Puerto Vallarta – Guadalajara highway, which has an exit at the town of El Monteón (just a five-minute drive from Rincón de Guayabitos) this area could begin to experience enhanced real estate growth in the short term.

Within our publication there are different real estate agencies that have the reputation and experience necessary to successfully carry out a purchase and sale in the Jaltemba Bay and/or its surroundings.