Bucerías, whose name means “place of the divers,” is a relaxed fishing town turned beach favorite on Banderas Bay, just 25 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta’s airport. Its long, walkable beach, cobblestone lanes, and rainbow papel picado overhead make it perfect for slow mornings and golden-hour strolls. You’ll find superb seafood, gentle waves for swimming and paddleboarding, and steady winter winds that draw kiteboarders from around the world.

Use Bucerías as your Riviera Nayarit base: Sayulita’s surf breaks, San Pancho’s artsy vibe, Punta de Mita’s boats to the Marietas Islands, and La Cruz’s Sunday market (in season) are all quick rides away. From December to March, humpback whales sing and breach in the bay; year-round, pelicans skim the water while fishers mend their nets on shore.

To make the most of flight routings that often pass through Mexico City, this 7-day plan ends with one night in CDMX—so you can float through Xochimilco, visit Frida’s blue house, cheer at lucha libre, and greet the sun in a hot-air balloon above Teotihuacan. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bring pesos for taco stands and markets, and note that rainy season runs roughly June–October.

Bucerías

Bucerías blends barefoot beach days with a lively “Golden Zone” of galleries, street murals, and mellow bars. At low tide you can walk the shoreline for miles; at sunset, locals gather by the plaza as vendors grill elotes and churros perfume the air.

• Top sights & activities: Bucerías Beach, kitesurfing (Jan–Apr), paddleboarding, whale watching (Dec–Mar), art walk nights in high season, Monkey Mountain hike, day trips to Sayulita, San Pancho, and Punta de Mita for Marietas Islands.
• Where to stay: Book beachfront condos or boutique hotels steps from the sand via VRBO Bucerías or compare hotels on Hotels.com Bucerías.
• Food & drink: From beachside ceviche to wood-fired pizza, the town excels at casual, flavorful meals.

Getting there: Fly into Puerto Vallarta (PVR). Search fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Taxis/Uber to Bucerías take ~25–35 minutes; expect roughly 350–500 MXN. Tip: cross the pedestrian bridge from arrivals for lower taxi rates.

Mexico City

CDMX rewards even a short stay with big experiences: float past mariachis in Xochimilco, savor street tacos in Coyoacán, and marvel at ancient Teotihuacan from a hot-air balloon at sunrise. Modern art, leafy plazas, and buzzing nightlife round out the picture.

• Highlights: Xochimilco canals, Coyoacán and the Frida Kahlo Museum, lucha libre nights, the Zócalo and historic center, Teotihuacan’s pyramids.
• Stay: Look in Roma/Condesa or Centro for easy touring: VRBO Mexico City or Hotels.com Mexico City.
• Getting there from PVR: 1h35–1h50 nonstop flights (AeroMexico, Viva, Volaris), often $60–$140 one-way. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 1: Arrive in Bucerías (afternoon arrival)

Afternoon: Check in, drop your bags, and take a barefoot stroll along Bucerías Beach. If you’re hungry, grab shrimp tacos al gobernador and a michelada at Mar y Sol (beachfront, chill vibes) or a tuna tostada at La Negra (courtyard setting, creative salsas).

Evening: Sunset on the sand—watch for pelicans dive-bombing near the pier. Dinner at Karen’s Place (beachside; try coconut shrimp or catch of the day with mango salsa) or Mezzogiorno (Italian by the sea; wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas). Nightcap and local craft brews at Bucerias Beer Company.

Day 2: Bucerías by Day—Art, Beach, and Bites

Morning: Breakfast at Luna Luna (huevos rancheros with house salsa and fresh juices) or Paninos (espresso and flaky pastries). Wander the Golden Zone’s galleries and murals; if you’re here in high season, check for the evening Art Walk schedule.

Afternoon: Rent paddleboards right on the beach; the bay’s gentle chop is beginner-friendly. Lunch at La Postal (Argentine-Italian; thin-crust pizza, chimichurri steaks) or Cocos y Grill (grilled octopus and garlic-butter fish under palm fronds).

Evening: Tacos Junior is a local favorite for adobada and arrachera—pair with a glass bottle Coke. For live music and mezcal cocktails, La Negra often hosts bands; otherwise, stroll the plaza for churros and elote under the papel picado.

Day 3: Marietas Islands and Punta de Mita

Morning: Head to Punta de Mita (35–45 minutes by taxi or ride-share) for a boat to the Marietas Islands. Expect snorkeling over reefs, blue-footed booby sightings, and in season (Dec–Mar) whale breaches. The “Hidden Beach” requires a separate permit and favorable tides—ask in advance.

Afternoon: Lunch back on shore in Punta de Mita—order ceviche and grilled fish at El Coral or try seaside aguachile. Return to Bucerías for a siesta.

Evening: Dinner at Sandrina’s (Mediterranean-Mexican; moussaka, lamb chops, and standout margaritas in a courtyard draped with vines). Gelato from Cocolini to finish.

Day 4: Sayulita Surf + San Pancho Sunset

Morning: Bus or taxi to Sayulita (40–50 minutes). Book a surf lesson on the main beach—gentle beach break for beginners; intermediate waves farther out. Breakfast at ChocoBanana (famous banana pancakes and robust coffee).

Afternoon: Continue north to San Pancho (San Francisco; ~10 minutes). Browse galleries and the community art space; grab fish tacos at Mr. Ribs San Pancho or seasonal fare at Barracuda San Pancho. Walk the broad beach—often quieter than Sayulita.

Evening: Stay for a fiery San Pancho sunset, then return to Bucerías. If you’re peckish, split a late-night pizza at Mezzogiorno or seek out street al pastor near the plaza.

Day 5: Hike Monkey Mountain + La Cruz Marina

Morning: Tackle Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono), a moderate hike with panoramic bay views. Go early for cooler temps; bring water, closed-toe shoes, and a guide if unfamiliar with the trail. Alternatively, opt for a winter whale-watching cruise from La Cruz or Puerto Vallarta (~$80–$120).

Afternoon: Lunch in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Tacos on the Street (simple, stellar steak tacos) or a marina-side seafood spot. If it’s Sunday (Nov–Apr), browse the La Cruz Market for artisan crafts, cheeses, and live music.

Evening: Back in Bucerías, dine at La Negra or try a low-key seafood feast at El Gusto. End with a beach walk under the stars—Banderas Bay often glitters with boat lights offshore.

Day 6: Fly to Mexico City + Xochimilco, Coyoacán, and Frida + Lucha Libre

Morning: Fly PVR→MEX (1h35–1h50; often $60–$140). Compare options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check into your Roma/Condesa hotel via VRBO or Hotels.com.

Afternoon: Float the canals, roam Coyoacán, and visit Casa Azul with this crowd-pleasing tour:

Xochimilco, Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo with Optional Lunch

Snack ideas: Tostadas at Mercado de Coyoacán and a classic churro at El Moro.

Evening: Cheer, boo, and laugh at a rollicking wrestling night—tacos and mezcal included:

Lucha Libre Tickets & Tacos & Beer & Mezcal = BEST NIGHT EVER!

Post-match supper: Taquería Orinoco (al pastor with pineapple) or El Califa (costras and salsas). Drinks at Licorería Limantour if you’ve got energy.

Day 7: Sunrise Balloon Over Teotihuacan + Departure

Morning: Bucket-list time—soar over the pyramids at dawn with a well-reviewed operator (hotel pickup available):

Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon Flight from Mexico City / Volare

After landing, grab coffee and pan dulce. If time allows, make a quick stop at the Zócalo or stroll Roma’s leafy streets.

Afternoon: Head to the airport for your flight home. Search options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Where to Eat & Drink in Bucerías (save this list)

• Breakfast: Luna Luna (hearty Mexican plates), Paninos (espresso, croissants), Delices de France (crepes, quiche) if you crave Euro-comforts.
• Lunch: La Postal (thin-crust pizza, cold beer), Tacos Junior (adobada shaved off the trompo), La Negra (inventive tostadas, mezcal cocktails).
• Dinner: Karen’s Place (beachfront seafood), Mezzogiorno (pasta/pizza with sunset views), Sandrina’s (Mediterranean-leaning plates in a lush courtyard), Cocos y Grill (grilled seafood platters).
• Drinks & sweets: Bucerias Beer Company (craft pints), beach palapa bars for margaritas, Cocolini (gelato).

Practical Tips

• Money: Carry small bills for street food and buses; ATMs are common. Many sit-down restaurants take cards.
• Transport: Buses to Sayulita/San Pancho run along Highway 200; expect ~45–60 MXN. Taxis and ride-shares are plentiful locally.
• Safety & health: Use reef-safe sunscreen; don’t drink tap water; watch ocean currents and heed kiteboarding zones.
• Seasonality: Whale season Dec–Mar; best winds for kites Jan–Apr; rainy afternoons most likely Jun–Oct.

For lodging, start with VRBO Bucerías or Hotels.com Bucerías, then line up flights with Trip.com or Kiwi.com. For your Mexico City finale, browse VRBO Mexico City and Hotels.com Mexico City.

One week gives you the essence of Bucerías—sun-warmed days, excellent seafood, and easy adventures up and down Riviera Nayarit—plus a bonus taste of Mexico City’s color and culture. With a lucha libre roar and a sunrise balloon over ancient pyramids, you’ll fly home with sand in your shoes and stories worth retelling.