Discover Costalegre, Mexico’s Secret Coast

Costalegre is a magical stretch of Pacific coastline in Jalisco between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Known as the “Happy Coast,” it offers pristine beaches, rugged beauty, and low-key luxury far from Mexico’s mass‑tourist spots.

For decades, Costalegre remained under the radar. Now, low‑density luxury enclaves like Careyes and Cuixmala offer eco‑focused escapes that prioritize nature over crowds. Development is limited to protect the landscape.

With its mix of jungle, mangroves, cliffs, and marine reserves, Costalegre attracts nature lovers and discretion‑seeking travelers. You’ll find secluded coves, vibrant bird sanctuaries, and hidden bays almost untouched by mainstream tourism.

Location and Access: Reaching Costalegre

Costalegre stretches along 330 km of coastline in southern Jalisco, starting just below Puerto Vallarta and ending near Manzanillo. This remote region remains largely untouched, offering a peaceful escape for travelers seeking nature and tranquility.

Access to Costalegre is now easier thanks to improved infrastructure. In October 2024, the Chalacatepec Airport opened, increasing regional access. Despite development, the area retains its off-the-grid charm and low tourism density.

Most visitors fly into Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo and travel by car. Highway 200 winds along the coast with stunning views of beaches, cliffs, and jungle. The drive itself is an adventure, full of scenic overlooks and local surprises.

Why Costalegre Stays Under the Radar

Costalegre’s appeal comes from its wild, untouched landscapes. Beaches stretch wide with jungle behind and rocky cliffs ahead. With little development and few crowds, the area offers peaceful, natural surroundings perfect for quiet escapes.

The region prioritizes eco-tourism over mass development. Much of the land is managed by local communities, helping to protect coastal ecosystems and marine life. Conservation is a core value here, shaping both tourism and growth.

Despite its remote feel, Costalegre hides refined luxury. Exclusive spots like Careyes, Cuixmala, Las Alamandas, and the new Four Seasons Tamarindo offer elegant stays that respect nature and preserve the coast’s unspoiled character.

Top Towns and Beaches to Visit

Barra de Navidad and Melaque

Barra de Navidad is the most well-known town in Costalegre. Once a colonial shipyard, it’s now a laid-back fishing village with a scenic lagoon, beach access, and a small-town vibe that draws travelers seeking authenticity.

Neighboring Melaque and San Patricio are quieter and even more relaxed. These towns are ideal for swimming, beach walks, and experiencing daily Mexican coastal life. You’ll find family-run hotels, food stands, and friendly locals.

This part of Costalegre is more developed but still unspoiled. Barra and Melaque are perfect as convenient bases to explore the region or simply enjoy the coast without the high prices or large crowds found elsewhere in Mexico.

Tenacatita and Playa Mora

Tenacatita Bay is one of the best spots in Costalegre for water activities. Calm, shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. The area is also popular with campers who enjoy the untouched natural setting and quiet nights.

Playa Mora, tucked nearby, is a peaceful cove that feels like a secret escape. Fewer people visit this beach, making it ideal for sunbathing, reading, or meditating by the sea. It’s a family-friendly spot with little wave action.

Local seafood restaurants serve fresh catch-of-the-day meals right by the shore. Here, the charm lies in simplicity: nature, soft sands, and great food. It’s a stress-free zone for those wanting a different kind of beach vacation.

Punta Perula and Bahia de Chamela

Punta Perula features wide, sandy beaches perfect for long swims or lounging under palapas. The water is clear and gentle, ideal for all ages. Local families and couples often come here to escape busier resort-style tourism.

Bahia de Chamela is a coastal treasure. This bay is dotted with islands, many of which are part of a marine reserve. You can take a boat tour to Isla Cocinas or Isla Pajarera to explore wildlife and crystal-clear waters.

These islands are havens for birds, turtles, and sea life. Snorkeling and swimming here offer glimpses of vibrant marine ecosystems. The bay’s untouched beauty makes it a top pick for nature-focused travelers and photographers.

Costa Careyes

Costa Careyes is the most exclusive destination in Costalegre. Its brightly colored villas, dramatic cliffs, and luxurious yet discreet resorts attract artists, creatives, and celebrities seeking elegance and seclusion.

Careyes blends architecture with nature. The designs follow the land’s curves, with vibrant hues set against sea and sky. It’s a place where design, privacy, and sustainability work in harmony to create something magical.

Nearby Teopa Beach is a protected turtle nesting site. During the season, visitors can witness turtle hatchlings reach the sea. It’s a quiet, sacred experience that highlights the region’s dedication to environmental balance.

Nature and Wildlife Encounters

Costalegre is a haven for biodiversity.

Bahia de Chamela protects mangrove forests and offshore islands, sheltering diverse birdlife like pelicans and blue-footed boobies. Isla Cocinas is especially known for reef exploration and birdwatching, offering peaceful eco-experiences for nature lovers.

Marine life thrives along this coast, thanks to local conservation efforts. Beaches like Teopa serve as vital sea turtle nesting sanctuaries. Guided visits let travelers witness baby turtle releases or snorkel around coral reefs full of vibrant underwater life.

Inland, the lush terrain of Selva de Cuitzmala offers scenic trails through tropical forest. These paths lead to hidden waterfalls and open areas rich in biodiversity. This wild environment provides a calm, natural escape from noise, tech, and modern distractions.

Luxury and Wellness in Costalegre

Careyes limits construction to under 7% of its territory to protect the region’s beauty. Similarly, the Four Seasons Tamarindo preserves more than 97% of its natural landscape, showing how luxury and eco-awareness can work hand in hand on the Costalegre.

Wellness retreats thrive here, drawing on the natural calm of the coast. Careyes and Vikara Wellness offer yoga, spa treatments, and holistic therapies. These spaces help visitors restore balance while surrounded by ocean views, warm light, and tropical stillness.

The culinary experience is deeply local. Fresh seafood, tequila cocktails, and fermented drinks like tejuino or tepache are common. Dishes from Jalisco – such as birria, pozole, and fish stews—celebrate regional traditions and create a rich, flavorful journey.

When to Visit and Travel Tips

The best time to visit is from November to April. This period avoids tropical rains and brings dry, sunny weather ideal for beach time and nature trips. While the off-season is quieter, it can be humid and rainy, though still warm and with fewer crowds.

Renting a car is the best way to get around. Costalegre is remote, and public transportation is limited. Highway 200 connects the main towns, but the road is winding and slow. That said, the scenic ocean and jungle views make the journey part of the adventure.

Plan ahead and stay flexible. Many boutique lodges and eco-resorts fill up fast, especially in peak months. Some beaches and jungle trails restrict access to protect wildlife or limit foot traffic, so advance booking or permits may be required.

Is Costalegre Worth Visiting?

If you crave quiet beaches, powerful nature, and discreet luxury, Costalegre delivers perfectly. It offers a peaceful refuge from busy tourist hubs, ideal for travelers seeking introspective journeys with a minimal environmental footprint and deep connection to nature.

Though the coast lacks nightlife and crowds, it makes up for it with unique experiences. Visitors can witness sea turtle nesting, explore untouched coral reefs, hike lush forests, and enjoy fresh seafood from local beachside stands for an authentic taste of the region.

With infrastructure improvements like the new Chalacatepec Airport, Costalegre’s hidden charm may not last forever. Now is the perfect time to visit and discover this raw, remote, and breathtaking coastline before it becomes more widely known.

Final Thoughts

Costalegre is a hidden gem along Mexico’s Pacific coast, blending stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxed luxury. It’s perfect for travelers who seek solitude, authenticity, and a harmonious connection with the environment, away from crowded tourist spots.

With pristine beaches, untouched jungles, and charming fishing villages, Costalegre reveals a Mexico many have never seen. Expect bold, colorful sunsets, peaceful jungle sounds, and gentle ocean waves creating an atmosphere of calm and deep relaxation.

Whether you travel south from Puerto Vallarta or north from Manzanillo, pack light and keep an open heart. Costalegre invites you to unwind fully, reconnect with nature, and savor one of Mexico’s most serene and unforgettable coastal escapes.