The Ultimate Guide to Navigating Bucerías México
What is it about Bucerias that keeps visitors coming back year after year and inspires so many to relocate here? Apart from the beach views and tropical weather, it is the sense of community that truly makes Bucerias special. Human Connections created this guide to help you immerse yourself into our community so that your stay is as meaningful and ethical as possible.
THINGS TO DO
Visit Zona Dorada
Take yourself on a self-guided tour and immerse yourself in our community. Wear your swimsuit and stop at the beach for a break or for the entire afternoon. Shops and restaurants are abundant in the area known as Zona Dorada near the beach on the south side of town, which is known to be the most touristy neighborhood.
Pass over the paseo del beso or “kissing bridge,” a small footbridge over the riverbed, and stop in the market stalls along the way as you head towards the main plaza. Stands in the regular market are locally-run and offer a huge variety of souvenirs and artisan goods such as talavera ceramics, silver, leather, embroidery, jewelry and other finds from throughout Mexico.
2. Visit less known areas
While oftentimes, visitors are only made aware of the Zona Dorada and the Centro area, the reality is that Bucerías is significantly larger and more diverse on the other side of the highway. Did you know that there are 3 main plazas in Bucerías, for example? The Plaza Bucerías Centro, Plaza Javier Ovando, and the Plaza Santa Cecilia. We recommend exploring the “mountain side” of the highway on bike or foot, and frequenting the shops and businesses there. You will be well received by locals! We particularly recommend heading up Avenida Estaciones for tacos in the evenings. Tacos al pastor (seasoned, roasted pork with pineapple) are a favorite at El Fogoncito, for example.
3. Restaurants in Bucerias, México
Despite its small town feel, Bucerias boasts an impressive variety of restaurants. Start your day with an inspired breakfast at local favorite, Luna Luna in Zona Dorada. Their menu includes traditional dishes like sopes, chilaquiles and tortitas de papa and they serve delicious cafe de olla (spiced coffee).
Panino’s coffee shop has two main locations in Bucerias and they have everything you need to start your day including fresh juice and pastries as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu (their Zona Dorada location even has air conditioning).
For lunch, why not dine with your feet in the sand? El Brujo, on the beach, has an upper and lower outdoor dining area and an extensive menu that includes fresh seafood, fajitas and platters served in a traditional “molcajete” made of volcanic rock.
Karen’s Place is another great option for dining with an ocean-view in an elegant setting with menu choices ranging from fish tacos, to salads and hamburgers. After a busy day of site-seeing, treat yourself to some tacos of carne asada, adobada (seasoned pork), or chorizo offered by the food carts
that flock the main plaza or visit a cenaduria like Dona Mari on the main highway for pozole, enchiladas or gorditas.
La Negra is a family friendly restaurant that is open for dinner from 6pm-midnight daily with a hip atmosphere and an exciting drink and food menu.
Looking for something fancier? Armando’s Place in Zona Dorada and Culi’s Place are both locally-owned and perfect for foodies!
4. Get in touch with nature and culture
In addition to exploring Bucerías’s many neighborhoods, there is a broad range of activities and adventures you can embark upon to experience the best of Banderas Bay. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking, bird and whale watching or a boat tour of the Marietas Islands. Get your heart pumping and sign up for surf or paddle board lessons. Appreciate the finer things by visiting artisan markets and tasting classic Mexican cuisine. Learn about tradition and culture by participating in a community tour. Learn more about all these activities in our 13 unique things to do in Bucerías!
WEATHER IN BUCERÍAS
The tropical climate in Bucerias beckons travelers from near and far. Check an update of the local weather here.
Spring is known for coastal winds that keep beachgoers cool and attract kite-surfers from around the world. The diverse ecosystem benefits from summer rains that begin in July and last through September (the timing may vary slightly year to year). However, it usually only rains at nighttime, meaning the rains don’t interfere much with daytime activities.
The summer is a less popular time to visit because the heat is more intense, however many still love to visit this time of year because there are fewer people on the beaches and the rich tropical atmosphere is at its peak.
Fall in Bucerias feels like a slightly cooler summer, the rains subside and the humidity decreases. This is the official start of the “high-season” due to a swell in tourism as travelers flee colder temperatures elsewhere to escape to temperate “endless summer” conditions.
Winter is mostly rain-free except for the rare cabañuela which is an out-of-season rain that usually lasts for a few days between December and February. During the high season, temperatures sit around 80 degrees during the day, with cooler temperatures in the evening requiring as little preparation as a light sweater.
WHERE IS BUCERÍAS?
Bucerias is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, just 11 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, in a region called the “Bahia de Banderas.” The town of Bucerias is about a 30 min drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport on Federal Highway 200. It sits between the towns of Nuevo Vallarta (to the south) and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (to the north) on a long uninterrupted white sand beach that extends for 18 miles. Check out the Map of Bucerias
GETTING AROUND
Local transit in Bucerias is easy with many options available. You will be impressed at how effortless it is to get around town. Take advantage of various modes of transport during your stay including buses, taxis, Uber and car rentals.
Buses
Feel like a local and hop on a bus or combi van, the most economical way to get around. You may be surprised by a serenading musician, vendors in costume selling various wares, or the driver's creative playlists.
Buses and combi vans run along the highway regularly from around 6am until 9pm daily, are safe to use, and cost between 8-40 pesos per trip.
To go to La Cruz, Punta de Mita, or Sayulita, catch a northbound bus or combi. To go to Puerto Vallarta, catch one on the opposite side. Always make sure it has the name of your destination written on the windshield.
Buses stop in Bucerías at nearly all large intersections (the bus stops are not marked the way they are in Puerto Vallarta, for instance). If you see a smaller combi van passing by, you can often wave it down even if you’re not at an intersection, and the driver will stop for you if there are enough seats.
On the large buses, you pay when you get on. On the smaller combi vans, you pay when you get off.
2. Taxis
Taxis are available 24/7 and can be ordered by phone: +52-329-298-1991 (Decameron stand) or +52-329-298-0714 (Centro stand).
3. Uber
Uber works well in Bucerías, though wait times might be longer than you expect.
4. Renting a car
Renting a car here is a safe, logistically feasible option! Our staff recommends asking for a car that isn't too low to the ground, and going with a local company such as Gecko Car Rental. Contact them directly at geckorentcar@hotmail.com for inquiries and quotes.
SAFETY IN BUCERÍAS
Mexico is a country the size of Europe and it is natural that some zones of the country are safer than others. Bucerías is in a very safe part of México. Our team has personally been here for over a decade, where we have hosted over thousands of travelers, including 400 international students in Bucerias on our student programs, all without safety incidents. Since our community relies so heavily on the tourism industry, travelers are protected and treated with respect.
However, when you are traveling to any destination, it is important to implement certain basic precautions. No matter where you go, it’s important to avoid walking around alone at night, and stay in well-lit areas. It’s also a good idea to lock doors when you leave. Be aware of your personal belongings, not exposing or leaving your valuables in public places. In the event of an emergency, contact authorities immediately by dialing 911.
Do note that pedestrians do not have the right of way in Mexico. Be very careful crossing the street and use pedestrian bridges when possible to cross the highway.
PESOS & ATMS
A good ballpark to have in mind is that 1 US dollar = 20 Mexican pesos ($100 MXN = 5 USD). Check the exchange rate before you leave, as it fluctuates frequently.
It’s worth your while to use pesos as opposed to dollars while in Mexico, as it will save you money and is preferred by most locals. We recommend taking pesos out of an ATM with your debit card once here, as that’s usually cheaper than exchanging cash.
Use ATMs associated with a bank, not the ones simply labeled “ATM,” as the bank-owned ATMs have lower fees and are more secure.
Some ATMs will ask if you’d like to use their exchange rate when pulling cash; if they do, hit “no” and the ATM will automatically apply your card’s exchange rate to the transaction, which is more favorable than the ATM’s exchange rate.
If you have foreign currency you’d like to exchange into pesos, you can do so at most banks. Be sure to bring your passport and go with time to spare.
STAYING HEALTHY
Here are some other tips for staying healthy and satisfied during your stay:
We have a major hospital ( CMQ Hospital Riviera Nayarit (329-298-0717)) in Bucerias, many doctors in the city and other hospitals and medical clinics about 15-30 minutes away. City Medica is a good English-speaking clinic less than a 10-minute taxi ride away. They are open 24/7 and are more affordable than the CMQ.
There are several pharmacies in Bucerias. The Farmacia Guadalajara is open 24-hours and has a large selection.
We do recommend eating street food! We feel that it’s a central part of Mexican culture. Use your discretion and choose places that seem clean and to know your limits. If you do not like spicy food, tell the server in advance.
It is recommended that you wash and disinfect any fresh produce that you prepare for yourself. (If you are dining out, the restaurant will handle this step.) Microdyn and Bacdyn are two brands of disinfecting drops that are readily available at most convenience and grocery stores.
You cannot drink the water. You can, however, use the water to cook, shower, and brush your teeth. We recommend that you purchase garrafones of water, 20L jugs that are refillable and readily available at every store, so as to cut down on plastic. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
The ice that you will be served in your beverages is always made with filtered water. This is standard in the area, as local people do not use the tap water for ice-making or drinking either.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN BUCERÍAS
Mexico is known for its warmth and hospitality and it is important to reciprocate those values during your stay. To do so, think about the three pillars of sustainability: economy, environment, and society.
As a visitor, you have the opportunity to either strengthen or deteriorate each of these for your destination. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that you are a responsible traveler, making Bucerías a better place for local people to live in while also enjoying it fully during your stay.
Bargaining Prices with Vendors
If you are approached by a street or beach vendor, be kind and respectful. Imagine the resolve and determination it takes to perform their job each day. It is common for vendors in the area to sell items that they make themselves or that are produced by their families.
Supporting these vendors is an opportunity to gain something that evokes a memory of your travels while ensuring that the money you spend directly reaches the local economy. Some vendors are willing to bargain a little bit, but it’s not the expectation and we don’t recommend engaging in it unless you are buying multiple items and feel a good rapport with the vendor.
If you are not interested, a smile and saying “no, gracias” is all you need to get the point across.
If you are approached by a child vendor please be kind, but as difficult as it may be, do not purchase from them. While it may offer a sense of a momentary solution, buying from child vendors increases their likelihood of remaining in that industry (instead of going to school, for instance). Look them in the eyes and smile, as you would to any child that approaches you in a different context. If you see a parent nearby, consider purchasing from him or her instead.
Tipping in Mexico
Asking about tipping culture can be awkward, so we thought we'd share our insights:
Keep in mind that tipping is one of the easiest ways to channel your resources directly to local families.
At a restaurant, tips range from 10% - 20% depending on the quality of the food and service.
It is appropriate to tip taxis and drivers about 10% of the fare.
While leaving a tip in your accommodation is optional, $100 to $300 pesos per room (depending on the length of stay) would be considered very kind.
Tour guides generally expect some sort of tip. Again, 10% is a good standard.
If you are interested in learning more about responsible travel in México, click here.
If you want to learn more about the history of Bucerías by engaging in conversations with local people or going on a cultural tour, click here.