La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba: Discovering the Heart of Coastal Mexico

By Bill and Dot Bell

For more than ten years, Dorothy and I were fortunate enough to call La Peñita de Jaltemba our home. Nestled along the Pacific Coast, this small, unassuming town north of Puerto Vallarta became a sanctuary where we immersed ourselves in the rich, authentic Mexican culture that is often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of nearby resort towns.

A Glimpse of La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba, with its charming, unpretentious atmosphere, quickly captured our hearts. This town isn’t just another tourist destination—it’s a place where life unfolds at its own pace, where the days are marked by the sound of children playing in the streets, the occasional bark of a dog, and the echo of vendors advertising their goods from loudspeakers atop trucks and cars. The streets are narrow and dusty, lined with cement block houses and stores in various states of repair, each painted in its own unique, sometimes weathered, shade. This is vintage Mexico, where life is lived simply but richly.

La Peñita is not for those seeking the bright lights and commercial attractions found elsewhere along the coast. There are no Planet Hollywoods or Señor Frogs here. Instead, this town caters to the traveler who seeks to experience the “real” Mexico—where taco stands and family-run restaurants are the norm, and where the hustle of everyday life feels more like a gentle rhythm than a race. For us, it was a quiet corner from a busy world, offering a delicate, yet profoundly satisfying experience.

Life and Industry in La Peñita

Traditionally, La Peñita has served as a supply town for the surrounding resort communities, providing essential goods and services. Pineapple production and small-scale fishing are the town’s primary industries, and to this day, these traditions continue. Over the years, we watched as La Peñita began to transform. What was once a quiet, sleepy town slowly began to develop into a small-scale retreat. Bed and breakfasts began to pop up, along with a full-service RV park and a handful of tiny hotels.

The Malecon and Beaches

One of the town’s greatest assets is its beach, fronted by a charming malecón—a seaside promenade that stretches along the coastline. This picturesque walkway is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of the Bay of Jaltemba and the surrounding hills. The malecón is lined with benches where you can sit and take in the tranquil ocean scenery. It’s a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors, especially at sunset, when the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink.

Like its more famous neighbor, Rincón de Guayabitos, La Peñita offers long, inviting stretches of sand. These beaches were a daily source of joy for us, perfect for long walks and sunbathing. The surf is ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing, and nearby Isla de Coral is a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

The Heartbeat of La Peñita

La Peñita is a town that meets the needs of both locals and visitors alike. It has a bank, a few supermercados, and a variety of stores.  The Thursday market was always a highlight of the week for us—a vibrant event that sprawls across several blocks, offering everything from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, music, and household items. We would often find ourselves mingling with locals and snowbirds alike, hunting for the freshest shrimp, the juiciest melons, or a unique souvenir to take home.

Unlike other destinations where visitors come and go, La Peñita has a way of making people stay. Many snowbirds, like us, didn’t just visit La Peñita—they made it their winter home, drawn by the town’s charm, warmth, and authenticity.

Accommodation

• Hotels: La Peñita offers several small, cozy hotels that provide a comfortable stay for those looking to experience the town’s unique atmosphere.
• RV Parks: For travelers exploring by RV, the town has a full-service RV park that caters to long-term visitors, many of whom return year after year.

Driving to La Peñita de Jaltemba

Reaching La Peñita de Jaltemba is now easier than ever, thanks to the new highway between Jala and Puerto Vallarta. This modern road offers a smooth, scenic drive that significantly cutstravel time.

From the New Jala-Puerto Vallarta Highway:

• Take the new Highway 200D from Jala toward Puerto Vallarta.
• As you approach Puerto Vallarta, look for the exit to La Peñita de Jaltemba around KM 91-92.
• Follow the signs, and you’ll soon find yourself in this welcoming town by the sea.

This route provides a quick and pleasant journey, guiding you through the lush landscapes of Nayarit to the hidden gem of La Peñita de Jaltemba, where life is simple, the people are warm, and the experience is truly unforgettable.