La Penita is about 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta. From the airport, the faster trip is up the newly-opened Autopista highway. Because it charges a toll for each vehicle, the cheaper but markedly slower way is public highway 200.
La Penita is a sister town with Guayabitos and Los Ayala. Combined, the three towns have about 35,000 residents, so all the major services are available here. Groceries, gas stations, restaurants, emergency services, health care facilities, beaches, whale watching and fishing charters are all a phone call or a walk away.
In the whale season, roughly November through mid-March, it is common to see whales from the bedroom balconies, or at lunch on the patio.
We chose to settle in a “real Mexico” town, and this is not a conventional tourist setting. People are friendlier than many areas we have traveled in Latin America, and they will try to help you in Spanish or English. However, your English will be of limited use here! If you know some beginner or intermediate Spanish, that’s better. In fact, to us, relying on some conversational Spanish is a big part of the charm!
Casa Amigos is situated next to 3 other residences and the Paradise Island Resort. The residences share an attractive architectural style said to be drawn from the south of Spain, and the resort hosts a boutique clientele of relatively small parties that often rent the entire facility for family reunions, etc.
All locals that we interviewed in Nayarit before we purchased a home told us that they feel safe and crime is minimal. We have had no troubles, and Casa Amigos is behind a gate and shares space with responsible neighbors. We think you’ll feel safe!
The coastline is all public ground in Mexico, so as much as having a beach-front house sounds appealing, it also means that strangers can be “in your yard” at all hours. Casa Amigos is about 50 yards back from the waterline, and 50 feet higher. You may see fishermen on the lava rocks below, but they are just enjoying the water’s edge.
