+31Punta Mita is a prominent peninsula and resort destination located on the central Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit. It is situated approximately 16 kilometers north of the popular tourist town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. The location is notable for its exclusive residential developments, high-end resorts, and world-class golf courses. Geographically, it is characterized by its two primary beaches, Playa Punta Mita and Playa La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and its position at the northern tip of Banderas Bay.
The area's natural formation as a peninsula is ancient, but its modern development began in the late 1990s with the creation of a master-planned luxury resort community. Key features include a private residential gated community, a marina, and several high-end hotels and villas. The architectural style is predominantly modern and luxurious, designed to blend with the natural surroundings. The area is a privately managed development with a focus on exclusive tourism and residential living. Its current primary purpose is as a high-end vacation and second-home destination.
The nearest major city and international transit point is Puerto Vallarta, which is served by the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). From the airport, Punta Mita is accessible via Federal Highway 200, a well-maintained road. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes by car. The roads within the private development are paved and in excellent condition. Tourist infrastructure is comprehensive, including resort facilities, a marina, and golf courses. Access to the private residential areas is restricted to property owners, guests, and visitors with reservations at the resorts. There are no significant seasonal limitations on access.
The landscape of Punta Mita is defined by its coastal setting, featuring sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and lush tropical vegetation. The climate is tropical savanna, with a distinct dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. The area is home to native wildlife including various bird species, iguanas, and marine life such as sea turtles and tropical fish in its surrounding waters. The natural formations include the peninsula itself and the Marietas Islands, a protected national park located a short distance offshore. While the natural beauty is a key feature, the environment has been significantly influenced by human development for tourism.
Historically, the Punta Mita area was a small, traditional fishing village. Its modern history began in 1997 when the Mexican development company DINE initiated a large-scale project to transform it into a luxury destination. The land was developed with a master plan that included infrastructure for a resort community, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, and high-end residential properties. It has evolved from a quiet coastal area into one of Mexico's most exclusive and internationally recognized resort destinations, attracting a wealthy clientele and significantly impacting the local economy.