Arriving from Tepic
Tepic's airport (TPQ), now branded Tepic-Riviera Nayarit International, is the closest airport to Cerrito Encantado, about an hour away. It grew up fast in 2025: new international routes, a longer runway, and a bigger terminal on the way. For many travelers it is a far calmer arrival than Puerto Vallarta.
Flights into TPQ
As of the 2025-2026 winter season, these airlines fly into Tepic. Routes and days change season to season, so check current schedules before booking.
WestJet
Calgary, Saturdays. Seasonal, mid December through late April.
Air Canada
Vancouver, Wednesdays.
United
Houston, Saturdays.
Volaris
Los Angeles three times a week, plus Tijuana.
Viva
Mexico City (AIFA) three times a week.
Aeroméxico
Mexico City (AICM), about daily.
What to expect at the terminal
The current terminal is small: shaded seating outside, a snack kiosk rather than a restaurant, a tight immigration and baggage area, and no baggage carts. A much larger terminal has been under construction and is expected to open in 2026, so expect this to keep improving.
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests is our priority. We sincerely wish for all guests to arrive safely and enjoy their stay at Cerrito Encantado.
Driving from the airport
There are scenic routes and a faster one. The autopista sections between Tepic, Compostela, and Las Varas are open, and the Compostela to Las Varas stretch has no toll booth of its own.
One quirk: there is no direct road link from the airport to the autopista. You exit north onto Highway 15 and make a U-turn to backtrack through the town of San Cayetano, where the autopista begins. Local drivers know this route well. Figure about 45 minutes to an hour from the airport to the Las Varas area, then 18 minutes more to Altavista.
Rideshare, taxi, or bus
Rideshare
Uber operates in Tepic, and DiDi and InDrive too. Request the trip to Altavista, Nayarit and confirm the driver accepts the full ride to the coast before you get in; supply can be thin for a trip this long, so have a taxi backup plan.
The car can take you to the top of the main road into Cerrito Encantado. If it has low clearance, have them stop at the top of our entrance road; we will meet you there and help you down.
Taxi
Taxis wait right outside the terminal, no reservation needed. Recent quotes, always confirm the price before getting in:
- To Cerrito Encantado: roughly $1,400 to $1,800 MXN
- To Guayabitos: roughly $1,600 MXN
- To the Pacifico bus terminal in central Tepic: roughly $330 MXN
Taxis cannot drive down to the property; we meet all guests at the top of the entrance road.
Bus
From the Central de Autobuses in Tepic, Pacifico and Elite buses run to Las Varas all day. Tickets run roughly $150 to $220 MXN and the ride takes about an hour to 90 minutes.
At Las Varas, take a taxi to Altavista, typically $200 to $300 MXN. Booking bus tickets a little in advance can get you a better fare.
Flying somewhere else?
Landing in Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara instead? We have the same step-by-step guide for both: Arriving from Puerto Vallarta and Arriving from Guadalajara. Or head back to Directions & Map for the last mile into Altavista.