Directions & Map to Cerrito Encantado
Cerrito Encantado sits just below the main road in Altavista, Nayarit, a small town where life moves without a clock. Getting here is easy once you know the two things that surprise first-time guests: where to park, and the short walk down to the property. Here is the whole trip, in order.
Getting to Altavista
Altavista is a town in Nayarit, on Highway 200 between La Peñita and Las Varas. Watch for the turnoff near kilometer 81, marked "Altavista, 7 km." Take it and drive under the highway overpass, using it only as a landmark. About five minutes in, the entrance to the Altavista petroglyphs (La Pila del Rey) comes up on your left.
Keep going about eight more minutes to the Crucero de Juan Sánchez, marked by two depósitos. Turn left and start up the hill, passing the panteón (cemetery) on your way. You'll pass the sign for Altavista, then two speed bumps. After the second speed bump the road turns to cobblestone, and curves until you reach the pink estética (hair salon) on your left, where you'll park. Read more about the town in our Altavista guide.
Altavista is reachable from three major cities. Pick your starting point for turn-by-turn directions:
Puerto Vallarta
The closest international airport. Note that Puerto Vallarta runs on Central time, one hour ahead of Altavista.
Guadalajara
A scenic drive from Jalisco's capital. Guadalajara runs on Central time, one hour ahead of Altavista.
Tepic
Nayarit's capital city, and the easiest for time planning. Tepic is on the same time as Altavista.
Drive Times
To Nearby Towns and Beaches
Non-toll, no traffic:
| Place | Drive time |
|---|---|
| Las Varas | 18 min |
| La Peñita | 20 min |
| Rincón de Guayabitos | 24 min |
| Chacala | 27 min |
| Los Ayala | 30 min |
| El Monteón | 30 min |
| Lo de Marcos | 34 min |
| San Pancho | 44 min |
| Sayulita | 56 min |
To Airports and Major Cities
| Place | Non-toll | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Vallarta airport | 1 hr 30 | 1 hr 9 |
| Tepic | 1 hr 45 | 1 hr 20 |
| Guadalajara | 4 hr 49 | 2 hr 48 |
TIP: On the drive to Puerto Vallarta, Tepic, or Guadalajara, the toll roads cut real time off the trip and are worth it for a long drive.
Getting Around Without a Car
A car is the easiest way to explore the coast, but you don't need one to get here or get around. Altavista is served by one colectivo (shared van) with one driver, running a loop between Altavista, La Peñita, and Las Varas, plus local taxis for everything else.
Colectivo Route and Times
- 7:00am: Altavista to La Peñita
- 8:00am: Altavista to Las Varas
- 10:30am: Altavista to Las Varas (does not run every day)
- 12:30pm: returns from Las Varas to Altavista
- Afternoon (around 2:30pm): Altavista to La Peñita, for school pickup
The colectivo only serves La Peñita and Las Varas, and costs 45 MXN. For anywhere else, take a taxi from Altavista, or ride the colectivo to La Peñita or Las Varas and catch a taxi, another colectivo, or a bus from there.
TIP: If you want to catch the afternoon La Peñita run, let the driver know in advance. He picks up schoolkids on that trip and will not detour to the primary road in La Peñita unless he already knows you're waiting.
The same driver will also pick up pollo asado with all the fixings or fresh ceviche from Las Varas and bring it back to you. Meet him on the main street (la calle primaria) and pay for the food plus an extra 50 MXN for the delivery.
Taxis
Local taxis handle everything else: errands, beach days, and food runs. The price from Altavista to La Peñita or Las Varas is about 350 MXN.
Map of Altavista
Around Town
Altavista is small, but it has what you need day to day: 4 abarrotes (corner stores), 2 depósitos (beverage stores), a basketball court, a soccer field, a church, the ejidal (ejido office), and both an elementary school and a secondary school. The high school (prepa) is in La Peñita.
Where to Park in Altavista if Staying at Cerrito Encantado
If your car can't handle the steep, rocky road down to the property, park on the main road instead. It's the safest option, and the one most of our guests use.
- As you enter Altavista, you'll pass two speed bumps.
- After the second speed bump the road turns to cobblestone and begins to curve. Look for the pink hair salon on your left.
- Make a u-turn at the salon, where the road is wide enough, then park on either side of the street.
- Do not park on the paved road. Cars parked there get towed.
- Do not block the street or any driveways.
If you shared your arrival time with us, Tomy will meet you at your car to help with your belongings and walk you down to the property.
The Walk Down to the Property
The property sits below the road, which is exactly what makes it feel like its own little world. From where you park, it is a short walk down, about 90 seconds to 2 minutes on a steep, rocky path.
- 4x4 or AWD with high clearance: you can drive all the way down to the property.
- Any other vehicle: park up top on the main road and walk down.
- Luggage: message us your arrival time and someone will be waiting to help carry your things down and show you the way.
One honest note: the path is steep and uneven, so the property is not a good fit for guests with mobility issues.