Day 1: 35 miles. From Punta Mita, head south on Nayarit State Road to Highway 200, into Puerto Vallarta's Avenida Morelos. Cross the bridge over the Río Cuale and follow signs to Mismaloya and to Boca de Tomatlán, where water taxis depart for Majahuitas. Day 2: 116 miles. From Boca de Tomatlán, drive south on200 to La Cruz de Loreto, which is off Jalisco 552. Double back to 200 and head south to Playa Careyes. Day 3: 102 miles. Follow 200 from Playa Careyes for 60 miles, and then follow signs to Barra de Navidad. Return to 200; take it into Manzanillo. Day 4: 260 miles. Drive south on 200 from Manzanillo to Zihuatanejo.
WHERE TO STAY
Grand Velas All-Suites & Spa Resort DOUBLES FROM $500. 98 AVDA. COCOTEROS S., NUEVO VALLARTA; 877/398-2784 OR 52-322/226-8000; www.grandvelas.com
Majahuitas CASITAS FROM $301. PLAYA MAJAHUITAS, PUERTO VALLARTA; 877/278-8018 OR 52-322/221-5808; www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com/majahuitas
El Careyes DOUBLES FROM $275. KM 53.5 CARRETERA BARRA DE NAVIDAD, PUERTO VALLARTA; 877/278-8018 OR 52-315/351-0000; www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com/thecareyes
El Murmullo at La Casa Que Canta CASITAS FROM $575. CAMINO ESCÉNCIO A PLAYA LA ROPA, ZIHUATANEJO; 888/523-5050 OR 52-755/555-7900; www.lacasaquecanta.com
WHERE TO EAT
Café des Artistes A nouvelle French take on classic Mexican dishes. Don't miss the coconut gazpacho. DINNER FOR TWO $100. 740 CALLE GUADALUPE SANCHEZ, PUERTO VALLARTA; 52-322/222-3228
Pancake House Mexican breakfasts; American waffles and hotcakes. BREAKFAST FOR TWO $15. 289 CALLE BASILIO BADILLO, PUERTO VALLARTA; 52-322/222-6272
La Casa Que Canta DINNER FOR TWO $100
Chino's Paraíso LUNCH FOR TWO $25. FOLLOW SIGNS OFF HWY. 200 AT MISMALOYA; NO PHONE
La Sirena Gorda Try the local specialty, tiritas (raw whitefish marinated in vinegar and green chiles). LUNCH FOR TWO $25. 90 PASEO DEL PESCADOR, ZIHUATANEJO; 52-755/554-2687
