Overlooking the wide Banderas Bay, this seaside resort town is the ideal alternative to the sometimes overwhelming bustle of Puerto Vallarta. In Bucerías, things to do include lounging on the beach and watching the fishing boats, visiting the Sunday market to buy fresh fruit and local artwork, and enjoying the nightlife of Bucerías Centro (the town’s central square). Though it’s grown in popularity in recent years, Bucerías retains a small-town feel with friendly locals, affordable bed and breakfasts, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants selling fresh fish tacos.
December through April brings the warm, temperate weather that visitors love, so Bucerías tends to get busy during the winter and early spring. If you’re after some peace and quiet but don’t mind a bit of rain, visit from June to October, when the temperatures rise and the greenery flourishes. Prices also tend to be more affordable at this time of year as the hotels and beaches empty out.
Bucerías is small and walkable, but rideshares and taxis are available if needed. If you want to take day trips to nearby La Cruz, Sayulita, or Puerto Vallarta, affordable public buses run frequently along Highway 200 and can be flagged down from a corner. The buses will have their destinations clearly displayed on the windshield, making it easy to travel to and from.
To beat the heat, visit Paletería Villaseñor in Bucerías Centro. The ice cream shop sells dozens of flavors of paletas (Mexican popsicles), from lime and tamarind to strawberries and cream, as well as icy cups of agua fresca (fresh water). Agua fresca is a refreshing drink made from fruit, herbs, or grains, and popular flavors include jamaica (hibiscus iced tea), horchata (a creamy rice-based drink), and limonada (limeade).
