The essence of an authentic coastal town in Mexico can be experienced in Lo de Marcos, a place where the hands of the clock seem to advance in a more leisurely fashion. A bohemian and relaxed atmosphere is enjoyed by its residents and visitors, who have found a carefree refuge in this micro-destination of the Riviera Nayarit.
Green mountains covered by lush tropical vegetation surround this quaint community, with a fixed population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants. Two of its incredible features include a freshwater estuary that crosses the town and a beautiful and impressive golden sand beach.
Lo de Marcos is a jewel that is located north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, just more than 30 miles. The experience begins during the trip on Highway 200, where the intensity of traffic can vary, and where you will randomly come across natural tunnels of green vegetation, which are in contrast with the urban landscapes that emerge from the small towns that are all along the roadside.
Part of the charm of Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, are its narrow, cobbled streets; beautiful leafy trees; and colorful facades of homes. The community has deep-rooted customs and very friendly people who understand how to live in harmony with the environment.
A Bit of History
Although many may find the name of this pueblo curious, there is really no proven version of its origin. However, oral history indicates that the founding family of this place was made up of Apolonio Palomera and Anastasia Gil along with their children Liborio, Pedro and Román. Apparently, when they arrived in 1918, the region was already known as Lo de Marcos. And the land was part of the hacienda and the vast possessions of the Camarena family, who was originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco.
During the first half of the twentieth century, the inhabitants of Lo de Marcos went to La Peñita de Jaltemba to obtain food and other basic necessities. For 30 years, the main agricultural employment was the production of coconut oil and the collection of tropical fruits.
In 1936, Lo de Marcos became an ejido (a mechanism of community ownership of land offered by the government, where owners can work it freely, but not sell it). In 1969, when The Night of The Iguana brought international attention to this region of the Mexican Pacific, there was a change in the local economy and residents began working in the tourism industry. Once this shift began taking place, the first bungalows were built to provide local accommodations. This pivotal change gradually ignited the growth and development of this small town.
Over the past decade, major improvements have been made to the infrastructure of Lo de Marcos, including the renovation of the main square that was carried out thanks to the combined efforts of the town’s residents and its visitors. In addition to the rehabilitation and redesign of the spaces, this meeting point now has planters and benches ideal for observing the lifestyle of this picturesque town.
Beaches
Surrounded by green hills and whimsical rocks that contrast with the intense blue of the sky and the sea, Lo de Marcos has four beautiful beaches that can be enjoyed in a variety ways with different activities.
Lo de Marcos Beach is the most popular of this micro-destination and is located towards the end of calle Luis Echeverría, which is the main street in the town. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in this region, which is characterized by its golden sands and moderate waves, because its waters are neither too calm nor excessively intense. To the north, you will find a small estuary visited by enthusiasts who enjoy watching birds and other animal species.
El Atracadero Beach is located very close to a rocky cove. The attributes of this area make it an ideal spot for water sports such as SUP paddle, kayak and surfcast (a type of sport fishing practiced from the shore).
Los Venados Beach and Las Minitas Beach are two other locations to discover. Although they could go unnoticed, both are located to the south of the town. To reach them you have to follow the Camino a Las Minitas, a road sheltered by the exuberance of the mountain. The road can be traveled comfortably by car or by walking to explore this area in detail.
Lodging
In addition to the bungalows and small villas that have been equipped to accommodate visitors, another lodging option is becoming more popular in Lo de Marcos—the trailer parks that line the south of the beach. These places offer services such as water and electricity so more and more visitors are driving their RVs from Canada and/or the United States to enjoy their stay in the tranquility that this coastal paradise offers.
Shopping
El Paraíso is a small shop that really turns out to be a great place for any farm-to-table food enthusiast. They offer a wonderful selection of healthy organic products here that are not found anywhere else in our region including fresh local produce but also kombucha and local cheeses. Since 2011, they have been applying sustainable techniques both in their crops and in marketing.
Where to Eat
Lo de Marcos is one of those surprise spots that offers the best of both worlds when it comes to dining out. It has delicious restaurants with culinary twists on local Mexican dishes and fresh-caught fish and seafood. But it also caters to visitors with American- and Canadian-style bars and cafes with draft beers and live music.
For breakfast, a great option is Water Man Café, where a creative menu is offered accompanied by artisanal bakery items. To eat under a large palapa, on the sand and facing the sea, the Restaurante Olivia is a guarantee of flavor and quality, as it is one of the oldest dining establishments in this corner of the Riviera Nayarit. For dinner there are several stalls to suit all tastes including the famous tacos al pastor, as well as Mexican snacks that include pozole, flautas and sopes, among others.
To Explore
Getting out into nature and enjoying a breathtaking view towards the sea is very easy in this micro-destination. El Cerro de Majahuas, a hill located in the vicinity of this town, is a great attraction for those who want to embark on a hiking journey in which, with a little luck and a lot of attention, you can observe different species of flora and fauna through the thick jungle, as well as appreciate incredible landscapes and cliffs in front of the beach.
Visiting Lo de Marcos results in an ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy a liberating experience, being in harmony with nature and in an unpretentious place, where tranquility merges with the history of this increasingly popular destination.
