La Peñita de Jaltemba
Elevation – Sea Level
Climate – Tropics
Daily average temperature: January 63, April 72, July 87, October 80
Monthly variation: Hot and humid in the summer
Rainy season: June to October
High Tourist Season – Mid December to Mid March
Population – 8000
Industry – Pineapple production and brick making. Supply town for Rincon
Peñita de Jaltemba
Peñita de Jaltemba is a small Mexican town nestled on the Pacific Coast just north and across the river from it’s flashy twin town Rincon de Guayabitos some 50 KMs North of Puerto Vallarta.
This is vintage Mexican: dusty narrow streets, cement block houses and stores in various state of repair. Various states of paint and color. Kids everywhere, smiling. Asking for a dollar. Dogs barking. Cars and trucks with loudspeakers blaring out; advertising various pieces of furniture or food items for sale. Vegetable and fruit stands line the highway with fat melons and pineapple. Hopeful faces waiting for a car to stop.
It is authentic Mexican and not for your average Razza-Matazz tourist. There are no Planet Hollywood’s or Senior Frogs. It appeals more to the traveler who wants to experience the real Mexico with taco stands and family restaurants. It is an experience; albeit a small and delicate one. A quiet corner from a busy world.
Traditionally La Peñita has been a supply town that services the resort communities with building materials and produce and specializes in red brick making and pineapple production. However things are changing for this quiet Mexican hamlet and slowly it is developing into small scale retreat. Bed and Breakfast. A full service RV park. Tiny hotels.
Like Rincon, La Peñita has long inviting stretches of beach on the Bay of Jaltemba; perfect for long walks and sunning. The surf is great for boogie boarding and bodysurfing and nearby Isla Islote is good for snorkeling and scuba.
The town provides tourist and locals with all their immediate needs; a bank, few supermercados and stores an internet cafe. The Thursday market is en event in itself and rambles for blocks. Locals and snowbirds shop for veggies, fish, clothes, music and tourist items. Large shrimp is sold in plastic bags. Fresh melons and limes. Gadgets and household items.
Snowbirds do not visit Peñita de Jaltemba; rather they make this town their winter home.
Accommodation:
Hotels
RV Parks
Driving to Peñita de Jaltemba
This is an easy drive down through mostly toll highways. The town is located South of Mazatlan and only 40 miles North of Puerto Vallarta.
From Nogales, drive South on Highway 15 to the intersection with Highway 200 at Tepic. Take Highway 200 and drive to KM 91-92.
