Costalegre
South of Puerto Vallarta, but still within the state of Jalisco, running from the southern tip of Banderas Bay (Cabo Corrientes) southeasterly to Barra de Navidad (and to Jalisco's border with the state of Colima), lies a spectacular coastline that, for the most part, has avoided major development. It consists of just a few small beachside towns scattered along its coastline, interspersed by a number of very high-end, quite private, luxury resorts.
Zones in Costalegre
Cabo Corrientes
Cabo Corrientes, as a sub-region of Costalegre, serves as the southernmost point of Banderas Bay and as well as the entrance into Costalegre from the north. It is quite mountainous, covered for the most part with lush tropical forest along a rugged coastline, interspersed with small white-sand beaches, creating a stark contrast to the almost desert-like geography at Punta Mita on the opposite side of the bay. Within the bay, Cabo Corrientes' shoreline features a few small fishing villages or beach destinations such as Yelapa, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Chimo.
Costa Majahuas
Costa Majahuas is the largest sub-region of Costalegre but perhaps the most desolate. It is quite flat with numerous large estuaries along the coastline that is made up of practically one long stretch of beach. It begins at Punta Las Penitas and continues southward to the San Nicholas River (also known as the Tomatlán River), where it borders the large estate/resort property of Las Alamandas
Chamela
Starting at the San Nicholas River, the coast of Chamela runs south as far as the town of Chamela, bordering with Costa Careyes. It is flanked at each end by two major developments; Las Alamandas to the north and the new ultra-luxury 7-star resort of the Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Group. The coastline becomes more rugged and lush than found in Majahuas to the north, with plenty of small coves and beaches dotting the shoreline.
Tenacatita
A few kilometers down from Careyes is the Bay of Tenacatita, one of largest on the Mexican coastline. There are long beaches around the bay broken up mangrove swamps on the northern side, rising to high hills and a lusher foliage on the southern where lies Tamarindo. Along this shoreline are a few boutique resorts and small seaside communities such as La Manzanilla, Boca de Iguanas, Los Ángeles Locos, Punta Serena, Tenacatita and Tecuán.
Careyes
Stretching from Chamela down to the Cuitzmala river, Costa Careyes is even more rugged than the coastline of Chamela to the north, with larger, more protected coves and bays, and spectacular high rocky cliffs that plunge precipitously into the ocean below.
Barra de Navidad
The most developed region of Costalegre would that situation in and around Barra de Navidad. With a population of about 7,000, Barra serves a service provider to the region. It is a small farming and fishing community with a sizable American and Canadian community. There are numerous hotels ranging in quality from low-end to luxurious and far more real estate opportunities than you'll find elsewhere along Costalegre, unless your price doesn't have a limit.
Cajón de Penas
Lake Cajón de Peñas is a picturesque natural reservoir located in Jalisco, Mexico. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush vegetation, it offers a serene and tranquil setting. The lake's crystal-clear waters provide a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Its stunning beauty and peaceful ambiance make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.