Lo De Marcos is a really charming traditional town in Nayarit, Mexico

• Lo De Marcos is 1 hour and 10 minutes to Puerto Vallarta
• Population: 2099 (2020 census)
• Coordinates: 20.9537° N, 105.3540° W,
• 8m over sea level
• Activities: beaches, fishing, hiking, golf, kayaking, windsurfing, surfing and horseback riding
• Closest towns: Rincón de Guayabitos (15 min N) and San Pancho (15 min S)
• Approximately 32.5 miles (52.4 km) from Puerto Vallarta International Airport
• In the same time zone as Puerto Vallarta & Guadalajara, Central Daylight Time

As with many of the smaller villages and cities in Nayarit, along the highway to Puerto Vallarta, Lo de Marcos is an unassuming little town. Most people seem to just drive by, not expecting to find anything of interest along the way.

However, Lo de Marcos is actually one of the most charming places along the picturesque Riviera Nayarit where you can actually experience and witness what life is like in a small Mexican town, perhaps even a bit like Puerto Vallarta was some 60 or 70 years ago.

Lo de Marcos is just 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of San Pancho (San Francisco) and 9 miles (14 km) south of Rincón de Guayabitos outside the Banderas Bay area to the north of Puerto Vallarta. Here you’ll be treated to the authentic spirit of a Mexican village. Diligent fishermen repair their fishing nets, which they will later cast into the warm Pacific Ocean at the end of the cobblestone road. They live surrounded by wide, quiet streets, colorful flowering trees and vividly painted homes.

One of the locals of this area of the Riviera Nayarit stated that: “It is a small paradise on Earth.” Here you will be welcomed with open arms in the hotels and villas built in the most authentic Mexican style. Lo de Marcos has a downtown plaza that was fixed up in 2009, as well as many unique shops and great little restaurants that serve homemade Mexican food with a warm welcome.

It has a year-round population of about 2,100, but between November and April that number increases 50 to 75 percent. It boasts magnificent natural beaches of the Pacific Ocean, lush mountains covered with tropical vegetation, and a freshwater estuary. The entire town is made up of single-story homes, with only a few two-story houses and bungalows; you sure won’t find any high-rise chain hotels here.

Along its two main streets, Lo De Marcos offers charm and simple shopping. If you need something not found here, Carretera Federal 200 offers quick and easy access to larger towns and cities north and south.

Most of the Mexicans who have rental houses on or near the beach are from Guadalajara and Zapopan. Approximately 60–70% of the visitors to Lo De Marcos are retirees who stay there for all or part of the winter. Many of them are residents of one of the half a dozen major RV parks located on or near the beach.

The town of Lo De Marcos is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, in the state of Nayarit, in what is now called the Riviera Nayarit.

The Riviera Nayarit, which is home to numerous vibrant, magical towns and charming fishing villages, can be easily reached from Puerto Vallarta. So it usually takes an hour or less to get to and from any of the small communities that dot the coast. It takes a little longer to travel to Lo de Marcos than to destinations such as Sayulita, because it is one of the northernmost communities in the Banderas Bay municipality in the state of Nayarit.

It is not difficult to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Lo de Marcos by bus on Highway 200, Uber, or cab.

• Rincón de Guayabitos, 15 minutes north
• 13 minutes to San Pancho (San Francisco) to the south
• Sayulita: 30 minutes south
• Punta de Mita: 50 minutes south
• 1 hour and 10 minutes to Puerto Vallarta to the south

Route from Puerto Vallarta to Lo De Marcos

The town of Lo De Marcos is located on the Pacific side of Mexico, in the state of Nayarit (Riviera Nayarit).

Rincón de Guayabitos is the next big town to the north and San Pancho (San Francisco) is the next town to the south.

In recent years, the village has undergone major renovations, including the creation of a bustling plaza thanks to the combined efforts of the energetic civic group Amigos Lo de Marcos and creative foreign residents.

In the 20th century, Lo de Marcos, like the rest of Mexico, went through major political and economic changes that had a big impact on the villagers’ lives. Victorino Salazar Mariscal, an 84-year-old local, told Jess de Ávila, a historian, that the town was founded in 1918 by brothers Oliverio and Pedro Palomera and their three sons, who arrived in the area already known as Lo de Marcos. Only a few families called it home.

Lo de Marcos was but a minor portion of the enormous properties of the Camarena family, based in Guadalajara, at the time the Palomeras arrived there. The changes that would take place in this pastoral enclave over the next fifty years never crossed the minds of these pioneers. The first settlers of Lo de Marcos had to travel to La Peñita to buy food, such as corn and beans, or other necessities in the early part of the twentieth century.

At that time, ripe coconuts were fed to pigs, which were later killed to obtain the lard needed to prepare or fry all dishes, especially tortillas and beans. With crocodile hunting to supplement the meager income received from working the hacienda crops, the abundant fish, clams, oysters, shrimp, and lobster from the sea and river near the village became an essential component of the local diet.

For almost 30 years, the main agricultural activities of the huge Camarena Hacienda were coconut oil and the harvesting of tropical fruits.

According to Don Victorino, “the coconuts were picked and peeled.” The landowners employed “orilleros,” or foremen, to direct a huge workforce that picked and peeled the coconuts. The palm fronds were then placed on top of each day’s harvest. With the help of others who traveled from different places, the process of crushing the coconuts began in December. In the first days of May, this cycle came to an end, and everyone left Lo de Marcos to return to their villages.

Although Africa was the main source of commercial palm oil throughout the early 19th and 20th centuries. Because palm is abundant throughout most of Mexico, it is likely it was a component of the diet of the native populations of Mexico long before that time. In addition to its use as food, palm oil was needed during the British Industrial Revolution to produce candles and lubricate machinery. In response to this market, European-led plantations were established around the world.

Today, countries in the West can use palm products thanks to the introduction in 1902 of the hydrogenation method for oils and fats. As butter was in short supply in 1869, there was a significant international demand for margarine, which was made with palm oil. The fruit is crushed and crude palm oil is extracted. To prepare the crude oil for storage and export, it is purified and dried. The crude oil from the Lo de Marcos palm harvest is transported to distant facilities for further processing. Paying workers to manufacture, plant, and care for the plantations, often on marginal land in areas where natural coconut trees grow, is the largest investment in palm oil production.

In the past, the manufacture of oil from the harvested palm fruit was labor-intensive. By 1936, Lo de Marcos had become an ejido, a type of government-sponsored communal land ownership in Mexico that allows owners to work the land but prevents them from selling it. Fernando Flores, an investor from Compostela, bought the coconut oil during the ejido period and helped the villagers by hiring them during the rainy season.

Up until the mid-1950s, oysters and limpets were very common. They are still harvested seasonally and are considered a treat in the Nayarit area. Mrs. Angela Cruz Rodriguez, 71, a long-time resident of Lo de Marcos, remembers harvesting river shrimp and various shellfish during her childhood: “Back then, we fished to eat, not to sell,” she said. This gives an insight into the modest farming life in Lo de Marcos.

Ángela recalls fondly the start of the “Tropical” cab service in the 1950s. For the villagers, it was a great event because it gave them access to affordable transportation to nearby towns and cities. The Tropical was a basic vehicle with no doors or windows, only wooden benches and a canvas tarp to protect passengers from the sun. However, for a small boy living in a community with less than 500 inhabitants and few cars, it was quite an adventure.

By 1960, when the well-known movie produced in Puerto Vallarta (The Night of the Iguana) introduced the world to Mexico’s Western Pacific Coast, the local economy underwent a transition, and the locals began to work in tourism and not only in agriculture.

Lo de Marcos began to expand and gradually changed to a population of a few hundred and two streets. Thanks to the construction of a few bungalows, some small restaurants, and a caravan park in the 1970s, the community was able to comfortably receive visitors. Today, seven trailer parks line the southern part of Lo de Marcos beach.

A visit to quiet, historic Lo de Marcos gives travelers the opportunity to practice their Spanish while exploring the town’s small stores, quaint family restaurants, and quiet streets. In Lo de Marcos, you can enjoy the friendly side of Mexican culture and admire its natural beauty.

Despite being a small town, Lo de Marcos has good activities for both first time visitors and repeat visitors. It has a large and lively plaza, Mexican-style resorts and villas, wonderful local restaurants, organic farms and markets, a growing expatriate population, and the stunning Lo de Marcos beach, to name a few of its many attractions. There are also events put on by groups and people from other countries, like the Lady Coco Burning Man, which started a few years ago.

Beaches and water sports

Playa Lo de Marcos is a lovely 1.4 mile long beach on the Riviera Nayarit coast of Mexico. This beautiful beach is located in the small village of Lo de Marcos, which is largely a retirement village and is therefore much quieter than its larger neighbors Sayulita and San Pancho (San Francisco). Playa Lo de Marcos is breathtakingly beautiful, with golden sand that contrasts nicely with the lush green, lush mountains that surround it. The beach’s waters are stunning and, like the rest of the Riviera Nayarit, vary in color depending on the weather, from green to blue to turquoise.

It is located at the end of the road that goes from the highway through town, past the main square, to the beach and has golden sand and gentle waves. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing are available near a rocky inlet if you walk south to El Atracadero beach.

For the estuary and surf break, head north of the beach. Los Venados, Las Minitas and El Atracadero beaches are surrounded by lush hills and rocks that contrast strikingly with the deep blue sky and warm, colorful Pacific waters.

Playas Los Venados and Playa Las Minitas are two other interesting beaches to visit. You can drive or walk to these more secluded and unknown beaches further south of town along the road to Las Minitas. The beaches are very quiet, and when the waves break you can even see the fish.

In Lo de Marcos, it is easy to go out and enjoy the ocean, the mountains, and the jungle. While the sea invites you to embark on a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion, the gently rolling green hills are ideal for exploring on foot.

Although there are fewer surfers at Lo de Marcos than at La Lancha near Punta Mita, surfing is still very popular here.

Horseback Riding

In addition to touring the white sandy beaches, you can ride horses with a local guide to better place yourself among the attractions of Lo de Marcos.

Fishing

The coastal waters are home to a wide variety of fish species. The abundance and superior taste of sierra, dorado, huachinango, sea perch, and blue triggerfish make them popular targets for fishing.

Many local fishermen are willing to take passengers, and the fare and company are always pleasant if you are interested in going fishing and catching your own food. Lo de Marcos Tide Table

Golf

A wonderful little golf course is only 15 minutes from town. This great elite course just got a new par-4 hole and a new signature par-5 hole with an island green.

Windsurfing

The waves that break at Lo De Marcos can range from huge and fierce to placid like a lake. The southern part of the beach is good for surfing, and the town’s youngsters often arrive with their boards after school. Most of the breaks at Lo De Marcos are big, crashing hard and creating a long, powerful shake, making them ideal for boogie boarding for all ages.

Relaxed living

Enjoy the flavor and freshness of grilled local seafood while relaxing in a thatched-roof beachside hut. Take a stroll through the quiet neighborhoods of Lo De Marcos while enjoying the calming effects of the sea and sand.

Shopping

Every Saturday during the high season, Lo de Marcos hosts its own farmer’s and artisan’s market, similar to many other small coastal towns (through April). One of the best places to get to know the community, interact with the residents and stock up on a wide variety of things, such as organic fruit, baked goods and authentic Mexican crafts, is the Saturday market at Tianguis. In addition, the market is a very pleasant stroll because it offers face painting, live music, and lots of interesting items.

Lo De Marcos is one of those unexpected places that offers the best of both worlds. It features upscale restaurants with delicious new seafood offerings and home cooking, as well as delicious Mexican street food like pozole and tacos al pastor, and American-Canadian-style pubs and cafes with beers on tap and live music.

One of the best restaurants in Lo de Marcos is La Tomatina. It is located in El Atracadero, which is at the southernmost point of Playa Lo de Marcos, right on the beach. Locals and tourists alike are always there. It can be reached by walking along the beach or through the La Parota RV park.

In Lo de Marcos, there are some wonderful restaurants, most of which serve delicious traditional Mexican cuisine. An excellent restaurant can be found at the Tlaquepaque hotel.

The number of dining establishments triples on Saturday nights when taco wheels and entertainment fill the town square. A popular Saturday pastime for off-season tourists is “Taco Hopping.” Tacos de lengua and puerco con piña are local favorites. Tacos with pulled pork are the most offered. The ceviche is excellent, as the fresh seafood is plentiful.

In addition, Lo De Marcos offers a beautiful rustic clay oven bakery that creates a range of delicious breads, cakes, pies, pastries, and other sweets. A local produce cart can deliver all kinds of produce to your door, including tourist imports such as potatoes and apples. There are several grocery stores nearby that have everything you need for daily life. A slice of Arcelia’s famous tres leches chocolate cake is a must in the town square.

Dining establishments in Lo de Marcos include:

• Olivia a popular restaurant on the beach and is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Avenida Luis Echeverria, Lo de Marcos 63729 Mexico
• Tacos Oscar, offers Mexican food and also pizzas. Av Luis Echevarria 2, Lo de Marcos 63729 Mexico
• Endless Summer Sports Bar & Grill, Canadian cuisine, offering brunch, breakfast, lunch & dinner. Luis Echevarria #3, Lo de Marcos Mexico
• La Sea Food serves seafood and sushi. Naranjo 20a, Centro, 63729 Lo de Marcos, Nay., Mexico
• Carolina’s Restaurant serves Mexican antojitos (local dishes). Franciso I Madero 7, Lo de Marcos Mexico
• Arcelia’s, Hamburger, excellent food and wonderful Margarita’s. Calle la Venita s/n, Lo de Marcos 63729 Mexico
• Neptuno Restaurant-Bar & Billar is a lively bar. Avenida del bosque 120 63729 Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico
• La Rosticeria serves rotisserie chicken to go. Luis Echeverría #3 63729 Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, Mexico
• El Vinatero a quaint wine bar with a great selection of wine. Luis Echeverria 37, Lo de Marcos 63729 Mexico
• Visit Cacao Nayarit, La Flor, Pops, and Cora Bistro Cafe for baked goods, pastries, and coffee.
• Visit Productos Granja El Paraiso for organic produce. Luis Echeverria 53, Col. Centro, 63729 Lo de Marcos, Nay., Mexico

There are several places to eat hamburgers and hot dogs, but many tourists travel to Rincón de Guayabitos to eat at places like Jaimie and Tequila Willie’s, at the south end of the beach.

It’s a haven of peace. Lodging options at this attractive getaway on Mexico’s Pacific coast include bungalows, villas, cozy hotel rooms, and a well-equipped RV park.

For a more opulent resort experience, book a room at the brand-new One and Only Mandarina, which opened November 1, 2020 and is located just 6 kilometers from downtown.

There are a few tiny hotels in Lo De Marcos. However, residents often have bungalows for rent above their main residences. There are also numerous seaside houses for short or long term rentals. If you want to unwind and relax, Lo de Marcos is undoubtedly one of the best accommodations in the region.

There are no huge resorts in Lo de Marcos; instead, there are several small hotels, nice hotels, villas, bungalows, bed and breakfasts, and cozy Mexican-style hotels such as Quinta Aremar.

Wherever you go, you can relax and take advantage of all that the city has to offer. Most places cost between $30 and $60. However, there are other opulent possibilities if you’re looking for a remote paradise.

Here is some more information to help you discover Lo de Marcos, including tourist information and useful travel tips.

Getting around

Getting around Lo de Marcos is easy. Due to the small size of the town, walking is quite safe. You can use your own vehicle, but if you are visiting this area renting a golf cart is an additional alternative. Most of the roads in Lo de Marcos are dirt or gravel, with the exception of the main road that runs through the center of town and ends at the beach.

ATMs

ATMs are scarce in towns like Lo de Marcos. The OXXO Lo De Marcos Sur, on the left as you enter the town from the highway, is the one with the best ATM. For any eventuality, it is best to withdraw money at the airport before going to Lo De Marcos.

Taxis

In Lo de Marcos, you can find a cab near the plaza. If you ever need a cab, just ask for one, as it is usually a service provided by the families in the neighborhood.

Alternative destinations near Lo de Marcos

It’s good to explore the area around Lo de Marcos because there are a few fantastic towns within a short drive.

San Pancho is a fantastic place to visit. There are many more lodging, dining, and entertainment options than in Lo de Marcos. There is also a great beach and a great community center called Entreamigos. Both are highly recommended.

If you are looking for a more lively town, with plenty of cafes and bars, stores and activities, visit Sayulita, one of the “pueblos mágicos”. It is undoubtedly one of the best known towns in Nayarit, with its bohemian-chic atmosphere, many surf fans, hippies, and gentle waves.

If we were to rank the popular tourist towns of the Riviera Nayarit from least to most developed, they would be Lo de Marcos, San Pancho, Sayulita, and finally Puerto Vallarta.

Last but not least, if you travel north of Lo de Marcos, you can find popular local places like Rincon de Guayabitos, Chacala, San Blas, and the state capital, Tepic.

Lo de Marcos is a fantastic village and beach for those who want to escape from the normal routine and everything modern. This town is one of the coastal secrets of the Riviera Nayarit, but its popularity is growing among national and foreign travelers.

Those who know it describe Lo de Marcos as a genuinely laid-back little town, so if that’s your style come by and visit, you might stay a few days or maybe move down here to enjoy the town all-year round.

• https://wikitravel.org/en/Lo_De_Marcos
• https://bucketlistbri.com/lo-de-marcos-mexico/
• https://ontheroadin.com/lo-de-marcos-nayarit/