By Air:
The nearest major airport to Cihuatlan is the Licenciado Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Cihuatlan, which is approximately a 3-hour drive away.
Cihuatlan
Cihuatlán is a charming town located on the western coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. Situated just south of the popular tourist des…
Best for you if…
- A week-long stay
- Walkable sightseeing
- Beach relaxation travelers
- Exploring historical sites travelers
- Visiting in November to April
More about this guide
Cihuatlan is a strong pick for beach relaxation & exploring historical sites — plan about 5-7 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: November to April.
Solid guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 66/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)
Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈3.8 km span)
6
Places to explore
5-7
Recommended days
November to April
Best season
8
Nearby places
Find nearby destinations
When to go
High season: November to April
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Best months for lower-cost travel: May · September · October
Weather
Autumn
October to November - average temperature: 25°C to 30°C
Spring
March to May - average temperature: 25°C to 30°C
Summer
June to September - average temperature: 30°C to 35°C
Winter
December to February - average temperature: 20°C to 25°C
How to get there
By Road:
If you prefer to travel by road, you can reach Cihuatlan by bus or car. From Guadalajara, you can take a bus from the Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara to Cihuatlan. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Cihuatlan, enjoying the scenic beauty along the way.
By Sea:
If you are an adventurous traveler, you can also reach Cihuatlan by sea. The town has a small marina where you can dock your boat. This option is perfect for those who enjoy sailing or exploring coastal areas.
By Train:
Unfortunately, there are no direct train routes to Cihuatlan. However, you can take a train to nearby cities like Manzanillo or Colima and then continue your journey to Cihuatlan by bus or car.
Local Transportation:
Once you arrive in Cihuatlan, you can easily explore the town and its surroundings using local transportation options. Taxis, buses, and rental bikes are readily available for convenient travel within the area.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Cihuatlan promises to be an exciting journey. Prepare yourself for a memorable experience as you immerse in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of this Mexican gem.
Getting to know Cihuatlan
Cihuatlán is a charming town located on the western coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. Situated just south of the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, Cihuatlán offers a quieter and more authentic experience for travelers seeking a taste of Mexican culture. The town is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant local markets, and historical landmarks.
One of the main attractions in Cihuatlán is its beautiful coastline. With its pristine sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, visitors can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy various water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling. Playa Boca de Iguanas and Playa Pascuales are particularly popular among locals and tourists alike.
Cihuatlán also boasts a lively market scene, where visitors can wander through colorful stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Mexican snacks. The Mercado Municipal is a must-visit spot to experience the hustle and bustle of local merchants and to sample delicious street food like tacos, tamales, and aguas frescas.
History enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Cihuatlán. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Church of San Gabriel Arcángel, a beautiful colonial-era church with intricate architecture and a rich history. The Casa de la Cultura is another notable site, housing a small museum that showcases the area's indigenous heritage and art.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Cihuatlán offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. Visitors can embark on hiking trails in the nearby Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, or go horseback riding through the surrounding countryside.
Whether you are in search of beach relaxation, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventure, Cihuatlán has something to offer every type of traveler. With its captivating beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, this hidden gem in Mexico is definitely worth a visit.
Pre-trip checklist
Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.
Local tips
- Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent
- Try the local seafood dishes
- Visit the nearby Barra de Navidad for a day trip
Places worth exploring
6 places mapped for this destination
01
02
03
04
05
Walking loops
Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.
Evening stroll 1
~1.4 km · 4 places
Half-day loop 1
~2.4 km · 5 places
Full-day loop 1
~2.4 km · 5 places
Suggested 5-day outline
Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.
Day 1
~0.5 km path
Day 2
~0.4 km path
Day 3
~10.4 km path
Casa Mexicana Barra de Navidad
Highest guest rating nearby
Calle Mazatlán 66, 48987 Cihuatlán, Jalisco
Hotel La Quinta Gran Bahía Cuastecomates
Carretera a Cuastecomate Cihuatlán, Jalisco
Grand Isla Navidad Golf & Spa Resort with Marina
Well-reviewed by many guests
Carretera a Isla Navidad 6 Cihuatlán, Jalisco
Listings update over time — confirm availability before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.
How many days do you need in Cihuatlan?
Most travelers spend about 5-7 days in Cihuatlan, Mexico.
When is the best time to visit Cihuatlan?
High season is typically November to April.
Which months are more budget-friendly in Cihuatlan?
Travelers often find better value in May, September, October.
What kind of trip is Cihuatlan good for?
Cihuatlan suits Beach relaxation, Exploring historical sites, Water sports, Nature hikes.
Is Cihuatlan walkable?
Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.
Any local tips for Cihuatlan?
Don't forget sunscreen and insect repellent
Build your trip
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Multi-city ideas
Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes
- Cihuatlan → Barra De Navidad → Jaluco · ≈15 km
- Cihuatlan → Jaluco → Barra De Navidad · ≈15 km
- Cihuatlan → Barra De Navidad → San Patricio · ≈16 km
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