Let's Tour Lo De Marcos, Mexico! An Unexpected & Incredible Exploration!
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Before I arrived in Lo de Marcos, I had no idea what to expect really…so how did I get there…
Sometimes I am a last-minute planner, and as I was traveling during peak tourist season in Sayulita, most of the areas close to me were booked but there was a place open in Lo De Marcos. So, I said yes. (not to the dress lol, just plain ‘ol yes).
Where is Lo De Marcos?
Lo de Marcos is situated on the Pacific coast of Mexico, about 30 minutes north of Sayulita by taxi and about an hour and 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta depending on traffic. It’s in the state of Nayarit.
Lo de Marcos, according to this site here, has a population of about 2,000, yes that’s right, it’s small, really small, and it’s barely on the map. Locals know about it, but not too many gringos have which makes it perfect for a getaway.
Here you can recharge, and sit by the ocean for a long while without getting asked to buy a pina colada or a sombrero. It’s peaceful, and not commercialized in a big way. When I was on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, I think I was asked about every 10 minutes if I wanted to buy something. I love sombreros and pina coladas by the way.
Why It's Nice
Not Commercialized
If you have been to Puerto Vallarta or Sayulita, they are bustling cities, different on their own accord, but have been commercialized which makes them busy cities, full of people, buses, and everything that city life entails, however, sometimes it’s nice to visit a place that is quiet, away from people, open beach, nice restaurants and is a largely undiscovered place.
That place is Lo de Marcos.
Less People, Friendly Locals
The locals are friendly and amazing and while I was there struck up several conversations with locals. I could write a whole article on how friendly locals are…
Less Vendors
There are a few restaurants on the beach but not hundreds. There are fewer vendors, fewer restaurants, fewer coffee shops, and fewer oxxos. Less. Less. Less. Which means it’s dang quiet. Now, it’s still Mexico, my friends, so there are still roosters, cohetes (fireworks), and an occasional car that revs its engine.
Authentic Mexico
Do you like exploring off-beat, and sort of hidden locations? Well, this is it. Here you can experience authentic Mexico, which needs you will need to use your Spanish.
RV Parks
Do you like to RV? Or better yet do you have an RV and want to find a secluded place to park it for the season? Lo de Marcos, has several RV parks, but book early because they fill up fast.
Reasonably Priced Food
The price of food is a common question when I travel throughout Mexico. I typically measure the cost in the area by the price of a jugo, or freshly squeezed juice, like green juice or carrot or orange juice. In Lo de Marcos, I could get fresh juices for about 45 pesos.
Beach Town
If your dream is to bring your laptop and sit on the beach for hours, under an umbrella without anyone bothering you, this will be your heaven-on-earth location.
The Cons
I can’t think of any…oh yes, you can’t surf there and during the peak summer months, it will be hot and humid, oh and in places it is a bit rustic.
Rustic
If you haven’t lived like a local yet in Mexico, Lo de Marcos will certainly break you in. In fact, if you are just arriving off the plane and are used to resort-style vacationing, this is not the place for you. There are no resorts here. You might find a pool, but it’s not the same.
Watch the Video Here
Lodging: Where to Stay
There was a new hotel that just opened in November 2022, and it was priced at $100 a night during the peak tourist, high-season. It’s so new, google earth nor google directions have it listed. It was probably the nicest place to stay if you’re flying in from the USA or Canada and haven’t yet acclimated to life in Mexico. It was one block from the beach.
I will update this post when I find out the name, stay tuned.
Totally Safe
Now, I occasionally backpack as a solo traveler, as a single female in Mexico in off-beat locations.
I know some out there are questioning if I lost my mind or not. Safe. Not for one second did I feel threatened, unsafe, or had to avoid a street, if you know what I mean. I would absolutely visit there again.
I met a gal, and she had been there for two weeks. She was living her best life there.
Transportation
There are several ways to get to Lo de Marcos. One is you can take a local taxi or an Uber. I typically compare these two for prices and availability when I travel to see who has the best deal. In some parts of Mexico, an Uber is not always available.
In addition, you can get there by local bus, which is the Compostela bus. I took the Compostela bus, the first time, as I left Lo de Marcos, and headed back to Sayulita, cost, I believe around 25-30 pesos, yes, do the math my friends.
Activities
I ran into some Canadians and some people from the USA who retired and moved there. They were playing pickleball in the main el centro and there was a yoga class there too.
Places to Eat
There are cute coffee shops, local restaurants, seafood restaurants, and even a few restaurants on the beach.
My Predictions
My thoughts on this area as of today (subject to change, of course).
Give this area 10 years, and it will be developed. People are finding and discovering Lo de Marcos and are drawn in because it’s by the beach, prices are reasonable, is a potentially great investment city to purchase property now, before it gets discovered.
I met a lady from CA, who sold all she had and opened an organic coffee shop. I think I was in her shop on opening day. Great coffee by the way.
Have you heard of Lo de Marcos? Curious and want to take a trip now? Drop a comment and let us know if you have been there.
