Banderas Bay is a great place to own a second home or vacation home. The region has an excellent climate and tons of natural beauty to enjoy. Do you love getting outside and enjoying nature at its finest? If so, head south of Puerto Vallarta to the small coastal village of Boca de Tomatlan. There, you can start a lovely hike through the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre mountains that follows the coastline with breathtaking views. Villa La Estancia homeowners in Riviera Nayarit should head south to enjoy this amazing hike. It’s the perfect way to get fresh air, exercise and enjoy amazing scenery, too. Read below to learn more about what to expect on the way to Las Animas Puerto Vallarta.

Boca de Tomatlán to Las Animas- Puero Vallarta

To start this amazing adventure, hikers must drive or take public transportation from Villa La Estancia and head south on the 200 highway past downtown Puerto Vallarta. Once you reach the quaint and tranquil coastal town of Boca de Tomatlan, head down the hill and look for parking. Close to where the river feeds into the sea, there is a pedestrian bridge that identifies the beginning of the hike. A former fishing village, Boca de Tomatlan has grown in recent years as tourists love its small town charm and laid back vibe. Make sure to bring water, a swimsuit and wear sunscreen and a hat. Insect repellant is also a good idea as the jungle greenery can attract pesky bugs, too. Lastly, bring cash so you can enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many beachside restaurants in Las Animas after your hike.

All About the Hike

The hike can be difficult if you are not in decent shape. Note that there is somewhat challenging footing along the hike with roots and rocks that can be dangerous if you aren’t being careful. Once you cross the hanging bridge located near the parking area, head right. There, you will climb up weathered steps that pass next to local homes. You will notice beautiful trees and flowers along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds, butterflies and iguanas. Even feisty local chickens and roosters from the local homes will make their appearance known to visitors. Continue following the path as it weaves along the shoreline up high above Banderas Bay. There are crystal clear ocean views that will captivate hikers along the path. If you plan ahead, make reservations for lunch at Ocean Grill. It’s a hidden gem restaurant that opens at 1pm that is by reservation only. The open air restaurant serves incredible fresh food and delicious cocktails.

Coastal Villages: Las Animas

Continue past Ocean Grill and cross the shore of the small Colomitos beach to continue the hike. In order to follow the path, you will need to step up along slippery rocks so take care. There is a sign that says “Cuida Tu Madre,” which means “Take care of Mother Earth” that indicates you have not lost your way. The hike continues through the jungle greenery past small villas, yoga retreats, and boutique hotels along the coast. Once you reach Las Animas, you will notice numerous restaurants right on the beachfront and a small pier. Las Animas is ideal for swimming if you decide you want to take a dip to cool off after your hike. Pick a spot and enjoy a nice lunch and some cold drinks as a reward for your hard work. When you are ready to head back, you can take a water taxi from Las Animas to Boca that costs around 75 pesos per person. Hold on tight as the brisk 10 minute water taxi will quickly cruise along Banderas Bay. Once back in Boca de Tomatlan, find your car or grab a taxi or wait for the local bus on the main road back to town.

Villa La Estancia Vacation Home

If you are in the market for a second home in Mexico, Villa La Estancia has a limited number of beachfront residences for sale. Wildly popular with expats who want the best, Villa La Estancia is a modern hotel-condo concept that gives homeowners access to the best of both worlds. They can enjoy private home ownership on the beach, and also have convenient access to resort quality amenities and services. We have multiple pools, a fitness center, a Spa and delicious restaurants right on the property. Plus, our housekeeping and maintenance teams work hard to keep the property looking great all year long so you don’t have to. After all, a vacation home is meant to be enjoyed. It should be a place where you can safely rest and relax with your loved ones in a beautiful setting.

Are you a Villa La Estancia homeowner or hope to be one day? If so, contact us today to see which beachfront residences are still available for purchase. Plus, we have full and fractional ownership options available for qualified applicants. When you are in the area, make sure to experience one of Banderas Bay’s best hikes from Boca de Tomatlan to Las Animas. It’s sure to be a challenging yet magical adventure that you will want to do time and time again.

Villa La Estancia homeowners, take note! If you are headed to your vacation home in Riviera Nayarit soon, make sure you take notice of new COVID test regulations that will affect your return back to the US or Canada. Currently, the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and Canadian Government have issued requirements for negative COVID tests for travelers returning home from trips abroad. The goal is to eliminate sick travelers to help lower transmission risks of the virus via air travel. Travelers that head to the United States by air must provide a negative antigen COVID-19 test completed within 72 hours before travel. Similarly, Canadian travelers must show a negative PCR test. Keep reading below to learn more about the new COVID 19 test requirements that could affect your travel plans.

• COVID-19 Test Requirements

On January 26, 2021, the CDC began requiring travelers that want to enter the United States to provide proof of a negative antigen COVID-19 test. Similarly, Canada is also requiring airline passengers to provide a negative PCR COVID test in order to be allowed entry into their country. Air passengers are now required to take a COVID test within three days (72 hours) before their flight. Proof of the negative COVID test must be shown at check in at the airport. All airlines are enforcing the new regulations. If a passenger doesn’t provide a negative COVID test at the airport, they will not be allowed to take their flight as planned. Therefore, Villa La Estancia homeowners need to make sure to take a COVID test before their return flight home to avoid stressful delays.

• Negative COVID Test Needed to Enter US and Canada

For our Villa La Estancia homeowners that have a second home at our property, we want to make sure they are aware of the new requirements. If you need help scheduling a test or finding a convenient testing location, please check with the front desk concierge. Although Mexico isn’t requiring a COVID 19 test to enter the country, it is still a smart idea to take a COVID-19 test before traveling. That way, you can avoid unknowingly traveling while sick with the virus. Also, when you arrive back home it is best to keep to yourself for a week or so or take another test to confirm you are okay. When leaving Mexico, the US and Canada will require proof of a negative COVID test in order to board your flight. This is a powerful tool to help identify travelers infected with the virus before they board a plane. Hopefully, this will help reduce the transmission rate among travelers.

• The CDC – Center for Disease Control and Prevention 

The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) is based in Atlanta, Georgia and works to protect the health, security, and safety of Americans. Right now, they are focused on regulations to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID test requirements are an important step in slowing the transmission of the virus by airline passengers. In addition, there are new variants of the COVID virus emerging across the world. Many hospitals in America are full and short staffed due to the virus. Therefore, the CDC hopes to lower new cases by requiring negative COVID tests by individuals entering the country. Canada is also making travelers shower a negative PCR test before they will be allowed entry into their country. If you own a second home in Mexico at Villa La Estancia, you can still visit and enjoy a relaxing vacation in paradise. However, don’t forget to schedule a COVID test within the 72 hours before you return home. That way, you will have the required proof of a negative test needed in order to board your flight without delays.

Remember, new regulations require that travelers entering the US or Canada show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours before leaving Mexico. Negative COVID tests are required at the airport for all passengers in order to board a flight. These testing regulations are designed to help protect travelers and lower the incidence of new COVID cases. If you are in the market for a vacation home at the beach, check out Villa La Estancia. We have luxury beachfront residences in the tranquil neighborhood of Nuevo Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit. More than ever before, it’s a great idea to buy a vacation home where you can safely visit and vacation with your loved ones. We even have a Try and Buy Program for prospective homeowners to test out the beach lifestyle before making an investment. Contact us today to schedule a property tour as inventory is limited.

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COVID Real Estate Advice