Things To Do
in La Higuerita

La Higuerita is a sun-soaked Pacific town known for its fishing heritage and friendly locals. Nestled between green hills and a crescent beach, it offers a laid-back escape just a short drive from Tepic. The town center preserves colorful colonial facades and a lively market scene.

Visitors come for seafood, sunsets, and small-town hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival at La Higuerita
morning
:

Arrive in La Higuerita and settle into your charming beachfront accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local specialties like huevos rancheros or tamales. Take a stroll along the shoreline, breathing in the warm ocean air and soaking in the picturesque views.

afternoon
:

Explore the vibrant local market where you can find handmade crafts and taste authentic Mexican street food. Engage with local artisans and learn about their crafts, picking up unique souvenirs to remember your trip. Relax on the beach with a good book or enjoy some water sports.

evening
:

Dine at a seaside restaurant, watching the sunset while savoring freshly caught seafood dishes. Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a beach bonfire with locals sharing stories and traditional music. End the evening with stargazing on the beach, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean.

day 2
Exploring Nature Trails
morning
:

Start your day early with a hiking excursion in the nearby nature trails, absorbing the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy at a scenic lookout spot. Capture breathtaking photos of the sunrise illuminating the hills around La Higuerita.

afternoon
:

After your hike, return to town for a refreshing swim in the ocean to cool off. Grab lunch at a local taquería, where the tacos are filled with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor. Spend some time with locals at the beach, engaging in friendly games of volleyball or frisbee.

evening
:

In the evening, partake in a cooking class where you'll learn to make traditional Mexican dishes using local ingredients. Savor the fruits of your labor with a communal dining experience. End the night by wandering through the town, enjoying the ambient music from nearby bars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
Coffee/tea$2-4
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$1-2
🚌Public transport day pass$1-3
🚗Taxi start (6km)$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed seaside vibe
  • Fresh seafood and local flavors
  • Friendly locals
  • Compact town center, easy to explore
  • Limited international direct flights
  • Some services operate seasonally
  • "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
  • "Una mesa para dos, por favor." - A table for two, please.
  • "¿Puede recomendar comida vegetariana?" - Can you recommend vegetarian food?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you

Places to Visit in La Higuerita

Visit one of these nice places.

El Faro Lighthouse

Iconic lighthouse at the edge of the bay offering dramatic sunset silhouettes and maritime drama.

Malecon de La Higuerita

Palm-lined waterfront promenade with fishing boats, kayaks, and seafront color.

Old Town Plaza

Historic square framed by vivid colonial buildings and busy weekend markets.

Culinary Guide

Food in La Higuerita

La Higuerita’s cuisine centers on seafood, market-fresh produce, and simple, hearty Mexican flavors influenced by the coast.

La Higuerita Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pescado a la Higuerita

Grilled or pan-seared fish with a citrusy marinade and coast-style salsa, served with rice and beans.

Must-Try!

Ceviche de la Costa

Fresh raw fish cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chilies, often topped with tortilla chips.

Birria de res de la costa

Slow-cooked beef stew adapted with coastal herbs, served with tortillas and consommé.

Tostadas de Mariscos

Crispy tostadas topped with shrimp or fish, avocado, pico de gallo, and lime.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central La Higuerita

Bustling market with stalls selling fresh seafood, fruit, tortillas, and quick bites like pescado tacos and elotes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Warm tropical climate year-round with a distinct dry season and a rainy season. Humidity can be high, especially in the summer, and coastal breezes provide some relief in the evenings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake or cheek kiss among friends; address locals by their surname with polite language; avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers who exercise standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded markets, use reputable taxi services, and follow local weather advisories during the rainy season and hurricane season.

Tipping in La Higuerita

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary if service is not included. Round up taxi fares and show appreciation to hotel staff with small tips for daily housekeeping or bag handling.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season

Nov–Apr: sunny days, low humidity, and pleasant evenings. Great for beach days and outdoor exploration, though some sites may close early in peak heat.

Wet Season

May–Oct: warm and humid with afternoon rain showers and occasional tropical storms. Lush landscapes, but plan for sudden showers and possible hotel or activity adjustments.

Nightlife Guide

La Higuerita at Night

La Higuerita offers a laid-back nightlife with beachside bars, occasional live mariachi performances on weekends, and casual gatherings around bonfires on the shore. Most venues close around 1 AM, and the atmosphere tends to be relaxed rather than nightclub-focused.

Hiking in La Higuerita

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cascadas Escondidas Trail

Jungle trail to a hidden waterfall with a refreshing swim at the base.

Montaña Mirador Traverse

Ridge walk offering sweeping views of coast and inland valleys.

Airports

How to reach La Higuerita by plane.

Lic. Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)

Major international gateway serving Puerto Vallarta; about a 2-3 hour drive to La Higuerita along the coast.

Tepic International Airport (TPQ)

Regional airport with domestic flights and some international connections; shorter drive from La Higuerita.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is highly walkable, with most attractions within a 15-20 minute stroll; expect uneven sidewalks in older neighborhoods; scooters and bicycles are common for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Long-established families and workers who form the town's core community.

Expats and seasonal visitors

A growing group of retirees and remote workers drawn by the climate and affordability.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

Coastal breaks attract beginners to advanced surfers; several surf schools operate along the beach.

Beach Volleyball

Nearby sandy courts and beach clubs host casual and organized games.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light within town; during mornings and late afternoons there can be congestion along the coastal road; taxis and buses are reliable; ridesharing presence varies by season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting La Higuerita.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many markets offer bean-based dishes and veggie-friendly options. Ask for plant-based proteins and verify no lard. In restaurants, request vegetable-based stews or sides like beans, rice, and fresh salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics handle basic care; for more serious needs, residents travel to Tepic or Puerto Vallarta where larger hospitals and specialists are available; travel insurance is recommended.

Discover Mexico

Read more in our Mexico 2025 Travel Guide.

Mexico Travel Guide