Sunset in San Blas, on the northern end of Riviera Nayarit (courtesy, Nayarit Secretariat of Tourism)

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7. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
While only 20 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is being touted as the next big hot spot by Mexican tourism officials, following an outpour of money into infrastructure and lots of resort investment. Now's a great time to go because the exchange rate is the most favorable it's been in the last 15 years. There are lots of all-inclusive resorts with great deals in Nuevo Vallarta, but if you head north up the coast, crowds thin out and you can find a deserted stretch of beach all for yourself. The fishing-village-turned-surf-haven Sayulita has gotten ready for the influx of visitors with vacation villas, organic cafes, wine bars, and yoga studios. Further north, the town of San Francisco (also known as San Pancho) has fewer amenities, but it has a pleasant village feel, with a wide uncrowded beach and more taco trucks than sit-down restaurants. Then travel up to the sleepy fishing village of San Blas, a celebrated habitat for migratory birds, with ecotourism options like whale watching and mangrove swamp boat rides. Take a surfing lesson along its two-mile-long beach edged by shallow waters or bus to La Bajada and hike through coffee plantations.
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