Are Nuevo Nayarit and Nuevo Vallarta the same?

If you're planning a trip to the beautiful beaches of Mexico's Pacific coast, you might have heard of the popular tourist destination of Nuevo Vallarta.

However, there has been a recent change in its name that has left many people wondering whether it is still the same place or not. In this blog post, we'll answer the frequently asked question: Are Nuevo Nayarit and Nuevo Vallarta the same?

The short answer is NO. While Nuevo Vallarta may be considered the past of this region, Nuevo Nayarit represents its exciting future.

In 2022, the name of Nuevo Vallarta was officially changed to Nuevo Nayarit, reflecting the desire of the tourist destination in the state of Nayarit to have its identity and independence from Puerto Vallarta.

In which state is Nuevo Nayarit located?

Whether you ask where is Nuevo Vallarta or where is Nuevo Nayarit, the answer is the same. Nuevo Nayarit is located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico.
It is situated along the shores of the Bahia de Banderas, which is one of the largest bays in Mexico and is shared between the states of Nayarit and Jalisco.

The Bahia de Banderas is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life - The bay is also home to several charming towns and villages, including La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, and Bucerias, all of them located in Nayarit.

You may be interested in this article: 23 Things to Do in Nuevo Vallarta.

How do I get to Nuevo Nayarit?

The easiest way to get to Nuevo Nayarit is by flying into the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport located in Puerto Vallarta. From there:

Taxis and shuttles are readily available to take you directly to your hotel or resort in Nuevo Nayarit, also many resorts like Villa del Palmar Flamingos offer airport shuttle services.
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car at the airport and take the highway that runs along the coast.
Alternatively, many bus companies offer services between Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit. With numerous transportation options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

Getting to Nuevo Nayarit is easy and convenient - Visit these Small Towns Near Nuevo Nayarit.

How far is Puerto Vallarta from Nuevo Vallarta (now Nuevo Nayarit)?

Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit are located very close to each other. In fact, Nuevo Nayarit is just a few kilometers north of Puerto Vallarta. The distance between the two destinations is approximately 16 kilometers (9.94 mi), which takes around 20 minutes to travel by car.

Does the name change affect my plans?

No, the name change from Nuevo Vallarta to Nuevo Nayarit does not influence your plans or reservations. The primary purpose of the name change is to distinguish the region from Puerto Vallarta and promote it as a distinct and unique destination.

The region remains the same, and visitors can still expect the same stunning beaches, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage that have made it a popular destination.

While there may be some changes in addresses and signage in the coming months to reflect the new name, the transition is expected to be smooth and will not impact your travel plans or reservations.

To avoid any confusion, it is important to update your travel plans and start calling the region by its new official name, Nuevo Nayarit.

If you want to keep reading, check out The Ultimate Guide to Sayulita.