Major city · Mexico
Lo de Marcos
Go for 3–5 nights if you want a walkable beach town with no resort strip; skip it if you need nightlife, big hotels or a swimmable surf break.
Lo de Marcos is a small Nayarit beach town of about 2,500 people on Highway 200, between Sayulita and Rincón de Guayabitos. It fills with Mexican weekenders and Canadian and US winter residents from November to April. The beach is long and mostly empty, the town is about 2 km² and flat, and everything is on foot. Three to five nights suits most people; two is enough for a quick look.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, warm days, cool nights)
- avoid Sep–Oct (rain, humidity, storm risk); Semana Santa and long weekends (town and beach fill with inland visitors)
- Airport
- PVR
- Nights
- 3–5
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lo de Marcos911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lo de Marcos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyLo de Marcos is a small, low-crime town and the main risks are the sea, the sun and the road: the surf break is strong…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (SECTUR) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPVR Puerto Vallarta International (About 45–60 min by bus or taxi on Highway 200; the bus stop is near the Pemex station.).
- Getting aroundThe town is about 2 km² (1 sq mi) and flat: walk everywhere, including to the beach.The town is about 1 sq mi (2 km²) and flat: walk everywhere, including to the beach.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$40–70
- Street or quick mealTaco from a plaza standM$25–45
- Beerbottle at a liquor store / at a beach tableM$25–40M$50–80
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi to Sayulita or GuayabitoscheckM$250–400
- Metro or bus rideBus along Highway 200 to Sayulita or GuayabitoscheckM$30–60
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Budget bedHostel or budget room, a night, per personMX$400 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedSmall-hotel or bungalow double, a night, per roomMX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedSmall-hotel or bungalow double, a night, per roomMX$3,500 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$1,700 (≈ US$95) · High MX$3,200 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PVR Puerto Vallarta International (About 45–60 min by bus or taxi on Highway 200; the bus stop is near the Pemex station.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Aug (15 rain days), driest Mar (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lo de Marcos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Mar
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
0 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
15 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is about 2 km² and flat: walk everywhere, including to the beach. Buses on Highway 200 run frequently to Sayulita, San Francisco (San Pancho), Rincón de Guayabitos, La Peñita and Puerto Vallarta; taxis wait near the bus stop by the Pemex. Rental bikes are available in town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20–30 min
Bus or taxi south on Highway 200
Smaller surf town with a main street of cafés; easy half day.
Sayulita
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Bus or taxi south on Highway 200
Busier surf and market town; go early, parking and beach space run out by midday.
Rincón de Guayabitos and La Peñita
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Bus or taxi north on Highway 200
Best for shopping, a calmer bay and a wider restaurant choice.
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus south on Highway 200
Long lunch-and-market trip; the beach is more built up than Lo de Marcos.
Door to door: About 2.5–3 h
Compostela bus north on Highway 200
State capital; too far for a comfortable return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro / Av. Luis Echeverría
Restaurants, shops and small hotels; 2–4 blocks from the beach. Best for a first stay without a car.
La Floresta (south end)
Quieter, near the tidal pools and the surf break; a 10–15 min walk to the plaza.
North end / Tlaquepaque area
River mouth, RV parks and beachfront hotels; the French-Canadian winter crowd clusters here.
Highway 200 strip
Cheapest rooms and the bus stop, but traffic noise and no beach feel.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$700–1,200 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$1,200–2,200 excl. bed
- High
- M$2,200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Small-hotel or bungalow double1 × 4 nights × MX$2,000 | MX$8,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × MX$1,700 | MX$13,600 |
| Compostela bus, Puerto Vallarta to Lo de Marcos, one way2 × MX$100 · check | MX$200 |
| Beach restaurant meal with a drink2 × MX$250 · check | MX$500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$300 | MX$600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$2,290 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,149 per person per day, bed included | MX$25,190≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$40–70 |
| Taco from a plaza stand | M$25–45 |
| Beach restaurant main (shrimp, fish fillet, ceviche) | M$180–300 |
| Beer: bottle at a liquor store / at a beach table | M$25–40 / M$50–80 |
| Bus along Highway 200 to Sayulita or Guayabitoscheck | M$30–60 |
| Taxi to Sayulita or Guayabitoscheck | M$250–400 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The surf is not a swimming beach: breakers crash fast and produce a strong churn. Boogie boards and kayaks, not laps.
- Some RV parks cannot take long US and Canadian rigs: ask about maximum length before paying a deposit.
- Liquor store prices run about 10% above discount chains in bigger towns.
- September and October are the wet, sticky months; some seasonal businesses close.
- Check the exchange rate before changing money: pesos are written $, same as dollars.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Lo de MarcosLo de Marcos
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassy in town; the US consulate is in Puerto Vallarta and most other countries' embassies are in Mexico City (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PVR airport → Lo de Marcos, Compostela bus: under M$100, about 45–60 min (check)
- Lo de Marcos → Sayulita, bus: M$30–60, about 30–40 min (check)
- Taxi Lo de Marcos → Rincón de Guayabitos: M$250–400 (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Tiene una habitación para dos? — Do you have a room for two? (TYEH-neh OO-nah ah-bee-tah-SYON PAH-rah dos)
- ¿Es seguro nadar aquí? — Is it safe to swim here? (es seh-GOO-roh nah-DAR ah-KEE)
- ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús? — Where is the bus stop? (DON-deh es-TAH lah pah-RAH-dah del ow-toh-BOOS)
- Sin hielo, por favor — Without ice, please (seen YEH-loh por fah-VOR)
Cash is king in town: bring pesos for buses, taxis and taco stands.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lo de Marcos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, warm days, cool nights) · avoid Sep–Oct (rain, humidity, storm risk); Semana Santa and long weekends (town and beach fill with inland visitors) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PVR: last bus and taxi fallback, plus the Highway 200 stop by the Pemex.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: plaza and Av. Luis Echeverría, south beach and tidal pools, north river mouth, Highway 200 strip.
- Place pages with verified hours (beach restaurants, clay-oven bakery, sports shop) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and Semana Santa fixtures so gates A–D can go green.