Major city · Mexico
San Patricio-Melaque
A relaxed beach town for 2–3 nights if you're driving the Costalegre coast; skip it if you only have time for one Pacific stop (choose Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo instead).
San Patricio-Melaque is a conurbation of three villages (Melaque, Villa Obregón, San Patricio) on Jalisco's Costalegre coast, about halfway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. It offers a long sandy beach, a relaxed pace and low prices, but few landmark sights. Most travellers use it as a low-cost beach stop for 2–3 nights or a base for day trips to Barra de Navidad and Tomatlán.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, humidity, possible storms)
- Airports
- PVR · ZLO
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
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 San Patricio-Melaque911 ▾
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 San Patricio-Melaque, 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
- SafetySan Patricio-Melaque is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions: lock your car, avoid walking alone on the beach at night…
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 police · 911 fire and ambulance · 078 Tourist assistance
- 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 Airport (About 4 h by bus or 3 h by car north).
- Getting aroundWalkable along the beachfront.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeMXN 25–40 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealStreet tacoMXN 15–25 (≈ US$1–2)
- BeerBeer (bottle)MXN 20–35 (≈ US$2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi within townMXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideBus to Barra de NavidadMXN 10–15 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personMX$300 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedDouble room (budget hotel), a night, per roomMX$1,000 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedDouble room (budget hotel), a night, per roomMX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$800 (≈ US$45) · Mid MX$1,500 (≈ US$85) · High MX$3,000 (≈ US$170)
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 Airport (About 4 h by bus or 3 h by car north) · ZLO Manzanillo International Airport (About 1 h by bus or 45 min by car south)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Aug (14 rain days), driest Mar (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Patricio-Melaque: 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
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
2 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
7 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°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
Walkable along the beachfront. Taxis and colectivos connect the three villages and nearby towns. A car is useful for day trips to Barra de Navidad, Tomatlán and Cuastecomates.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30 min walk / 5 min taxi
Walk along the beach (about 30 min) or take a taxi (5 min)
A fishing village with a lagoon, restaurants and a small marina.
Door to door: About 30 min
Bus or car north on Highway 200, about 20 min
Known for its church and nearby waterfalls (check access).
Cuastecomates
goDoor to door: 45 min walk / 10 min taxi
Walk across the northern headland (about 45 min) or taxi (10 min)
A small beach cove with calm water, good for swimming.
Manzanillo
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus or car south on Highway 200, about 1 h
A major port city with beaches, shopping and the Manzanillo airport.
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.
Melaque beachfront
Hotels and bungalows along the main beach; most restaurants and bars within walking distance.
San Patricio / Villa Obregón
Quieter, more residential; cheaper options, a short walk or taxi to the beach.
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
- MXN 600–1,000 (≈ US$35–55) excl. bed
- Mid
- MXN 1,000–2,000 (≈ US$55–110) excl. bed
- High
- MXN 2,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room (budget hotel)1 × 2 nights × MX$1,000 | MX$2,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × MX$1,500 | MX$6,000 |
| Bus Manzanillo–Melaque, one way2 × MX$120 · check | MX$240 |
| Bus Puerto Vallarta–Melaque, one way2 × MX$400 · check | MX$800 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$954 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,624 per person per day, bed included | MX$10,494≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Mexican pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | MXN 25–40 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Beer (bottle) | MXN 20–35 (≈ US$2) |
| Street taco | MXN 15–25 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Beachfront meal (fish, rice, salad) | MXN 100–200 (≈ US$6–11) |
| Taxi within town | MXN 30–50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Bus to Barra de Navidad | MXN 10–15 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rainy season (Jun–Oct) brings heavy downpours and possible road flooding; check conditions before driving.
- The beach has strong currents in places; swim only where lifeguards are present.
- ATMs are limited; bring enough cash from Manzanillo or Puerto Vallarta.
- Mosquitoes are common near the lagoon and after rain; bring repellent.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
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San Patricio-MelaqueSan Patricio-Melaque
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Puerto Vallarta (check address); most other countries have embassies in Mexico City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Manzanillo–Melaque: about MXN 120 (≈ US$7), about 1 h (check)
- Bus Puerto Vallarta–Melaque: about MXN 400 (≈ US$25), about 4 h (check)
- Taxi Melaque–Barra de Navidad: MXN 50–80 (≈ US$3–5)
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-see-ahs)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está la playa? — Where is the beach? (DOHN-deh es-TAH lah PLAH-yah)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
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 San Patricio-Melaque. 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 · avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, humidity, possible storms) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for Barra de Navidad, Tomatlán and Cuastecomates with verified opening hours and access notes.
- Eat pages for Cesar's y Charlie's and other beachfront restaurants with last-order times.
- Sleep pages for Hotel Santa Maria, Hotel Vista Hermosa and Bungalows Azteca with seasonal rates.
- Transport page for Costalegre bus schedules and taxi fares.
Sources
Ask about San Patricio-Melaque
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