Quick Answer
Both are quiet, authentic beach villages perfect for escape. Guayabitos: More developed (restaurants, hotels, activities). Lo de Marcos: Even quieter, slightly cheaper, fewer amenities. Both excellent for travelers seeking peace—choose based on how remote you want to be.
Guayabitos and Lo de Marcos are neighbors in Nayarit. Both are quiet beach towns. But one is slightly more developed, the other even more remote. Let's compare.
The Basic Differences
Guayabitos
- 📍 Located in Jaltemba Bay
- 🏨 More hotels and restaurants
- 👥 Slightly more tourists
- 🏪 Better shopping/services
- 🚗 More car-friendly
- 💰 Slightly more expensive
Lo de Marcos
- 📍 South of Guayabitos
- 🏨 Fewer hotels (more intimate)
- 👥 Fewer tourists (more remote)
- 🏪 Minimal services (go to Guayabitos for supplies)
- 🚗 Less developed infrastructure
- 💰 Slightly cheaper
Price Comparison
Lo de Marcos is 5-10% cheaper than Guayabitos. Not a huge difference, but adds up if staying long-term.
Hotel: $40-70/night
Dinner: $8-12
Monthly: $850-1,200
Hotel: $35-65/night
Dinner: $7-10
Monthly: $800-1,100
Atmosphere
Both are authentic beach villages. The difference:
- Guayabitos: Small village with enough tourist infrastructure to feel comfortable. Restaurants, hotels, activities. Still authentic but with amenities.
- Lo de Marcos: Even quieter. Fewer tourists, fewer amenities. More "true" escape experience. You'll rely on what's there versus driving elsewhere for things.
Beaches
Golden sand, calm bay water, perfect for swimming/snorkeling. More developed (restaurants on beach).
Similar quality beach, less crowded. More natural, fewer beach vendors.
Amenities & Services
Need groceries, supplies, or restaurant options?
- ✓ Guayabitos: Has most things; occasional trip to Puerto Vallarta for specialized items
- ⚠ Lo de Marcos: Limited; regular trips to Guayabitos (30 min) for supplies
Which Should You Choose?
Guayabitos is Better If:
- ✓ You want easy access to restaurants and activities
- ✓ You prefer not to drive for supplies
- ✓ You're staying 1-2 weeks (wants amenities for comfort)
- ✓ You want more water activities nearby
Lo de Marcos is Better If:
- ✓ You want maximum quiet and peace
- ✓ You're staying months (self-sufficient lifestyle)
- ✓ You want fewest tourists
- ✓ You prefer nature-based escape
Pro Tip: Visit Both
Only 30 minutes apart! Consider staying in Guayabitos for access to activities/restaurants, with day trips to Lo de Marcos for even more peace. Or start in Guayabitos, then move to Lo de Marcos if you want quieter retreat.
Ready to Escape to a Quiet Beach Village?
Both Guayabitos and Lo de Marcos offer authentic peace. Choose based on how much infrastructure you want nearby.
Find accommodation in either village