Moving northbound,we meet neighboring Nayarit state, separated from Jalisco by a bridge and a one-hour time difference.Nuevo Vallarta –in this state- has panned out to be an area of tourist expansion, dotted by numerous hotels and new condos,long beaches of powder-thin sand and striking beauty. Punta Mita, the northernmost tip, is a small fishing town outfitted with good restaurants and quasi-unexplored beaches. If we really want to visit some of them in which time seems to be standing still, San Francisco is our top pick.

Known as San Pancho, it’s only 25 miles from Vallarta.The trip there is worthwhile every step of the way,not only because this is one my favorite places out of the ones I’ve been to: a huge beach near the mouth of the river, birds flying over our heads and waves for good swimmers and surfers. It’s one of the few places under the sun where we can listen to the sound of silence and meditate.

Not far from there lies Sayulita, a small hamlet featuring more people, restaurants and stores than San Pancho, but marked by a one-and-only lovely atmosphere for strolling and snooping around.

If our preferences are focused on natural reserves, then Marieta Islands will be a paradise brimming with dolphins, turtles,humongous devil rays and 86 different bird species to watch.And if you can stay a tad longer around here,give San Sebastian,Talpa de Allende and Mascota, in Sierra Madre, a little bit more of your time.San Sebastian is a small town up in the mountains with a mild weather and an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.Nothing here has changed over the past 500 years.

It’s simply great to take a walk, have a cup of hot chocolate for breakfast at Casa Lupita, and do nothing all day other than contemplating the surroundings. Maybe you’ve realized by now that there’s no time for humdrumness in this magical piece of land.You bet the gods walked past here one day to create such a divine and enthralling beauty.