At the south end of Avenida del Sol Nuevo, follow the crossroad to the right. Continue along the road about another mile past the summit to the once sleepy but now up-and-coming settlement and one-mile yellow strand of Playa los Ayala. Although local-style beachside palapa restaurants and bungalow accommodations are blossoming, the long, lovely Playa los Ayala retains its Sunday popularity among local families. All of the beach sports possible at Guayabitos [1] are possible here, with the added advantage of a much cleaner beach.
Like Guayabitos, Los Ayala has its secluded south-end cove. Follow the path up the beach-end headland. Ten minutes’ walk along a tropical forest trail leads you to the romantic little jungle-enfolded sand crescent called Playa del Beso (Beach of the Kiss). Except during holidays, for hours on end few if any people come here.
Among the best of Los Ayala’s accommodations is Bungalows Quinta Mina (tel./fax 327/274-1141 or 327/274-1321). This three-story stack of modern kitchenette apartments enfolds an inviting beachfront pool and patio. Here, adults lounge around the small pool, while their kids frolic in a beachside kiddie pool. Upstairs, the dozen or so one-bedroom units, sleeping four, are simply but attractively furnished, with large rustic floor tiles, soft couches, white stucco walls, and shiny shower bathrooms. Low-season rentals run about $50 for up to four, except holidays and puentes (long weekends).
If the Quinta Mina is full, check out the Los Ayala branch of the popular Rincón de Guayabitos lodging Bungalows el Delfín (Av. Estero 228, tel. 327/274-0971, www.bungalowseldelfin.com [2]).
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/puerto-vallarta/the-nayarit-coast/rincon-de-guayabitos
[2] http://www.bungalowseldelfin.com