𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗹𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝘂𝘇 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝘂𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮

Great Training for My Upcoming Camino de Santiago

Panoramic View of Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta 

From Mirador Cerro de la Cruz

While there are several routes to the best viewpoint in Puerto Vallarta, I chose to start walking from my home in the Romantic Zone. I’m training to walk the 119-kilometer Camino de Santiago Inglés in Spain, so the route through Isla Cuale offered the perfect warm-up with a few gentle hills.

Here are a few of the views along my route to the hilltop cross. Below, I’ve included a walking map.

The First Mural after the Pedestrian Bridge to Isla Cuale

Starting from Tintoque, Aquiles Serdán 445

Up the Stairs and Over La Iguana Bridge to Gringo Gulch

Video: Crossing the Río Cuale on the Iguana Bridge

The River View and Steps Toward Gringo Gulch

Gringo Gulch is Beginning to Look Like Old Spain

At Cuauhtémoc 21, Puerto Vallarta Centro

Puente del Amor (Bridge of Love) on C. Zaragoza

Connecting the two buildings of Famous Casa Kimberly

Following Google Maps on my watch, it indicated that I should turn right at C. Zaragoza 399. There I found another long set of rustic steps climbing steeply uphill, though there were no signs indicating the way to the viewpoint. To be sure I was headed in the right direction, I asked a local man while pointing up the stairway, “La Cruz?”—meaning, “Is this the way to the cross?” He nodded with a smile and gestured upward. “Sí, el mirador,” he said.

Another long stairway at C. Zaragoza 399.

No sign, but these steps lead up toward the viewpoint.

I Stopped to Rest and Appreciate the Views

I Love this Old Wooden Door on C. Emilio Carranza

Pink Trumpet Tree blooming on Emilio Carranza

I dug my water bottle out of my backpack while admiring the views along Emilio Carranza and took a long drink. The temperature was already over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and I’m no spring chicken. I didn’t want to become a casualty of dehydration or heat stroke, and realized I should have added a packet of electrolytes to my water before leaving home.

Then I realized I was hungry and hadn’t packed any food. That was the second rule I had broken for hiking. In training for the Camino de Santiago, I’ve learned that finding food for sale along the way can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, I spotted a tienda, a small store, up ahead and decided to stop in and look for a somewhat healthy snack.

I was grateful for this tienda on Emilio Carranza

and Alicia Platanitos, a Salty Crisp Plantain Snack

Finally, a sign that I was on the right path to the Hill of the Cross.

A roadside shrine to the Virgin of the Hill along Calle Aldama

while climbing toward the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint.

The Last Steep Climb to the Viewpoint—Or So I Thought

This stairway climbs beside abandoned funicular tracks.

 

My First Glimpse of Banderas Bay and the Long Climb Below

A Bench By the Viewpoint Mural, One Flight of Stairs Below the Cross

I set my backpack down and leaned my walking poles against the bench—a small sign that I had reached my destination. From there, I still had two pinnacles to choose from to finish the climb: the cross or the mirador platform. I chose the cross, and the final steps were worth it.

It was my first time making the climb to the cross at Mirador Cerro de la Cruz, even though I’ve lived in Puerto Vallarta for almost five years. Reaching the top felt like a small personal victory—and I was proud of myself.

The Cross at the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint

 Overlooking Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta

How Do You Walk to the Cerro de la Cruz Viewpoint?

My Google Maps walking map below shows a distance of about 1 kilometer and an estimated 19-minute walk from Tintoque Restaurant, across Isla Río Cuale, and up through the hillside neighborhoods to the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. Of course, that estimate doesn’t account for the steep climb—or stopping along the way to rest and enjoy the views. It took me almost an hour to reach the summit and about 30 minutes to walk back down. If you decide to take this route, I recommend allowing about two hours so you can enjoy the walk at a relaxed pace.

A Story Inspired by Life in Mexico

Living in Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita has inspired many of my stories about life in Mexico, including my novels. If you enjoy stories about life in Mexico, you might like my novel, Mexico For Better or For Worse. The story follows Jake and Lindsay, an expat couple living in Sayulita, as they navigate serious health challenges and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic while trying to hold on to the life they built together in Mexico.

Paperback edition of my novel, Mexico For Better or For Worse

The eBook is Free with an Amazon Kindle Unlimited Membership

Terry L Turrell, Author of Blogs and Books

About Adventures and Expat Life in Mexico

𝟰 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀, 𝗠𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗼

       RV-Ready, Gated Lot With Installed Services

Full-size Class C RV parked inside the gated lot

With clearance along the wall for easy access to RV hookups.

We’ve been so grateful for the continued interest in our gated lot in Lo de Marcos. With questions coming in, we thought it would be helpful to answer a few more of the most common ones we’ve been hearing lately. If you’ve been following along, you know this property has a lot going for it—and clearly, others think so too.

❓ Question 1

 How many square meters is your lot?

Our improved lot with all services in Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, is 200 square meters.

The dimensions are 20 meters by 10 meters, making it an easy, practical size for designing a comfortable home with outdoor space without feeling overwhelming to maintain.

Because of its rectangular shape and level layout, the lot lends itself well to a variety of home designs, whether someone is envisioning a single-level home, a two-story build, or RV living.

The gated entrance is approximately 3 to 3½ meters wide (around 11 feet), allowing comfortable access for vehicles, construction equipment, and RVs. The gate swings in and out for flexibility.

The gate swings in and out for flexibility (RV not included).

❓ Question 2

Are there services?

Yes—our improved lot has services already in place, which is one of its biggest advantages.

Electricity:

CFE electrical service is already installed on the lot

With a dedicated meter and panel.

• Electricity is installed with a CFE meter
• 100-amp electric service with a 50-amp branch panel, suitable for residential use and RV needs

Water source:

The lot’s private well system.

The 6-inch pipe in front of the storage container is the well casing.

It has a 1.5-inch water line and hose connection for easy access.

·       A high-producing well that is 24 meters (79 feet) deep

·       Water level is typically 6–8 meters (20–26 feet) from the surface

·       Pump level is set at 21 meters (69 feet) for reliable performance

Water storage:

5,000-liter underground cistern installed on concrete slab

·       5,000-liter circular polyethylene underground cistern

·       Set on a concrete slab and surrounded by an 8-inch-wide, 6-foot-tall circular concrete block wall

·       Capped with a 4-inch concrete slab with an access opening

Water Storage Cistern Access Opening

Sewer:

·       A biodigester septic system sized for up to five people

Biodigester Septic System Sized for Up To 5 People

Having these services already installed saves significant time, cost, and uncertainty—whether someone plans to build a home or use the lot for RV living. The infrastructure was thoughtfully completed by a U.S. custom home builder, ensuring it was done carefully and to a high standard.

❓ Question 3  

Does it have RV hookups already installed?

RV hookups installed on the lot, including 30-amp electrical service, sewer connection, and water access—ready for RV living in Lo de Marcos, Mexico.

Yes. This Lo de Marcos lot is already equipped with RV-ready hookups, making it ideal for immediate RV use or future home construction.

Installed services include a 30-amp electrical outlet, a 4-inch sewer connection, and a dedicated water connection, all professionally set up and clearly accessible on the property.

These existing RV hookups allow an owner to park and live comfortably in an RV while planning or building a home, or to use the lot seasonally without the delays and costs of installing utilities from scratch. RV-ready infrastructure like this is increasingly rare in the Lo de Marcos area and adds both convenience and long-term value to the property.

❓ Question 4

Is this lot suitable for building a home in the future?

Yes. One of the strengths of this gated lot in Lo de Marcos, Mexico is its flexibility. While it is already usable for RV living, the lot was also prepared with future home construction in mind.

The lot’s 200-square-meter (20 x 10 meter) size, level layout, installed services, and gated access make it well-suited for designing and building a comfortable home when the time is right. Existing infrastructure—including electricity, water, sewer, and drainage—can significantly simplify the building process and reduce upfront costs and delays.

Using the lot for RV living now does not limit future options. A buyer can enjoy the property immediately while planning, designing, or budgeting for a home build later, making this a practical choice for both short-term use and long-term investment.

Why We’re Ready to Pass This On

We’re offering this lot because our long-term plans have shifted—not because of any issue with the property or the area. Jon took the time to do things right here, from the infrastructure to the layout, knowing how important reliability and peace of mind are when building or living in Mexico. We hope this lot becomes the foundation for someone else’s next chapter.

Jon and Terry during an earlier time in Puerto Vallarta.

Still Curious?

We’re happy to answer questions and share what we’ve learned from our own experience. If this lot has caught your attention, you’re not alone—there’s been thoughtful interest, and for good reason. This gated lot is located in Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like more details or if there’s a question we haven’t covered yet. You can leave a comment at the bottom or message me on my Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Facebook Page via Messenger. More updates coming soon.

If you missed my earlier post, you can also read 3 Common Questions About Our Gated Lot in Lo de Marcos here. 

To ask other questions or schedule an in-person showing, please contact our realtor, Rod Rosile, through his website, Sayulita Investment Property, and our lot listing LOTE TURRELLSIR110625. Pricing and availability details are provided on the official listing.

Terry L Turrell, Author

Amazon Author Page

𝟯 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘁 🌊

A Beach Town on the Cusp of Discovery 🌊

Sunset walks are part of everyday life in Lo de Marcos.

Lo de Marcos is the kind of beach town people dream about—quiet, friendly, and still wonderfully authentic. Since listing our lot, we’ve been asked many thoughtful questions by people imagining their own future here. Below, I’m answering the three questions we hear most often, to help you decide whether this little corner of Riviera Nayarit might be right for you.

❓ Question 1

How close is the lot to the beach and town?

This is always the first question—and for good reason. One of the joys of Lo de Marcos is being able to walk into town or down to the beach, enjoying daily life without needing a car.

Lo de Marcos is a compact beach town, which means the ocean is always close. From our improved property, it’s a pleasant 17-minute walk to the Tomatina beachfront restaurant, or an easy 5-minute golf cart ride, the preferred way locals get around.

An easy walk or quick golf cart ride from Calle Pino to the beach at Tomatina.

❓ Question 2

Is the lot easy to access, and how close is the highway?

Buyers want convenience without constant noise. This lot offers straightforward access from the highway while still feeling tucked away and peaceful once you’re there.

Set back from the highway, the property feels quiet and private once inside the walls.

❓ Question 3

Does the property have a clear title (escritura)?

Purchasing property in Mexico comes with important legal considerations. We have an attorney working to provide an escritura, giving buyers confidence and peace of mind from the start.

We expect the price to increase upon receipt of the title, likely later in 2026. The lot can be built on, used for an RV, or otherwise improved in the meantime.

Limited Time Offer: Lo de Marcos Gated Lot!

Price reduced to 1,850,000 MXN (was 2,000,000) when paying in pesos!

• Secure & walled

• Ready for your dream home or RV

Want to walk or drive by to take a look?

Here's a walking map using Casa Chiva as the starting point for reference. Maps are confusing because Calle Pino is in several places, including these two parallel streets.

Our Gated Lot is On the Desireable Town Side of the Highway

If you’d like more details, I’m happy to share what we’ve learned living and investing in this beautiful part of Nayarit. You can send me a message by leaving a comment at the bottom of this blog or in Messenger to my Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerryLTurrell/.

See more information about this lot and life in Lo de Marcos in my blog article, 𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲?🌊 Discover Our Improved Property for Sale in This Peaceful Beach Town🌴 In the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit.

If you want to see the lot in person, please get in touch with Rod Rosile, our realtor, through his website link for our lot, LoteTurrell SIR110625.

Jon and Terry Turrell at a Riviera Nayarit Beach

If you missed my earlier post, you can also read 𝟰 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀, 𝗠𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗰𝗼.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like more details or if there’s a question we haven’t covered yet. You can leave a comment at the bottom or message me on my Healthy Living and Traveling in Mexico Facebook Page via Messenger. More updates coming soon.

¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto Vallarta!🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta!

 ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo desde Puerto Vallarta!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Puerto Vallarta!

Jon and Terry on a Day Trip

We wish joy and peace for family and friends this Christmas and New Year.

Jon and I spend one or two days each week together, sharing new adventures. This week we visited San Pancho for the first time in many years. We met friends, Phil and Leslie, at a beach restaurant for good conversation, delicious lunches, sunshine, and warmth. See more HERE.

Terry L Turrell, Author

𝗜𝘀 𝗟𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲?🌊 Discover Our Improved Property for Sale in This Peaceful Beach Town🌴

In the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit

Playa Lo de Marcos, Waiting for Sunset

Are you dreaming of life in a tranquil, authentic Mexican beach town? If so, you may fall in love with Lo de Marcos—just as we did. And now, our improved property in this charming Riviera Nayarit community is officially for sale!

Lo de Marcos Plaza with Arch, Garden, and Gazebo

Lo de Marcos is a small, welcoming town known for its pristine beaches and relaxed pace of life. Tucked between palm-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, it offers an authentic taste of Mexico—far from the crowds of the bigger tourist destinations.

Lo De Marcos Plaza is One of the Prettiest I've Seen!

Jon and Sophie Resting in the Plaza Garden

Here’s an AI-generated description I felt captured it beautifully:

Why Lo de Marcos Stands Out

• Authentic Vibe: A traditional Mexican town with colorful buildings, a central plaza, and a warm local community.
• Peaceful & Uncrowded: Home to stunning beaches—Los Venados, Las Minitas, and El Atracadero—perfect for swimming, surfing, and soaking in sunsets.
• Walkable: Easy to explore on foot; golf carts and bikes are popular for getting around.
• Local Amenities: Filled with eateries, organic markets, artisans, and charming accommodations.
• Ideal Location: Situated in the Riviera Nayarit, just north of San Pancho and south of Guayabitos, within easy reach of Puerto Vallarta.

Transportation Includes Golf Carts, Horses, and Motos

Main Street Ends at an Arched Beach Access

From the Heart of the Town to the Beach

The downtown plaza is the true gathering spot—complete with a central gazebo, a colorful decorative arch, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s surrounded by restaurants, shops, and small hotels, offering the perfect blend of local charm and convenience.

Just a short stroll from the plaza, the beachfront comes alive with open-air restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, cold drinks, and incredible ocean views. Several beachfront restaurants line the shore, offering fresh seafood, cold drinks, and the simple pleasure of eating with your toes in the sand. It’s the kind of place where you can linger for hours, watching the waves and enjoying an easygoing coastal meal.

Olivia's Restaurant on the Beach is One of Our Favorites

Olivia's Coconut Shrimp is My Favorite Dish

The Riviera Nayarit tourism website describes Lo de Marcos as “a true Mexican town… with many fine sandy beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and enjoying exceptional Pacific Ocean sunsets.” One quick Google search will reward you with a slideshow of incredible photos—palm trees, mountains, and uncrowded beaches that stretch peacefully along the shoreline.

One of the Uncrowded Beaches in Lo de Marcos

Some call Lo de Marcos paradise on earth. It’s a restful contrast to the livelier energy of Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. You’ll find bungalows, villas, RV parks, small hotels, and an abundance of beachfront seafood restaurants—all served with a relaxed smile.

Lo de Marcos is located about 32 miles (52 km) from the Puerto Vallarta airport. Transportation options and additional visitor information can be found on the Riviera Nayarit website:
https://rivieranayarit.com.mx/destinations/lo-de-marcos/

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Our Property for Sale in Lo de Marcos

Jon Contracted a Nicely Built Wall and Key-lock Gate

During Jon’s six months living in Lo de Marcos, he purchased a piece of land and made significant improvements. It is now fully prepared and ready for its next owner—whether for RV living or building a dream home.

Property Highlights — LOT TURRELL

• Fully Enclosed Lot
• Water, Underground Water Storage Tank, Electricity & Septic Installed
• Ready-to-Build
• Large Mango Tree providing shade and delicious fruit
• Easy Highway Access
• Secure On-Site Storage: A converted shipping container sits inside the walled enclosure

Installing the Underground Water Storage Tank (Cistern)

Lo de Marcos is a Small Walkable Town on the Beach

This is an excellent opportunity in a growing area of Lo de Marcos. Please see more photos and contact our realtor, Rod Rosile, HERE. 

Price: $108,000 USD or $2,000,000 MXN pesos
Realtor: Rod Rosile, Sayulita Investment Realty
Listing: Lote Turrell SIR110625
Website Link: https://investsayulita.com/property-details/?id=998&tid=145

Jon and Terry at Jardin Serein in Lo de Marcos

Another Favorite Restaurant, April 2025

Living in Mexico Lessons Learned

Healthy Living in Mexico Book #3

FREE with Kindle Unlimited Membership

Terry L Turrell, Author