From the Desk of Armando Contreras
Galvan Real Estate and Services — Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
After nearly 15 years working in real estate along this stretch of the Pacific coast, I have seen markets rise, pause, and recover. And I am here to tell you that 2026 has been one of the more instructive years!
We began the year with strong momentum. January and February brought solid activity in both tourism-driven rentals and property sales. Buyers and visitors were engaged, and the early calendar felt like the start of another healthy season for Riviera Nayarit.
Then, in late February, events elsewhere in Mexico, particularly the unrest and security concerns that followed the death of a major cartel figure in Jalisco, created a wave of fear and uncertainty that rippled well beyond the immediate area.
Media over coverage and travel advisories contributed to a noticeable drop in tourism. With fewer visitors came a corresponding slowdown in real estate inquiries and closed transactions. The market did not collapse, but it flattened.
We adjusted, focused on the buyers who remained serious, and continued working. It will not be a record year for either volume or the number of closed deals, and that is simply the reality of the year we have had.
As the calendar moved into the second half, Riviera Nayarit faced another challenge: a rapid succession of tropical systems. Hurricanes and heavy surf arrived one after another, bringing beach closures, temporary disruptions to tourism, coastal erosion, and, in places such as San Pancho, visible stress on certain beachfront structures.
These events tested infrastructure, shifted short term visitor patterns, and reminded everyone, buyers included, of the importance of proper setbacks, solid construction, and respect for the federal maritime zone.
Through it all, the fundamentals of this destination have not changed. Riviera Nayarit remains one of Mexico’s most appealing coastal regions: a mix of developed amenities and still-accessible beach towns, strong North American demand, improving connectivity to Puerto Vallarta’s airport, and a lifestyle that continues to attract both vacation-home buyers and those seeking a longer term base.
Inventory has been elevated in some segments, which has created negotiating room, but demand for well located and well priced properties has held. Industry colleagues at AMPI Riviera Nayarit have noted the post February slowdown while also observing that underlying buyer interest never disappeared and that the outlook for the coming season appears stronger.
Looking ahead to 2027, I expect a meaningful upswing in both tourism and real estate activity.
The region has weathered the combination of security related caution and successive storms. As those immediate concerns recede and the winter season approaches, the natural appeal of this coastline. The sun, surf, culture, and relative value compared with other Mexican beach markets, should reassert itself.
Buyers who have been waiting for clarity are likely to re-enter the market, and those who have been quietly watching well-priced opportunities will find the next 12 months more active than 2026.
Riviera Nayarit is still a gem. People continue to want to vacation here and, increasingly, to own here.
The challenges of this year have been real, but they have also highlighted the resilience of the destination and the buyers who remain committed to it.
If you are considering a purchase, a sale, or simply want a clear conversation about current conditions, pricing, and inventory, I invite you to reach out to the team at Galvan Real Estate and Services.
We know this market, we have navigated its cycles, and we are here to help you make informed decisions.
Warm regards,
Armando Contreras
Galvan Real Estate and Services
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
