The tourist crowd is an interesting blend of local Mexican and international visitors. Many of the rental properties on or near the beach are owned by Mexicans from inland, many from Guadalajara. Probably 60-70% of the tourists in Lo De Marcos are retirees that are there for part or all of the winter. Many of those are RVers that live in the 5 main RV parks situated on or near the beach.
Of the North American tourists, the split seems to be around 80%-20% Canadians to Americans, judging by the license plates in town. Americans are most likely to be from NoCal, Oregon, or Washington State. Canadians are most likely to be from BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. One of the jokes in town is that there are about as many Saskatchewan Roughrider flags flying as there are Mexican flags. There is also a notable Quebecois ex-pat population in Lo De Marcos, primarily located on the north end of the beach. Seasonal residents sometimes refer to this jokingly as the 'French Quarter'. So yes, you can be misunderstood in at least 3 languages in this little town.
Getting to Lo De Marcos (or anywhere on the Riviera Nayarit), is easy. Direct busses up highway 200 are available from the Puerto Vallarta airport. It's about 45 minutes to an hour from the PV airport to Lo De Marcos. An excellent how-to guide for finding your way can be [http://chacalanayarit.blogspot.com/2006/10/photos-of-puerto-vallarta-airport-and.html found here]
At about 2 square kilometers, all of Lo De Marcos is very walkable, even with a beer in hand. Visitors often travel to nearby towns such as San Francisco (San Pancho), Sayulita, Rincon de Guayabitos, and La Pinita for additional sightseeing. This can be done via taxi or bus. Busses run frequently along highway 200. The bus stop for Lo De Marcos is near the convenience store on the highway.
Lo De Marcos' biggest draw is obvious- It is blessed with a long, wide stretch of near-perfect, and almost completely empty, beach. There is a river outflow on the north end of the beach near the Tilaquepaque RV park and resort, and tidal pools at the south end. Humpback whales are commonly seen off of the beach. Lo De Marcos is built around a central natural wetland, where turtles, waterfowl, and other wildlife can be spotted. Iguanas are not uncommon.
There are festivals several times a year, including independence day and Semana Santa (easter week). On these holidays and long weekends, the beach swells with tourists from inland.
What ''not'' to do is more like it. Hanging out in a chair on the fantastic beach with a beer and friends should be this town's logo.
The surf break at Lo De Marcos can range from lake calm to large angry breakers. The southern end of the beach is suitable for surfing, and it's not uncommon for the local kids to show up with their boards after school. Most of the surf break at Lo De Marcos are large breakers that crash quickly and produce a long, strong churn, very suitable for boogie boarding by people of all ages. Kayaking is popular here.
Many species of fish inhabit the waters just off the coast here. Sierra, Dorado, Watchinanga (Red Snapper), sea perch, and Bhota (blue triggerfish) are commonly fished for because of their abundance and excellent taste. If you're interested in angling or catching your lunch, many local fishermen are open to taking on passengers, and both the rate and company is always good.
While there are a few souvenir shops, there is not much shopping to be had in town. There are some beach vendors selling jewelry and local handicrafts, but you certainly won't be harassed by them like in established tourist destinations. If you're looking to shop, the 15 minute drive to Rincon de Guayabitos or La Pinita to the north, or Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta to the south are in order.
There are 3 or 4 liquor stores in Lo De Marcos. Booze prices are, on average, about 10% higher here than discount chains or larger outlets in La Pinita. To recap then, booze is stupidly cheap +10%.
There are 4 or 5 great restaurants in Lo de Marcos, most offering excellent traditional Mexican fare. The restaurant at the Tlaquepaque hotel is excellent. On Saturday nights, the number of food service outlets triples as the town square comes alive with taco wagons and entertainment. 'Taco Hopping' is a common Saturday activity amongst seasonal visitors. The puerco con pina (roasted pork with pineapple) and tacos lingua (beef tongue) are local favourites. Ground pork is the most common taco served. Because of the abundance of fresh seafood, excellent ceviche is commonly served.
Lo De Marcos also has a fantastic rustic clay oven bakery, producing a wide variety of breads, cakes, pastries, and other delectable treats. There are several grocery stores with all the items required for daily life, and also a local produce wagon that will bring all varieties of produce to your door, including tourist imports like potatoes and apples.
Homesick for some western fare? Many visitors head up to Rincon de Guayabitos to Tequila Willie's on the south end of the beach. Here the Western Canadian influence is in full effect, since you can watch an NHL hockey game and chow down on very reasonably priced prime imported Alberta beef.
There are 4 or 5 small hotels in Lo De Marcos. However, it's common for residents also have bungalows for rent above their primary residences. Many beach houses can also be rented, either short or long term.
Interested in volunteering in Lo De Marcos? Ex-pats often help out at the Casa De Los Ninos, reading to children. This is an after school program launched by a California couple, in the memory of their own family killed just prior to moving to Lo De Marcos. This is where local children can access a library, the internet, and english instruction. They are also always in need of donations, including school supplies, books, and computer equipment. www.lacasadelosninos.org