Getting to Playa Las Tortugas is not difficult. Below we have provided maps and links to Google Maps directions from the Puerto Vallarta Airport and Guadalajara Airport.
Summary:
Google link for directions from Puerto Vallarta Airport which takes 2 hours in light traffic and 2 1/2 when it’s busy around the airport.
Google link for directions from Guadalajara Airport which takes about 3 1/2 hours in normal traffic.
Four things to keep in mind as you plan your drive to Playa Las Tortugas:
If using Google Maps or other apps, make sure you set the proper destination for Playa Las Tortugas. The apps don’t always drop the destination in the correct place. Use the links below to make sure you have it correct.
If you’re arriving from outside Mexico you won’t have an internet connection once you leave the airport unless you have an international plan. And even then you’re driving out into the country. It’s best to either write down directions or load them onto your phone at the airport using their free wifi and keep the map open.
The drive is straightforward. The only spots where it can be a little confusing are the left-hand turn in Las Varas (actually many left-hand turns in Mexico are like this) where you have to first switch over to the little side road on the right before reaching the light. The other is the left-hand turn onto the dirt road that takes you into Playa Las Tortugas - it creeps up on you and often the small sign is covered by foliage.
You probably know this already, but you will need to get all your supplies before arriving at Playa Las Tortugas because there are no stores or restaurants here. If you’re coming from Puerto Vallarta, Mega and Comer are great choices for groceries and are 15 km from the airport on your right. They are right next to the road, and next to each other for some reason.
If you take the Toll Road from Puerto Vallarta (which we recommend because it’s 20-30 minutes faster and more predictable) you will need Pesos for the toll booths - about US$25 worth (about 400 pesos). There are several ATMs at the Mega in #4 above, as well as other spots near the airport.
From Puerto Vallarta airport to Playa Las Tortugas
Link to Google Maps directions from Puerto Vallarta airport
The drive from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Playa Las Tortugas is 116 km and typically takes 2 1/4 hours.
Please note that at ~95 km from the airport Highway 16 makes a (sort of tricky) left-hand turn in the middle of the town of Zacualpan. The turn requires you to shift to the right to a local parallel road for just a few minutes before you make the turn at the light. It’s sort of like an improvised turning lane.
At 109 km from the airport, just past the turnoff for the town of Otates, look for the small Playa Las Tortugas sign and turn left down a sharp little decline onto the dirt road.
Follow the dirt road for 9 km until you reach the front gate of Playa Las Tortugas. Give security your name.
Pass through the gates and take the second left and you’ll see the blue/green house that is La Villa Reyes!
This video shows the turn-off to Playa Las Tortugas road
As you approach Playa Las Tortugas
Directions to the La Villa Reyes house
From Guadalajara to Playa Las Tortugas
The drive from Guadalajara to Playa Las Tortugas is also a relatively simple drive. The trip is 270 km and typically takes a little over 4 hours depending on traffic.