The Belmond development in Bahía de Banderas has blocked historic trails and access to Malpaso Beach, sparking protests from residents, activists, and local organizations demanding restoration of public access, which is guaranteed by federal law. The State of Nayarit has turned a blind eye.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The ancestral trail that links the coastal towns of Sayulita and San Pancho in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, has been obstructed by a private tourist development, sparking widespread concern among residents, environmental groups, and local organizations. The Belmond project, which is actively clearing jungle adjacent to the iconic Malpaso Beach, has closed all access to both the beach and its surrounding historic hiking trails.
Just over a month ago, community leaders and concerned citizens met with representatives from the Belmond development to express concerns and present constructive proposals for maintaining public access and preserving the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Among their suggestions was a call to integrate historic trails like the Camino Sacacosechas into the design of the tourist project.
But those efforts were disregarded, according to community groups. “Unfortunately, a few days ago, all access to the beach and hiking trails were closed, also blocking access to emergency services, lifeguards, and Civil Protection, seriously impacting the local community, the environment, and the regional economy,” the organizations stated in a joint release.
One of the most significant casualties of the closure is the Camino Sacacosechas, a trail with more than a century of use by the Wixarika people, local fishermen, coconut harvesters, and more recently, by tourists, hikers, athletes, and emergency responders. The road is not only of cultural importance but also plays a critical role in community safety and mobility.
The response from local organizations has been swift and united. Groups including Sersuvoz AC, Grupo Pro Sayulita, Azul Sayu, Mi Sayulita AC, Mujeres Unidas por Bahía de Banderas, Colectivo Playas Libres, Alianza De La Costa Verde, Campamento Tortuguero Sayulita, Grupo Ecológico De La Costa Verde, and Senderos Al Mar have joined forces to call on local, state, and federal authorities to intervene immediately.
Citing legal obligations for developers to donate 10% of their land for public use—typically in the form of green spaces—community leaders have formally requested that this portion be used to guarantee permanent, safe, and regulated access to Malpaso Beach and to protect the Camino Sacacosechas as a designated ecological and cultural trail.
“These roads are not only part of our history, but also of our economic present,” the groups emphasized. “Their closure violates the community’s right to access public spaces and represents a breach of previously discussed agreements with the developer.”
Residents argue that the proposal they’ve submitted offers a legal, sustainable, and community-oriented compromise that balances development with local interests. By preserving the trail and restoring access to the beach, the region can continue to benefit from responsible tourism, maintain cultural heritage, and uphold basic rights to public spaces.
The Belmond development has not yet issued a public response to the community’s demands.
As tensions rise, residents and advocacy groups vow to continue pushing for accountability and transparency, warning that ignoring the social and environmental cost of privatized development risks deepening divides in one of Nayarit’s most visited regions.
The Belmond development in Bahía de Banderas has blocked historic trails and access to Malpaso Beach, sparking protests from residents, activists . . .
