My husband and I will be in PV this November and would like to rent a car (Jeep, probably) and explore the smaller towns outside of PV. We definitely like to see culture and we love to hike. With that being said, should we go north or south? Any suggestions for good hiking areas?

Thanks in advance!!!

Either's great. I believe there are more towns closer heading north (Bucerias, Punta Mita, San Pancho, Sayulita, San Blas to name a few). For a bit longer trip though heading south down toward Melenque and Barra de Navidad would be nice too.

I've always enjoyed travel in both directions. Going South there are some incredibly remote hotels that do require a car as they are on the beach a few miles off the highway. Meleque is a great overnight (or longer) stop as is it's Sister town of Barra.

Yalapas is supposed to be really cool. It's south, but I believe it can only be reached by boat.
My boss ended up bored with the pampering at the all inclusive they were staying at (Not me, pamper away and bring me one of those drinks with the umbrellas) and ended up staying 3 nights in Yalapas.

Yelapa (not to nit-pick but correct spelling so you can 'google').

For your first trip, go North past San Francisco (San Pancho) Lo de Marcos, La Penita, Chacala, Tepic, San Blas. I think there might be more small towns, closer together going north. Somewhere up by La Penita there is a hot springs which I hope to explore some day. Look at a map and see if San Miguel de Allende is within your time frame. My friends RAVE about this quaint place.