Nayarit: Archaeology, Mangroves and Volcanic Landscapes

In Nayarit, a wide range of discoveries leads to specific places: cultural highlights include archaeological remains and a fair celebrating corn, while nature lovers can find mangroves, a lagoon, waterfalls and an active volcano. When choosing your holiday rental, consider which of these experiences you want to focus your trip on—and which places you would like to explore for them.

Discover archaeological history and culture

The archaeological site of Ixtlán del Río, also known as Los Toriles, is located in Ixtlán del Río. It is the only archaeological site in Nayarit and covers more than 80 hectares. Its distinctive features include palaces and one of the few circular temples in the Mesoamerican region. If you are interested in early architecture and archaeological history, it is a notable destination to consider when planning your trip.

The Museo Regional de Nayarit offers a broader view of the region's history, providing an archaeological overview of the pre-Hispanic peoples who lived in what is now Nayarit. The museum is housed in a building designated as a historic monument. These offer different ways to explore the region: the archaeological site in Ixtlán del Río with its specific structures, and a museum providing a regional overview.

Jala also combines a distinctive status with a living tradition. It was the first Pueblo Mágico in Nayarit. The Feria del Elote takes place there in August. The program includes a contest for the world's largest ear of corn, as well as other artistic and cultural events. If you want to plan your trip around a particular month and a tradition like this, the August date offers another point of reference when making your selection.

Mangroves, lagoon and volcanic landscapes

La Tovara, a transition zone between fresh and salt water, is located in San Blas. Mangroves surround the route and form tunnels along the way; the area is home to crocodiles, birds and turtles. You can explore La Tovara National Park on a boat trip through the mangroves. If you want to combine your trip with nature watching and a journey through this landscape, consider San Blas as one of the places to include in your plans.

A different natural setting can be found at the lagoon of Santa María Del Oro, which is surrounded by wooded landscapes and associated with camping and restaurants. El Manto, a natural swimming spot with crystal-clear waterfalls and large stone walls, is surrounded by nature and located in Amatlán de Cañas. The two examples offer different highlights: a lagoon in a wooded setting and a natural swimming spot whose waterfalls and rock walls shape the landscape.

The active volcano El Ceboruco lies at the foot of Jala and is a destination for hikers and explorers. Alongside cultural destinations, Nayarit therefore also offers a reason to focus your trip more on a volcanic landscape and active exploration. Jala is also where the Feria del Elote takes place; the cultural event and the volcano are two different reasons to keep this name in mind when choosing potential destinations.

More experiences and places to consider

The Islas Marietas lie near Nayarit: a volcanic archipelago comprising two islands, islets and rocks, 9.5 km southwest of the Nayarit coast. The archipelago is home to the attraction known as Playa del Amor or Playa Escondida. Certified guides offer excursions, snorkeling and diving there with professional ecotourism operators. In Amatlán de Cañas, you can also visit artisan chocolate-making workshops. These experiences appeal to different interests: island and marine nature, guided activities, or an insight into how chocolate is made.

More places in Nayarit

For further reference within Nayarit, consider Bucerias, San Pedro Lagunillas, Tepic, Sayulita, Agua Escondida, Monteón, Punta Mita and La Cruz De Huanacaxtle. Other names to search for include La Peñita De Jaltemba, Cuastecomate, Lo De Marcos, Las Varas, Higuera Blanca, San Francisco, Estancia Del López, Valle Dorado, Ruiz, Ixtlán del Río, Jala, Compostela, Ahuacatlán and Bahía de Banderas. San Blas is another possible place name to consider when planning your trip.

For an overview of the wider trip: Mexico.