Nayarit, A Coastal Mexican State, Offers Travelers Adventure, Culture, Beauty
North of the beaches of San Blas and the so-called "Riviera Nayarit," popular with tourists and snowbirds, is the colonial town of San Blas, whose Fuerte de San Basilio fort once protected the area from pirates.
Just south are Matanchen Bay's surfing beaches, while north is Mexcaltitlán Island, considered the birthplace of Aztec civilization.
Aerial view of the colorful houses of Mexcaltitan, a magical town built on an island in a mangrove ... More swamp in Nayarit, Mexico
Beaches: Golden, sandy beaches lay beneath the Sierra Madre mountains, with groves of palm trees and powerful Pacific waves, with more than two dozen beach towns along nearly 200 miles of coastline. Favorites include Sayulita and San Pancho, the secluded coves of Punta Mita, and the remote, wildlife-rich estuaries of Rincon de Guayabitos, San Blas, and beyond.
Surfer in Sayulita, Nayarit Mexico
Surfers and surf enthusiasts head to the beaches of San Pancho on June 20 for International Surfing Day. Playa San Panch, with powerful waves, is the main beach. Diving is best in Nayarit during the summer, when water temperatures and visibility are at their peak.
Outdoor Adventures: You can experience the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre mountains on a zip-lining excursion, hike to hidden waterfalls, surf the secret breaks, or go whale watching along the coast.
Cultural Immersion: Nayarit has a rich cultural heritage. Explore the colorful markets of Tepic, where you can sample local cuisine and shop for handmade crafts. Check out traditional Huichol art and learn about the indigenous culture that has thrived in the region for centuries.
Mexican indigenous Huichol beading necklace and bracelet.
Magical Towns: More than any other state in Mexico, Nayarit is home to nine Magical Towns, special destinations recognized for heritage, culture, natural beauty, legends, and gastronomy. Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, San Blas, and Puerto Balleto (Islas Marías), Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, and Mexcaltitan offer an opportunity to get in touch with the history and soul of the state.
Scenic view of Jala, Nayarit, a pueblo magico (magical town) in Mexico, with its iconic church tower ... More and volcano in the background.
Food: Traditional Narayit recipes feature fresh seafood and fish, and dishes are seasoned generously. A delicacy is corn-based tamales, both sweet and savory. This cooked corn dough stands out for its spongy texture and versatility, and can be filled with the ingredient you prefer.
The most popular desserts are jericalla and cocadas, found both on restaurant menus and at street stalls.
Cocada Coconut Candy
Luxurious Resorts: Summer often means lower prices or exclusive travel deals Besides tropical gardens and azure waters, luxe resorts offer accommodations from palatial suites to private villas, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean or jungle landscapes. Outdoor activities include championship golf courses to water sports and tours of nearby villages and vibrant markets.
Golf: Nine world-class golf courses are designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Jim Like, Percy Clifford, and Robert Von Hagge & Baril. These top-tier golf courses feature spectacular views over the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the beaches and mountain rainforests of the Sierra Madres.
Crystal Clear Water surround the golf course in Punta Mita, Nayarit Mexico
Wellness: The jungle-covered mountains, crashing Pacific coastline, and abundance of wildlife is an ideal backdrop for a wellness journey. Whether it's an indulgent treatment at a world-class spa in Punta de Mita, a multi-day yoga retreat in Sayulita, or filling your days with alcohol-free activity and adventure, Nayarit can send you on a wellness journey.
For all travel topics, check out my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane.
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