Nayarit
Destinations
The generous waters of the Pacific caress the beautiful beaches of Nayarit. It is a small state rich in culture, history, natural beauty and an extensive array of tourist services.
Tepic
Tepic is the capital of Nayarit and is located in the center of the state. It is the center for the state's government and is the most populated city in Nayarit. One of the preferred places to visit by both locals and tourists alike is Cerro de la Cruz. From this hill, one may contemplate the city, beautiful dusks and the Valley of Matatipac through telescopes. Free transportation is available for this trip.
Cerro Bola's landscape lends itself to many activities and sports like mountain climbing, scaling, camping, and hiking, all in harmonious coexistence with nature.
La Loma, Alameda Central, the Anthropology and History Museum, the Aramara Visual Arts Museum, Bellavista, the Chapel of our Lady of the Dolores, the Amado Nervo Museum, the Juan Escutia Museum, Cerro de San Juan de Los Cuatro Pueblos, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Madre Garden, the Nuestras Raíces Mural, the University Murals, the Tepic Murals, the Emilia Ortiz Art Museum, Esteban Baca Calderón Park, Juan Escutia Park, Aguamilpa National Park, Solidaridad Plaza, the Main Plaza, San Bernardino de las Joyas, San Cayetano, the San José Temple, the Cruz Temple and ex-Convent, and the Sangangüey Volcano are places to find fun, culture, entertainment and beautiful landscapes.
Santa María del Oro
Santa María del Oro is a small but picturesque town in Nayarit that has a splendid panoramic view. Traditions are preserved here and it seems as though one can virtually breathe in tranquility.
One of the main attractions in the city is the 18th century Temple of Señor de la Ascensión. Its visitors are treated to amazingly detailed and formed architecture.
Another important spot in the area is Santa María del Oro Lagoon. This beautiful lagoon is nestled in the corner of the Western Sierra Madre mountain range and is surrounded by four majestic guardians: el Cerro del Piltontle, el Cerro de Tepotzilama, el Cerro Bermejo and el Cerro de Oro. The geologic characteristics of this lagoon are consistent with a volcano crater. The warm sulfurous water bubbles out from internal springs. The minerals in the water are said to have medicinal properties.
Not only does this lagoon zone have a spectacular panoramic view, but it also has an historical legend. This legend began in the 18th century and was told by the settlers of the region. It is said that in the days of the Spanish conquest, gold abounded in this region. This precious metal was so abundant that when plants were pulled from the ground a cloud of gold dust would result.
The lagoon is surrounded by a thick pine, oak and evergreen forest creating a beautiful landscape for sport fishing, windsurfing, sailing, skiing, motor-boating, and diving in the lagoon.
San Blas
San Blas is a Nayarit port founded during the first years of the conquest (approximately 1530). Since then, the predominant economic activity has been fishing. Commerce, agriculture and tourism are also important to the economy of San Blas.
The beautiful semi-virgin beaches of the bay give the port a special feel with calm waters and unmatched panoramic views.
Among the multiple attractions in the port, you'll find: the Contaduría Fort Ruins, the old customs building, the Virgin of the Rosary Temple, El Borrego, Matanchén, Islitas, Los Cocos and Platanitos beaches, the petroglyph park, Santa Cruz de Miramar, and natural springs like El Cora and La Tobara.
Other destination spots for a great day at the beach include Playa Articaza, Playa del Rey, Playa la Manzanilla, Playa Miramar and Puerta Palapares.