Santa María del Oro, Nayarit
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.