Nayarit, Mexico Maintains Precious Heritage as Tourism Grows

Nayarit, Mexico is no longer the old Nueva Nayarit of recent years but a state of tourism that is coming into its own. The small region of Mexico that is bordered by Sinaloa to the northwest, Durango to the north, Zacatecas to the northeast and Jalisco to the south, has enough magic of its own to give any tourism magnet in Mexico a run for its money. 

The region is known for its world-class beaches on the bay, just north of Puerto Vallarta. For decades, it has attracted North American tourists. Along the warm waters of the Bay of Banderas, you’ll find a line-up of branded mega resorts. Beyond these resorts, there are the towns of San Blas, Bucerias, San Pancho, and several beachside villages. These areas, once fishing outposts, now serve as winter destinations for U.S. and Canadian travelers. Nayarit, however, offers much more than just beaches for those seeking adventure.

Nayarit boasts magical towns that remain untouched by mass tourism. These destinations offer travelers an authentic experience of Mexico, beyond just beaches, tacos, and beer bars.

Scenic Views: Nayarit

Nayarit boasts four Magic Towns (Pueblos Magicos): Compostela, Jala, Mexcaltitán, and Sayulita. These towns are selected for their unique charm and rich stories. While Sayulita is known for its relaxed vibe and vibrant beachfront, the other three towns add to Nayarit’s diverse and intriguing character.

One magical town, Jala, sits about three hours north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s typical of many mountain villages in Mexico. Cobblestone streets and pastel storefronts define its charm. The town is quiet and peaceful. It boasts a revered cathedral and a lively town square. Jala lies at the base of the Ceboruco Volcano. It is surrounded by lush agave fields and a wide variety of corn. The climate remains temperate, hovering around a soothing 77 degrees.

Visitors can explore the volcano’s fumaroles on biking, motorcycle and off-road tours, trekking, wildlife observation, and simple tours to the enormous valley formed by its crater. 

Visiting Jala: Nayarit

Visitors to Jala can explore historic colonial buildings, including the former Convent of Limpia y Purísima Concepción de Mara. The Franciscan Order built this church in 1582 to evangelize the local population. The site honors the miracles of the Jala Holy Doctors, or Los Santos Médicos de Jala. It also serves as a mausoleum for Franciscan friars and patients who died when the building functioned as a hospital. Additionally, visitors can tour the historic homes of prominent colonial families, which are linked by a network of underground tunnels. Furthermore, the State of Nayarit’s first museum dedicated to sacred art offers tours of these sacred buildings..

Visitors can also find a variety of traditional dining establishments, craft stores, and the legendary Municipal Market in close proximity to this shrine.

Spanish Empire

While strolling Jala’s cobblestoned streets, visitors pass old mansions now transformed into chic boutique hotels. These establishments retain the feel of the Spanish Empire. One such place is the Nukari Quinta Boutique. Built in 1778, it is now an upscale boutique hotel. The property features a variety of rooms and suites around an open interior court. Amenities include large four-poster beds, marble and stone bathrooms, grand armoires, coffee service, and satellite television. The rooftop bar and restaurant offer the finest fare in town with modern takes on regional favorites.

Other restaurants, like El Itacate, offer local kitchens with plastic cloth tables. They deliver all the taste and atmosphere you need for an authentic Jala dining experience. Don’t miss the Cochinita or the Tortillas de Harina. If you’re heading to the volcano on a Sunday, stop at El Rincon Del Campesino. Enjoy a hearty peasant breakfast with handmade wood-fired tortillas and an all-you-can-eat selection of local farm-to-table specialties.

The Nukari is located in the center of town, and in the center of all the sleepy action Jala can muster. Do not expect much English to be spoken here. Download a favorite digital translator and enjoy the ride. 

Bulk Visitors To Riviera: Nayarit

Most visitors to Riviera Nayarit arrive by plane at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). However, Tepic, the state capital and largest city in Nayarit, may become the region’s main airport in 2024. The airport will undergo significant upgrades, including an expanded main terminal, a longer runway, a new control tower, and renovated terminals. These improvements will make traveling to Nayarit’s northern beach villages much easier. With Tepic airport open, travelers will only need to travel less than an hour to reach the beach. Once completed, this new airport will offer travelers from the U.S. easier access to the 192-mile coastline.

“The state of Nayarit offers its visitors the chance to enjoy the luxury properties of the Riviera Nayarit and the authentic experiences of the many towns spread throughout the state, including our Magical Towns and the connection with the Huichols and our fields of agave,” said Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, Secretary of Tourism for the State of Nayarit. “The state offers four distinct regions and archipelagos, which have the perfect characteristics for outdoor activities, adventure tourism, ecological tourism, and cultural tourism.”

Suite Dreams at Nakuri in Jala

Other Hot Spot Destinations in Nayarit

Flamingos: An exclusive area of luxury hotels and condominiums centered on the famous “Flamingos” golf course designed by Percy Clifford.

Bucerías: This tiny fishing town has grown into a popular spot for dining and shopping near the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta. It retains its authentic Mexican charm with cobblestone streets, main square, tiny shops, lively pubs and numerous seafood restaurants along the beach.  Six days a week, an artisan market winds through its narrow streets. 

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: A traditional fishing village with an elegant new marina accommodating yachts to 400 feet. Rapidly growing, the town will soon have new boutique hotels, restaurants and shops.

Punta de Mita: Historically significant as the site of the ancient Huichol Indians’ annual spring festival, Punta de Mita is situated at the north tip of Banderas Bay. It has several fine restaurants, luxury residences and two intimate boutique hotels – Hotel des Artistes and Imanta Resort. 

Punta Mita: An exclusive gated resort and residential community including the Four Seasons and St. Regis, two 18-hole Jack Nicklaus championship golf courses and luxury residences.

Hot Spot

Marieta Islands: Situated in Banderas Bay near Punta Mita, the Marieta Islands are a wildlife sanctuary, home to many endangered bird species as well as rare coral reefs.  Boat tours from Nuevo Vallarta and Punta Mita are available to enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming and birdwatching.

San Francisco a.k.a. San Pancho:  Home of the famous Polo Club, the town comes alive during polo season between November and May. The town also offers horseback riding, diving, climbing, yoga, seasonal turtle rescue programs and jungle excursions. It has a lovely beach, several small hotels, B&Bs and charming restaurants as well as a thriving expat community. 

Sayulita: Internationally recognized for its outstanding surfing, Sayulita is a somewhat bohemian art colony with a thriving expat community. Visitors enjoy browsing the fine art galleries and stylish colorful shops with clothing, handicrafts, decorative items, handmade cosmetics and jewelry. Huichol Indians display their colorful art in the plaza in the heart of town. There are also several beachfront restaurants and cafes, luxurious villas, small hotels and spas. 

Litibú: The newest development in Riviera Nayarit is home to the new 18-hole Greg Norman championship course, as well as several luxury hotels and residential communities.

Best Pick

Lo de Marcos: A small authentic Mexican beach town with a friendly atmosphere and outstanding beaches, RV park and beachfront restaurant serving authentic local food.

Rincón de Guayabitos: Described as the “Hidden Pearl” among the beaches of Nayarit, Rincon is a popular but less developed beach resort town with a variety of small hotels and restaurants as well as fishing and diving excursions, boat trips to tiny offshore islands and a gorgeous beach. 

San Blas: The port city of San Blas is a rapidly growing tourism destination, thanks to its many beaches, colonial history, Spanish fort, excellent restaurants, and an abundance of migratory birds which attract ornithologists from around the world. The La Tovara National Park nearby is a federally protected mangrove forest with birds, crocodiles and turtles. 

Sanctuary

La Tovara National Park: A sanctuary for birds in a natural mangrove forest fed by the Pacific Ocean. Small motorboats take visitors through the mangroves to see many of the native birds of the region, as well as crocodiles, swamp turtles, and other creatures. Continuing up the estuary, a freshwater spring changes the terrain and brings new varieties of flora and fauna. 

Mexcaltitan: A small island of floating mangroves, canals and lowlands that is reputed to be the legendary Aztlan, birthplace of the Aztec civilization.  In addition Aerial views of Mexcaltitan show an oval-shaped village on a man-made island surrounded by mangroves teeming with exotic birds, the occasional alligator, turtles, fish, shrimp, lobster, oysters and mussels. From a central plaza that contains a picturesque church and a very small museum, the streets of the village radiate outward like spokes of a wheel. Visitors can enjoy exploring the Museo del Origen, dining in outdoor restaurants, beaches, birdwatching, swimming and relaxation. 

Others

Santa Maria del Oro: A lagoon locate at the west volcanic strip of Mexico, 114 miles from Tepic. Although situate near the Pacific Coast, the lagoon’s position is consideration to transition, having a climate that goes from tropical to cold, this last one due to the exuberant Sierra Madre Occidental behind it. With great diverse flora and fauna, from colorful and eye catching birds to white tailed deer, the town creates an incomparable atmosphere of tranquility that makes this place a hidden paradise. 

Los Toriles: Moreover Lying south of “Ixtlán,” Los Toriles is the most important archaeological site in northwestern Mexico constructed by “náhua” groups with “Toltec” influence around 650 BC, corresponding to the post classic Occidental Cultures. The main attraction in the area is the ruins at the palace of “Tlaloc.” Finally The site includes a museum containing unearthed artifacts and their corresponding historical summaries.