About Nayarit: origin, culture and essence of the state

A state with the soul of many lands

Nayarit is located on the western coast of Mexico and combines within its territory tropical beaches, ancestral mountain ranges, agricultural valleys and marshes unique in the world. Its name comes from the Cora chieftain Nayar, an indigenous leader who resisted the Spanish colonization for more than two centuries.

Diverse geography

The state is divided into five natural regions: the Southern Coast (Riviera Nayarit), the Northern Coast, the Center, the South and the Sierra. This variety explains why in a single trip you can go from a turquoise-water beach to a pine-oak forest, or from a crystal-clear lagoon to an active volcano.

Native peoples

Nayarit is home to four native cultures: Wixárika (Huichol), Naayeri (Cora), O’dam (Tepehuano) and Mexicanero. Their heritage is expressed in the art of beadwork and yarn, in the pilgrimages to the Wirikuta desert and in celebrations such as the Cora Holy Week.

Origin of Mexico

The island of Mexcaltitán, in the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla, is considered by many historians the mythical cradle of the Mexica people. From there, the founders of Mexico-Tenochtitlán are said to have set out toward the center of the country.

Economy and tourism

Agriculture, fishing and tourism are the pillars of the state. The Riviera Nayarit concentrates most of the tourism investment, while municipalities such as Compostela, Bahía de Banderas and San Blas attract travelers from all over the world for their beaches and their natural offerings.

A destination to return to

Beyond the numbers, Nayarit is experienced. Its warm people, its honest cuisine and its ever-changing landscapes make every visit a different experience. There is no single way to explore Nayarit: there are as many as there are travelers.