Amatlán de Cañas, Nayarit: Waterfalls, Hot Springs and a Magical Town

A Corner of Water, Jungle and Chocolate

Amatlán de Cañas is the state’s youngest Magical Town and offers an experience unlike the rest: here the stars are the hot springs, the waterfalls and the chocolate-making tradition. It borders Jalisco and hides among green valleys.

Key Facts

• Distance from Tepic: 120 km
• Inhabitants: ~16,000
• Altitude: 740 m above sea level
• Ideal if you like: nature, gastronomy, mining history

How to Get There

It is reached from Federal Highway 15, passing through Ahuacatlán. The road has sharp curves, so drive carefully and allow plenty of time.

What to Do in Amatlán de Cañas

• El Manto Water Park — the star attraction, with crystal-clear waterfalls, stone walls and a resort where you can spend the night.
• Historic Center — the Jesús Nazareno Church, squares and the municipal market.
• Artisanal chocolate workshops — learn about the process and take home the famous Amatlán chocolate tablets.
• El Pilón — the oldest mining town in the region.
• Hot springs and adventure tourism routes.

What to Eat

Tongue in tomato sauce, goat and beef birria, and peanuts in all their forms are the must-try dishes.

Climate

Warm almost all year, with heavy rains in summer and cool nights in winter. Average temperature: 23 °C.

Area map

1. 1
   Amatlán de Cañas Magical Town in the far south, known for hot springs and sugar mills.20.80782, -104.4046 · Open in Google Maps
2. 2
   El Manto natural pools Cool-water pools and falls between rock walls, in El Rosario.20.89163, -104.48063 · Open in Google Maps
3. 3
   El Pilón Old mining village in Amatlán de Cañas.20.9483, -104.4974 · Open in Google Maps