Nayarit is one of the states with the highest concentration of Pueblos Mágicos (“Magic Towns”) in Mexico. Seven communities have earned this designation, each with its own personality: from colonial towns surrounded by mountain ranges to fishing ports that have become icons of world surfing.
What is a Pueblo Mágico?
The Pueblo Mágico designation is granted by the Ministry of Tourism to towns that preserve a unique historical, cultural or natural heritage and offer visitors distinctive experiences. In Nayarit, seven towns share this distinction.
1. Jala — the state’s first
Recognized in 2012, it was the pioneer. Surrounded by the active volcano El Ceboruco and famous for its Corn Fair (Feria del Elote), where contestants compete for the largest ear of corn in the world. Its Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of a kind in Mexico.
2. Ahuacatlán — history and bullfighting
A town on the southern corridor, a key stop along the Camino Real between San Blas and Guadalajara. Every October 4th it hosts the only traditional bullfight in Nayarit. Don’t miss: its mango sweets and the El Ceboruco volcano.
3. Amatlán de Cañas — waterfalls and chocolate
The youngest of the group. Its natural swimming spot El Manto, its hot springs and its artisanal chocolate workshops make it a paradise for travelers seeking nature and gastronomy.
4. Compostela — 500 years of history
Founded in 1530, it is one of the oldest settlements in western Mexico. It combines a colonial plaza, traditional leatherwork and a coastline with beaches such as Chacala, La Peñita and Rincón de Guayabitos.
5. Ixtlán del Río — the archaeological gateway
Here you’ll find the Los Toriles archaeological site, the most important in the state, with a circular temple dedicated to Quetzalcóatl. The plaza-style roast chicken is another reason to stop.
6. Sayulita — surf and bohemia
A fishing town turned into one of the most popular surf destinations in Latin America. Gentle waves, galleries, international restaurants and a lively artistic community year-round.
7. San Blas — the historic port
A colonial-era port with the mangroves of La Tovara National Park, the Contaduría Fort and more than 300 species of migratory birds. A paradise for birders, surfers and history lovers.
How to tour them
The southern towns (Jala, Ahuacatlán, Ixtlán del Río and Amatlán de Cañas) can be visited on a 2- or 3-day route from Tepic. Compostela and San Blas are accessible from the Riviera Nayarit. Sayulita is usually a destination in itself thanks to its range of hotels.
If you have the time, no trip through Nayarit is complete without visiting at least three of its Pueblos Mágicos.