Compostela, Nayarit: A Magical Town Between Mountains and Sea

Living History Since 1530

Compostela is one of the oldest settlements in Nayarit. Founded by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán in 1530 as “Villa del Espíritu de la Nueva Galicia,” it preserves a colonial parish church, a leatherworking tradition and an extraordinary coastline that includes Rincón de Guayabitos, Chacala and La Peñita.

Key Facts

• Distance from Tepic: 40 km (50 min)
• Inhabitants: ~77,000
• Altitude: 855 m above sea level in the county seat
• Ideal if you like: beach, archaeology, crafts, nature

How to Get There

50 minutes from Tepic, 2:30 hours from Puerto Vallarta and 2:40 hours from Guadalajara.

What to Do in Compostela

• Parish of Santiago Apóstol — a colonial gem on the main square.
• Museum of Archaeology and History with pre-Hispanic pieces.
• Isla del Coral — an ecological reserve with reefs, turtles and seabirds (departs from Rincón de Guayabitos).
• Altavista — an archaeological site with petroglyphs near Chacala.
• Playa Platanitos — calm surf and palapas serving grilled fish.
• Playa Tortugas — 8 km of nearly untouched beach where sea turtles nest.
• Punta Custodio Nature Park — a turtle camp.
• Whale watching from December to March out of Guayabitos.
• Leatherworking workshops — saddles, belts and handmade huaraches.

Gastronomy

Pescado zarandeado, ceviche, shrimp broth and pollo al Ixtlán. The Municipal Market is the best showcase of local cuisine.

Area map

1. 1
   Compostela Magical Town; Santiago Apóstol parish and leather workshops.21.2375, -104.8994 · Open in Google Maps
2. 2
   Rincón de Guayabitos Calm bay, ideal for families.21.02585, -105.26489 · Open in Google Maps
3. 3
   Isla del Coral (Coral Island) Islet off Guayabitos for snorkeling, reached by boat.21.0481, -105.27307 · Open in Google Maps
4. 4
   Chacala Sheltered bay in Compostela with a fishing village.21.16668, -105.22551 · Open in Google Maps
5. 5
   Altavista petroglyphs Rock art by the Las Piletas stream, near Chacala.21.0893, -105.1686 · Open in Google Maps
6. 6
   Playa de las Tortugas Long, little-developed beach in northern Compostela.21.34136, -105.24076 · Open in Google Maps