The Eco-Archaeological Route links two sides of the same volcanic landscape in southern Nayarit: the Los Toriles archaeological site in Ixtlán del Río, with its rare round temple, and Ceboruco volcano above Jala, the state’s only active volcano, where you can drive almost to the steam vents. The two are just 18 km apart on Federal Highway 15, so the whole thing fits into a long day from Tepic or Guadalajara, or better, a weekend with a night in Jala.
We’ve added the Salto de Jomulco, a waterfall with swimming holes 4 km from Jala, plus ideas for a second day. Below you’ll find a realistic itinerary with distances and drive times, INAH opening hours and fees, how to get up Ceboruco and the best season to go.
One correction: earlier versions of this route described a “Jala Canyon” 90 km east of Ixtlán, lined with basalt columns. That canyon does not exist. Jala sits about 15 km west of Ixtlán, and the big natural landmark here is Ceboruco itself, with its lava flows and crater.
How to get to the Eco-Archaeological Route
The route runs through the Ixtlán–Ahuacatlán–Jala valley at the foot of Ceboruco, along Federal Highway 15 and the 15D toll road between Tepic and Guadalajara. Coming from Tepic, start in Jala; coming from Guadalajara, start in Ixtlán, the first Nayarit town you reach.
| From | To | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tepic | Jala | 72 km | 1 h | 15D toll road, Jala exit |
| Tepic | Ixtlán del Río | 82 km | 1 h 05 min–1 h 15 min | 15D toll road |
| Guadalajara | Ixtlán del Río | 125 km | 1 h 40 min–1 h 45 min | 15D toll road |
| Puerto Vallarta | Jala | 177 km | 2 h 15 min–2 h 30 min | Highway 200 and 15D via Chapalilla |
No public transport reaches the crater, so you’ll need a car. If you’re flying in, see how to get to Nayarit; Tepic airport is the closest.
Itinerary: Los Toriles, Ceboruco and Jomulco in one day
This order works if you sleep in Ixtlán or drive in from Guadalajara. From Tepic, flip the morning: go up Ceboruco first (skies are clearer early) and visit Los Toriles after lunch, before 5 p.m.
| Approx. time | Leg / stop | Leg km | Drive time | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 | Ixtlán town → Los Toriles | 4 km | 5–10 min | Walk the site and the visitor gallery (1 h 30 min) |
| 10:45 | Los Toriles → Jala | 18 km | 20 min | Fuel, water and snacks |
| 11:15 | Jala → Ceboruco crater | 15–17 km | 45 min–1 h 15 min | Hike to fumaroles and viewpoints (1 h 30 min–2 h) |
| 15:00 | Ceboruco → Jala | 15–17 km | 45 min–1 h | Late lunch in town |
| 16:45 | Jala → Jomulco | 4 km | 15 min | 2 km walk to the Salto de Jomulco |
| 19:00 | Night in Jala or drive back | 72 km to Tepic | 1 h | Avoid mountain roads after dark |
Within the route you’ll drive about 75–80 km, not counting how you get there. The slow part is the cobblestone and dirt road up to the crater.
Los Toriles, the Ixtlán del Río archaeological site
This is the best-known archaeological site open to visitors in Nayarit, 3–4 km from downtown Ixtlán next to Federal Highway 15 (km 136). Its centerpiece is a temple with a completely circular floor plan, which is unusual in Mesoamerican architecture: a platform with sloping walls and stairways around it. Its shape links it to Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl, the wind god, although INAH (Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History) notes that its exact function is still being studied. Archaeologist José Corona Núñez explored and restored it between 1947 and 1949; locals call it “el toril” because it looks like a bullpen.
Around it are platforms and room complexes. The region was inhabited from at least 300 BC, with later occupations into the Postclassic period. Start at the visitor gallery, where models and original pieces show how its people lived: farmers of corn, beans and squash who traded with other peoples of western Mexico.
Ceboruco, Nayarit’s active volcano
Ceboruco (2,280 m) has erupted about eight times in the last thousand years, according to the hazard map by UNAM’s Institute of Geophysics. The latest eruption began in 1870 and lasted until 1875: a dacitic lava flow poured from its western flank and is still visible as a dark, rough blanket on the slope. Today its activity is limited to steam fumaroles and minor earthquakes, and it’s monitored.
From Jala, a cobblestone and dirt road climbs about 15–17 km to the antenna area inside the crater. A regular car with good tires can make it; in the rainy season, a pickup is better. From there it’s about a 40-minute walk over solidified lava and through pine-oak forest to the fumarole field and the crater rim. Local guides in Jala’s main square offer walking or pickup tours for approx. $400–800 MXN (25–45 USD) per group in 2026. More in volcanoes of Nayarit.
Salto de Jomulco
In the village of Jomulco, 4 km from Jala, a ribbon of water drops through greenery on the volcano’s lower slopes. You cross a hanging bridge and walk about 2 km along the stream, passing tinajas (rock pools) where you can swim. No guide needed. At the peak of the dry season (April–May) it may be just a trickle; in the rains it runs strong. More waterfalls in waterfalls and hot springs in Nayarit.
If you have a second day
- Ahuacatlán: a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town, a federal tourism designation) between Jala and Ixtlán, 10 km from Jala, on the old colonial Camino Real from San Blas to Guadalajara. See Ahuacatlán.
- Meseta del Cielo vineyard: a high-altitude vineyard at about 1,900 m on the Juanacatlán plateau in Jala; visits and tastings by reservation only. Read our Meseta del Cielo vineyard guide.
- Santa María del Oro lagoon: another crater, this one flooded, 2.5 km across, on the way back to Tepic. Guide: Santa María del Oro lagoon.
Opening hours and fees in 2026
| Site | Hours | Approx. cost 2026 | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Toriles (INAH) | Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00–17:00 | $80 MXN Mexican nationals, $145 MXN foreign visitors (about 8 USD); free for Mexicans on Sundays | Not needed |
| Ceboruco crater | Daylight; set off before noon | No entry fee; guide approx. $400–800 MXN per group | Recommended |
| Salto de Jomulco | Daylight | A small community fee may apply | Not needed |
At Los Toriles, Mexican children under 13, students, teachers and seniors with ID also enter free. Food and pets aren’t allowed. Check fees before you go, since INAH updates them every year.
Best time to do the route
November to April: dry season, clear skies over the crater and firm roads. Mornings on Ceboruco are cool, so bring a light jacket. From June to October it rains most afternoons, the volcano road gets muddy and clouds hide the view, though Jomulco carries the most water then. See also the best time to visit Nayarit.
What to bring and tips
- Closed shoes with good grip: Ceboruco’s lava is sharp and loose.
- Water (2 liters per person), a hat and sunscreen; there’s little shade at Los Toriles.
- Cash for entry, guides and small eateries.
- Before heading up the volcano, check Nayarit Civil Protection advisories, and don’t approach fumaroles unless your guide says it’s safe.
- Try pollo a la plaza (chicken with enchiladas, potatoes and carrots, a regional classic) under the arcades in Ixtlán; more dishes in traditional dishes from Nayarit.
- Find lodging in Jala or Ixtlán in our directory. For a weekend version that includes the crater lagoon, see weekend routes in Nayarit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Jala Canyon?
No. There’s no basalt canyon by that name near Jala. The natural highlights of the area are Ceboruco volcano, its lava flows and the Salto de Jomulco waterfall.
How far is Ixtlán del Río from Jala?
About 18 km from Los Toriles on Federal Highway 15, roughly 20 minutes. Jala lies west of Ixtlán, on the way to Tepic.
How much does Los Toriles cost?
According to INAH, $80 MXN for Mexican nationals and $145 MXN for foreign visitors, Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Sundays are free for Mexicans.
Can you drive up Ceboruco volcano?
Yes. From Jala a cobblestone and dirt road climbs about 15–17 km to the antennas inside the crater; from there it’s about a 40-minute walk to the fumaroles.
Is it safe to visit Ceboruco?
Yes, with precautions. Its current activity is limited to fumaroles and small quakes, and it’s monitored. Check Civil Protection advisories and don’t approach the vents without a guide.
When is the best time for the Eco-Archaeological Route?
November to April, with clear skies and a dry road to the crater. In the rainy season (June–October) the road gets muddy and clouds block the view.
Area map
- 1Los Toriles (archaeological site) Ixtlán del Río. Round temple; INAH, Tue–Sun 9:00–17:00.21.0385, -104.3448 · Open in Google Maps
- 2Ixtlán del Río Magical Town; 4 km from Los Toriles.21.038, -104.3697 · Open in Google Maps
- 3Jala (Magical Town) Base for Ceboruco; 18 km from Los Toriles.21.1031, -104.4368 · Open in Google Maps
- 4Ceboruco volcano (crater) 2,280 m. Active; last eruption 1870–1875. Fumaroles.21.1252, -104.5076 · Open in Google Maps
- 5Jomulco waterfall Jala. Waterfall with pools; 2 km walk.21.10166, -104.40603 · Open in Google Maps
