Ixtlán del Río, Nayarit: Magical Town and Archaeology
Where obsidian is abundant
Its name means “place where obsidian is abundant” and Ixtlán del Río is the tourist gateway to southern Nayarit. It is a Magical Town and stands out for being home to Los Toriles, the most important archaeological site in the state.
Useful facts
- Distance from Tepic: 82 km
- Population: ~29,300
- Altitude: 1,049 m above sea level
- Ideal if you like: archaeology, historic monuments, traditional sweets
How to get there
Via the Tepic–Guadalajara highway (15D) or federal highway 15, toll-free.
What to do in Ixtlán del Río
- Los Toriles archaeological site — about 3 km from the town center, on federal highway 15. The Temple of Quetzalcóatl stands out, unique for its circular floor plan.
- Parish of Santiago Apóstol — New Spanish baroque and rococo style.
- Cristo Rey Hill — a panoramic view of the entire valley.
- Nearby water parks to cool off on the weekend.
- Sweets cart in the arcades of the town center, a must-see tradition.
What to eat
Pollo a la plaza —or “pollo a la picha” as the locals call it— is the star dish. Complete your experience with artisanal milk sweets.
When to visit
A temperate climate with rains in summer. The ideal season is September, when the landscape is green and the temperatures are ideal.
Area map
- 1Los Toriles (archaeological site) Archaeological site with the circular Temple of Quetzalcóatl.21.0385, -104.3448 · Open in Google Maps
- 2Ixtlán del Río Magical Town in the southern corridor.21.038, -104.3697 · Open in Google Maps