San Blas, Nayarit: Pacific Coast Magical Town

Historic port and natural sanctuary

San Blas is one of the most recent Magical Towns of Nayarit, a port founded by Nuño de Guzmán, from which Fray Junípero Serra set out to found the Californias. Today it combines a viceregal past, unique mangroves, and beaches for every taste.

Useful facts

• Distance from Tepic: 69 km
• Population: ~41,500
• Altitude: 10 m above sea level
• Ideal if you like: beach, history, nature, migratory birds

What to do in San Blas

• La Tovara National Park — a boat tour through mangroves with crocodiles, turtles, and exotic birds.
• Matanchén Beach — a wide bay ideal for families.
• La Contaduría Fort — the historic emblem of the port.
• El Borrego Beach — the most popular beach in the town center.
• Untouched beaches — Santa Cruz, Miramar, Los Cocos, Aticama, and Las Islitas.
• San Basilio Hill — a lookout point and historic church.
• Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario “La Marinera”.
• Wixárika ceremonial center — 400 meters from the pier.
• New San Blas Pier — inspired by ships from the viceregal era.

Bird watching

San Blas is a seasonal home to more than 300 species of migratory birds, which makes it one of the best destinations in Latin America for bird watching.

Cuisine

Seafood, grilled zarandeado fish, oysters, shrimp, and the traditional oyster soup. The ramadas of Matanchén offer the most authentic experience.

Area map

1. 1
   La Tovara (spring) Spring at the end of the mangrove boat tour.21.54027, -105.22174 · Open in Google Maps
2. 2
   Matanchén Village with seafood shacks and a boat landing for La Tovara.21.5312, -105.247 · Open in Google Maps
3. 3
   Contaduría Fort Fort on San Basilio hill, overlooking the port.21.54206, -105.27669 · Open in Google Maps
4. 4
   Our Lady of the Rosary church ruins ("La Marinera") Ruins of the colonial church on San Basilio hill.21.54234, -105.27563 · Open in Google Maps
5. 5
   El Borrego Beach San Blas town beach.21.5281, -105.2835 · Open in Google Maps
6. 6
   Las Islitas Coves at the north end of Matanchén Bay; long wave.21.515, -105.256 · Open in Google Maps