Santiago Ixcuintla: Mexcaltitán and Costa Alegre

Costa Alegre and the origin of Mexico

Santiago Ixcuintla is a key municipality for understanding Nayarit. Within its territory lie Mexcaltitán —the island considered the cradle of the Mexica people—, Isla Isabel, and an extensive area of mangroves recognized worldwide as Marismas Nacionales (National Marshlands).

Points of interest

• Distance from Tepic: ~60 km
• Ideal if you like: nature, gastronomy, pre-Hispanic history

How to get there

From Tepic by bus or car via the Tepic–Mazatlán highway.

What to do in Santiago Ixcuintla

• Mexcaltitán — the “Mexican Venice”, an island with canal streets navigated by chalupa (small boat).
• Isla Isabel National Park — the “Mexican Galápagos”, a sanctuary for seabirds and diving.
• Marismas Nacionales — the most extensive mangrove in the Mexican Pacific.
• Temple of the Lord of the Ascension, Municipal Palace, and Casa Aguirre.
• Museum in Mexcaltitán with pre-Hispanic pieces.
• Beaches: Los Corchos, Las Coloradas, and Palmar de Cuautla.
• National Spring Fair — the most important in the state.

Gastronomy

The kingdom of shrimp: shrimp meatballs, taxtihuil, steamed shrimp from Pozo de Ibarra, grilled zarandeado fish, and oysters. A living school of Pacific cuisine.

Climate

One of the warmest in the state. Bring light clothing, a hat, and plenty of water.

Area map

1. 1
   Santiago Ixcuintla Municipal seat; gateway to Mexcaltitán.21.81273, -105.20765 · Open in Google Maps
2. 2
   Mexcaltitán Island Magical Town on an island, reached only by boat.21.90568, -105.47525 · Open in Google Maps
3. 3
   Isla Isabel (National Park) Volcanic island with seabird colonies.21.8472, -105.8836 · Open in Google Maps
4. 4
   Los Corchos Coastal village in Santiago Ixcuintla.21.7337, -105.47286 · Open in Google Maps
5. 5
   Palmar de Cuautla Fishing village with an open-sea beach.22.2209, -105.647 · Open in Google Maps