Xalisco, Nayarit: Getting There from Tepic, History, Fair
Xalisco, Nayarit is Tepic’s next-door neighbor: its town center is just 7 km from downtown Tepic, about 10 to 15 minutes by car, and together the two form the Tepic metropolitan area. It’s the smallest municipality in Nayarit, yet it carries one of the most historic names in western Mexico, has the Sierra de San Juan on one side and even hosts Tepic’s airport within its boundaries.
If you’re wondering how to get to Xalisco, Nayarit, the short answer is: along the Tepic–Xalisco boulevard, by car, taxi or city bus. Below you’ll find a table of distances and travel times, the history of the name (and its link to the state of Jalisco), things to do, the Corn Fair, the weather and answers to common questions.
How to get to Xalisco, Nayarit from Tepic
Xalisco lies just south of Tepic, on the way out toward Compostela and Puerto Vallarta (federal highway 200). You have three options:
- By car: from downtown Tepic, take the Tepic–Xalisco boulevard south. It’s about 7 km and 10 to 15 minutes, longer at rush hour.
- By city bus: buses and combis (shared minivans) run frequently during the day between downtown Tepic and Xalisco; allow 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic and stops. It’s the cheapest option.
- By taxi or ride-hailing app: it’s a short ride; agree on or check the fare before you get in.
Flying in? Tepic’s international airport is actually in Xalisco municipality, next to the village of Pantanal, about 9 km from Xalisco’s town center.
| From | Km | Approx. time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tepic (downtown) | 7 km | 10 – 15 min (car) / 20 – 35 min (bus) | Tepic–Xalisco boulevard |
| Tepic airport | 9 km | 15 min | Via Pantanal |
| Pantanal | 6 km | 10 min | Pantanal–Xalisco road |
| Compostela | 31 km | 30 min | Federal highway 200 |
| Santa María del Oro (town) | 46 km | 1 h | Via the 15D |
| San Blas | 60 km | 1 h | Via Tepic |
| Guadalajara | 203 km | 2 h 45 min | 15D toll highway |
Road distances calculated in 2026, without stops. Coming from another state or country? See how to get to Nayarit.
Xalisco Nayarit at a glance
- Population (2020 Census, INEGI): 65,229, with 48,170 in the town of Xalisco. Other communities include Pantanal (3,408), Testerazo (2,811), Emiliano Zapata (1,843), El Verde (1,384) and Aquiles Serdán (1,373).
- Area: 290.6 km², the smallest of Nayarit’s 20 municipalities; about 60% of it is mountainous.
- Elevation: the town sits at 984 m; the highest areas top 2,200 m.
- Neighbors: Tepic to the north, Santa María del Oro to the east and south, Compostela to the south and San Blas to the west.
- College town: home to the Universidad Tecnológica de Nayarit and the agriculture school of the Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit.
History of Xalisco, Nayarit
Before the Spanish arrived, the Señorío (dominion) of Xalisco controlled the Matatipac valleys where Tepic stands today, and towns such as Tepique and Mecatán paid it tribute. In 1525 Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura arrived and recorded a temple that impressed him; in 1530 Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán razed the town during his conquest of western Mexico. In colonial times the area grew sugarcane and coffee, and in 1918 Xalisco became a free municipality of Nayarit.
Xalisco and Jalisco: the same name
The name comes from Nahuatl: xalli, sand or white earth (used in construction), and ixco, “on the surface” or “on the face of.” It translates as “on the sand.” The state of Jalisco has exactly the same origin and was spelled “Xalisco,” with an X, until around 1836; the X stood for the sound now written with J. The Nayarit town, in turn, was at times spelled “Jalisco” and today keeps the X. They are different places that share a name and its linguistic roots, which is why people often search “Xalisco Tepic” or “Nayarit Xalisco” to tell them apart.
Things to do in Xalisco
Downtown and the main square
The center keeps a small-town feel, with a plaza and church and a slower pace than Tepic. The municipality also has a museum with pre-Hispanic pieces from the region. It pairs well with our historic Tepic route.
Sierra de San Juan
West of Xalisco and Tepic rises the Sierra de San Juan, a protected natural area since October 27, 1987 and a state biosphere reserve of about 26,800 hectares. Cerro de San Juan reaches 2,240 m and is covered in cloud forest, oak and pine; around 330 bird species have been recorded, along with white-tailed deer, coatis and coyotes. The main trail starts at Tepic’s ring road and climbs to La Batea, a flat area near the top, as a day hike; experienced hikers continue about an hour and a half to the crater. Go with a guide or a group and start early.
Coffee and volcano routes
Xalisco is part of the coffee-growing area around Tepic; see our coffee route. If you like hiking, the Sangangüey volcano route is also close by.
Minas de Xalli
Plenty of people search for “Minas de Xalli.” It is a residential subdivision on the north side of town, toward Tepic, not a tourist site or an old mine. It’s a few minutes from downtown Xalisco or the Tepic–Xalisco boulevard.
Xalisco fair and food
The town’s big celebration is the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, known as the Feria del Elote (Corn Fair) because it marks the start of the corn harvest: grilled and boiled corn on the cob, dishes made with fresh corn, music and events on the plaza. Xalisco’s farmland produces corn, sugarcane and avocado, and in town you’ll find the region’s typical cooking. For the state’s signature dishes, see Nayarit cuisine.
Xalisco weather
Semi-warm, with rainy summers and mild winters. Approximate values for the town (2001–2024 averages):
| Season | High | Low | Rain | For your visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | 25 – 26 °C (77 – 79 °F) | 12 – 13 °C (54 – 55 °F) | Little | Cool mornings; ideal for hiking the Sierra de San Juan |
| Mar – May | 28 – 31 °C (82 – 88 °F) | 13 – 17 °C (55 – 63 °F) | Almost none | Dry and sunny; May is the hottest month |
| Jun – Sep | 27 – 29 °C (81 – 84 °F) | 19 – 20 °C (66 – 68 °F) | Heavy (July to September) | Corn Fair (August 15); muddy trails |
| Oct – Nov | 27 °C (81 °F) | 16 – 19 °C (61 – 66 °F) | Tapering off | Green countryside, pleasant weather |
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Xalisco, Nayarit?
From downtown Tepic, take the Tepic–Xalisco boulevard south: 7 km and 10 to 15 minutes by car. City buses and combis also run frequently from downtown Tepic (20 to 35 minutes), and taxis are easy to find.
What is the history of Xalisco, Nayarit?
It was the seat of the Señorío of Xalisco, which ruled the Matatipac valleys before the conquest. Nuño de Guzmán razed it in 1530; in colonial times it grew sugarcane and coffee, and it became a free municipality in 1918.
Do Xalisco and Jalisco share the same origin?
They share a Nahuatl etymology (“on the sand”), and the state of Jalisco was spelled Xalisco until around 1836. They are different places: Xalisco is a municipality in Nayarit next to Tepic.
What is Minas de Xalli in Xalisco, Nayarit?
A residential subdivision on the north side of the town of Xalisco, toward Tepic. It isn’t a mine or a tourist attraction.
What is the population of Xalisco?
According to the 2020 INEGI census, the municipality has 65,229 residents and the town 48,170.
When is the Xalisco fair?
The main celebration is the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, known as the Corn Fair because it coincides with the start of the corn harvest.
Area map
- 1Xalisco (municipal seat) Town at 984 m, 7 km from downtown Tepic.21.4516, -104.8988 · Open in Google Maps
- 2Cerro de San Juan Summit of the Sierra de San Juan (2,240 m), a state biosphere reserve.21.5009, -104.9296 · Open in Google Maps
- 3Pantanal Village next to Tepic airport, 6 km from town.21.4281, -104.8607 · Open in Google Maps
- 4Minas de Xalli subdivision Residential subdivision on the north side of town, toward Tepic.21.4588, -104.9082 · Open in Google Maps