The Mexican state of Nayarit is best known for its idyllic stretch of Pacific coastline, home to the popular resorts of the Riviera Nayarit area, the surf haven of Sayulita and the upscale Punta de Mita tourism development.
But there’s much more to Nayarit than this beachy hit list — and tourism officials are doing all they can to spread the word about the region’s other diverse offerings, ranging from Indigenous cultural discovery to immersion in protected natural wonderlands.
Here, Juan Enrique Suarez del Real Tostado, the minister of tourism for the state of Nayarit, shares some of the less visited destinations and especially unique opportunities that travel advisors and their clients should know about for Nayarit travel in 2023 and beyond.
Juan Enrique Suarez del Real Tostado, minister of tourism for the state of Nayarit
Credit: 2022 State of NayaritHow is the state of Nayarit promoting itself differently these days?
We are promoting the Nayarit brand as a whole [instead of just the Riviera Nayarit area]. The state is divided into four regions and archipelagos on its coast, which have perfect characteristics for outdoor activities, adventure tourism, eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
Nayarit is distinguished by its rich natural attractions, from its National Marshes (considered one of the most important wetlands in Mexico) to its incredible volcanoes, exotic beaches, waterfalls and flora and fauna. The Sierra (part of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains) makes Nayarit an incredible destination for adventure tourism, with its hiking trails, canyoning, rappelling, cycling, mountaineering and paragliding, among many other activities.
What are some of the undiscovered gems of the state that visitors should know about?
We are home to unique Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) including Mexcaltitan [a tranquil island village accessible only by boat], and Jala, a colonial town known for its annual corn festival in August.
Mexcaltitan is an island village accessible only by boat.
Credit: 2022 State of NayaritOther undiscovered options include hiking volcanoes, such as Ceboruco and Sanganguey; visiting the Laguna de Santa Maria del Oro, [a crater lake that] changes colors throughout the year; going to the Marias Islands, where an ex-prison has been turned into an eco-tourism destination; or seeing the coffee plantation in Cumbres de Huicicila, which produces a high-altitude coffee of very good quality.
How can travelers experience traditional Mexican culture around Nayarit?
Our ancestral culture and rich gastronomy are recognized and admired internationally. Nayarit is home to Huichol villages in the highlands, as well as our four Pueblos Magicos: Sayulita, Mexcaltitan, Compostela and Jala.
Jala is one of four Pueblos Magicos in Nayarit.
Credit: 2022 State of Nayarit[For Indigenous culture, travelers can] head into the foothills of the Sierra Madre and up 3,000 feet to visit the historic city of Compostela, before reaching a small Huichol Indian village with a population of only 130 Indigenous people. The Huichol Indian is renowned, because they managed to maintain their unique culture, pre-Columbian traditions and way of life for centuries: through the fall of the Aztec empire, the Spanish Invasion and now, the modern world.
Are there any new tourism infrastructure developments taking place in Nayarit?
On the Marias Islands, the former jail [which closed in 2019] will now be open to the public. The islands are also ideal for nature lovers: In 2010, they were designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a specially protected biodiverse region. [Here], travelers can enjoy birdwatching, diving, surfing and snorkeling.
This year, in Punta de Mita, Auberge Resorts’ Susurros del Corazon just opened, and Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, will open its doors in December.
New development areas in Nayarit include Mandarina — home of the One&Only Mandarina — and Costa Canuva, with future hotels planned in the next year.
The Marias Islands are a protected area with pristine natural environments like this hidden beach.
Credit: 2022 State of NayaritWhat’s your message for travelers and advisors as we move into 2023?
Get to know more parts of the state. Travelers can fly to Tepic Airport, which is well connected via Tijuana/Cross Border Xpress and Mexico City. From there, [clients] can visit places like Jala (a Pueblo Magico), or San Blas, a birdwatcher’s paradise that’s only 40 minutes from the airport.
Also, because the Puerto Vallarta airport is very well connected and just 10 minutes from the state of Nayarit’s border, travel advisors can feel free to recommend that clients fly there and travel across the state by car.
