Nayarit

The state

Get to know Nayarit

Nayarit lies on the Pacific, north of Jalisco, between the mountains and the sea. The southern coast, in the Bay of Banderas, became known as the Riviera Nayarit, a string of beaches and small towns that begins just north of Puerto Vallarta. Inland lives the wixárika (huichol) people, known for beadwork and colorful wool-thread art.

Nuevo Vallarta gathers resorts and marinas at the mouth of the Ameca River, next to Puerto Vallarta. Bucerías is a fishing village with a long beach, Sayulita is known for surfing and its laid-back vibe, and Punta de Mita closes the bay to the north, facing the Islas Marietas.

The Islas Marietas, a national park, are volcanic formations with seabirds, where Playa del Amor is found — a beach hidden inside a crater, reached by swimming; access is often limited by a daily quota. From December to March, humpback whales commonly appear in the Bay of Banderas.

Further north, San Blas is an old port surrounded by mangroves, and Mexcaltitán is a village on a round island in the middle of a lagoon, which some associate with the legendary Aztlán. The capital, Tepic, is inland. On the table, the zarandeado fish — split and grilled fish seasoned with chili.