by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 6:00 AM ET, Tue May 7, 2024
Nayarit is a land of natural beauty and incredible cultural and historical experiences for travelers to enjoy. If you’re not familiar with this destination, then this is the guide for you.
How to Get to Nayarit
Nayarit is a Mexican state located in the western part of Mexico, located between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sierra Madre mountain range to the east. It offers three international airports: Riviera Nayarit Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) and, reopening this summer, the Riviera Nayarit International Airport (TPQ).
The Riviera Nayarit Puerto Vallarta International Airport is the largest airport in the region, serving 4.5 million air travelers annually and offering 445 weekly domestic and international flights.
Nayarit is rated one of the top five safest states in Mexico for travelers, along with the Yucatán, Tlaxcala, Chiapas and Tamaulipas.
Activities & Attractions in Nayarit
Nayarit is home to some incredible attractions and activities for every kind of traveler, from the towns and architecture of Sayulita, Compostela and Jala to world-class golf courses that will delight any golf enthusiast.
Additionally, the region offers five different ecosystems for adventure and outdoor lovers to explore. In the eastern part is the Sierra Madre mountain range, home to adventure activities like hiking, along with charming small villages and the Sierra de San Juan Biosphere Reserve, a cloud forest.
In southern Nayarit is where travelers will find the transverse volcanic system area, another mountainous area known for its volcanoes and natural beauty. This region is perfect for hiking. In southwest Nayarit is where travelers will find the best of mountain and sea. The Bahía de Banderas and Compostela are both in this scenic region, and it’s known for great surfing opportunities.
Paddle Sayulita (Photo Credit: Nayarit)
The Pacific Coastal Plain is in the northwest region of the state,, home to Santiago, San Blas, Ruiz, Rosamorada, Acaponeta and Tecuala. This is another region home to great surfing conditions, as well as boating, fishing, whale watching, and more. Whale watching season in Nayarit spans from November through April, while bird lovers will delight in visiting the region from October through March. The islands just off the coast offer beautiful opportunities to spend a day fishing, snorkeling, boating or just beaching it.
Additionally, the region is home to several archaeological sites where travelers can learn about the region’s ancient inhabitants. The Los Toriles Archaeological Zone dates back to 100 A.D. and is home to over 85 structures, with 15 currently excavated. The Altavista Archaeological Site is located south of Compostela and is known for its over 2,000 rock carvings, or petroglyphs, carved over 1,500 years ago.
Food lovers will delight in trying the many regional dishes Nayarit is known for: especially the seafood dishes like fish zarandeado. They’ll also love visiting some of the region’s local coffee plantations and getting a newfound appreciation for their favorite morning drink.
Pueblos Magicos, Nayarit, Mexico (Photo Credit: Nayarit)
Magical Towns: Nayarit’s Little Wonders
Magical Towns are towns designated by the Mexican government for their cultural and historical heritage, or their connection to local nature, their traditional gastronomy or other unique aspects.
Nayarit is home to the largest number of these Magical Towns, with a total of nine. They are Sayulita, Compostela, Jala, Mexcaltitán, Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Ixtlán del Río, San Blas and Puerto Balleto.
The Many Ways to Stay in Nayarit
The state is home to some incredible accommodation options, from ecological hotels immersed in the region’s natural environment to boutique hotels, grand tourism hotels and more. The state boasts 789 hotels with a total of over 27,000 rooms, with well-known brands such as Fairmont, Autograph Collection, Marriott and more. By 2026, the list is set to expand with other brands welcoming new hotels, such as Ritz-Carlton, Omni Hotels & Resorts or Montage.
Nayarit is an incredible destination on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, home to incredible Magical Towns, cultural heritage and natural wonder.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
