Nayarit, Mexico: An Untouched Paradise Worth Discovering

The Mexican state of Nayarit sits just north of Jalisco along the country's Pacific coast, yet it often flies under the radar of international tourists looking to explore Mexico. However, for those in the know, Nayarit offers an authentic Mexican experience along with diverse natural beauty that is nothing short of spectacular. In this guide, we'll uncover some of Nayarit's best highlights and share tips to help you start planning your own adventure.

Tepic: The Underrated Capital City

Tepic serves as the capital and largest city of Nayarit, though with a population of just 350,000, it maintains a charming small-town feel. The city makes for a convenient base to begin your explorations from. Stay a few nights in the historic downtown area, within walking distance of charming plazas and colonial architecture. Be sure to walk the Malecón, a pleasant boardwalk along the Rio Mololoa river.

Hidden Beaches of Nayarit Riviera

Venturing just an hour north of Tepic brings you to the ‘Riviera Nayarita’, home to endless beaches that put the bigger resort towns farther south to shame. A favorite is the 2-kilometer stretch of beach in Sayulita known for its consistent surf breaks. Nearby San Pancho and Punta Mita have a more upscale vibe with exclusive resorts like the Four Seasons. But my personal favorite is the sleepy fishing village of Peñita de Jaltemba, where colorful buildings cling to rugged coastline.

Sierra del Nayar Waterfalls

Inland, the verdant Sierra del Nayar mountain range shelters numerous spectacular waterfalls perfect for swimming in refreshing pools. El Salto in Compostela municipality sends multiple cascades hundreds of feet over granite cliffs. Just north, the 50-meter Cascada de San Juan falls with deafening force. Getting to these requires a bit of adventurous off-road driving, so I'd recommend booking an affordable day tour from Tepic with BitBook to save yourself the hassle.

Islas Marietas National Park

A highlight of any Nayarit trip is spending the day swimming and sunning among the stunning Islas Marietas, a small archipelago located a 30-minute boat ride off the coast of Bucerías. The protected marine park is home to wildlife like sea lions, brown boobies and whales that pass by between December and April. From Tepic, use BitBook to easily book a shared speedboat transfer package including meals and snorkeling gear. It's the ultimate tropical day trip.

Xalisco: A Glimpse of Authentic Inland Life

While the coast garners most attention, adventurous travelers will appreciate venturing a few hours inland to the colonial town of Xalisco. Here, traditional village life continues much as it has for centuries. Wander quiet streets lined with houses of adobe, learn about centuries-old handcrafts, and enjoy home-cooked Nayarit specialties, like chilorio verde and nopalitos, in family-run eateries. Spend a night at the charming Posada La Haciendita to fully soak up Xalisco's relaxed pace.

Nayarit offers travelers an authentic slice of Mexico that has managed to stay relatively untouched. With its stunning natural beauty, lively surf culture, and small-town hospitality, it makes for an unforgettable Mexican beach getaway. Be sure to use BitBook's booking services for hotels, transportation and activities to make the most of your time in this hidden Mexican gem.