TEPIC CITY SURROUNDINGS
Tourism in the Surroundings of TEPIC
Considered a colonial monument in itself, the city of Tepic is surrounded by majestic mountains that have witnessed many historical events in the country. Cradle of illustrious men such as the writer Amado Nervo and the boy hero Juan Francisco Escutia, it is also known as Tepic de Nervo in honor of the poet. There are many meanings that are attributed to the name of this city, such as “Tierra del Maíz”, “Place of massive stones” or “Very populated site”.
Map of the Surroundings of TEPIC
Amatlán de Cañas
In this town it seems that time has stopped, and life is lived more gently. Amatlán is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and steep rocky canyons with unique natural features and landscapes. You can visit: the Temple of Jesús Nazareno and the Temple of San Juan Bautista. Although, the hot springs spas are the main attractions in the area. El Manto is a hot spring spa with natural pools and three beautiful waterfalls.
Ixtlán del Río
It has all the amenities of a city, and the traditions and customs of a small town. The best way to enjoy Ixtlán del Río is to simply wander around and see in detail every corner and ancient buildings as the Temple of San Juan Apostol and the Regional Anthropology Museums, one of them located in the City Hall. During your visit you can enjoy a traditional ice cream or the typical sweets in the main plaza.
You can also vith Los Toriles archaelogical site, located only 9 kilometers (4 miles) from the town. This important site, is one of the leading exponents of architecture during the Postclassic period. It has 93 structures, but the the highlight of this complex is the circular pyramid known as a Quetzalcoatl or Ehécatl temple. It has all the amenities of a city, and the traditions and customs of a small town.
Ahuacatlán
The historic center is a quiet area famous for warm and friendly atmosphere. You can visit the churches of San Francisco de Asis and the Inmaculada Concepcion, the City Hall and the Culture House. The region has a good climate and several swimming spas like: Acatique, Las Tinajas and La Cueva del Jaguar, among others.
Compostela
It is located 36 km (22 miles) from Tepic. You can visit the Main Plaza, Temple of Señor de la Misericordia built in the 16th century, one of the oldest in Nayarit; and the Museum of History and Anthropology which exhibits interesting pieces found in the archaeological sites of the region and the history of colonial and independence periods.
Jala
Xalisco
It is part of the metropolitan area of Tepic. You can visit the Miguel Hidalgo Plaza, the Community Museum, and the springs of the area.
Sierra del NAYAR
Several indigenous groups like the Coras, Huicholes, Tepehuanos and Mexicaneros settled in this area, and have preserved their ancestral customs and traditions. Many communities are engaged in making beautiful handicrafts. The area has tourist services provided through indigenous communities.
Acaponeta
It is the gateway to the Sierra del Nayar. It is known as the “Athens of Nayarit”, for its cultural tradition, but it is also called the “City of Gardenias”, since it is full of colourful flowers because a privileged location near a river of the same name. It has an an attractive museum dedicated to the great indegenous artist Vladimir Cora, and the Ali Chumacero House of Culture, a 19th century mansion that houses an exhibit of archaeological pieces, paintings and sculptures. You can also visit the Temple of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción built in the 16th century with a Plateresque style, the City Hall, a building from the early 20th century and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Guadalupe. You can also have a stroll along the city aboard the Train 038.
Rosamorada
It has a large area of marshes and you can take time to explore the area. Visitors will notice Pimientillo with the nice Agua Brava Lagoon that provides habitat to a wide variety of birds. Do not miss the opportunity to taste a typical dish made with freshly caught shrimp.
Ruíz
You can visit the Temple of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the old Railway Station dating from the early 20th century. During the rainy season you can have fun in the natural water parks such as El Salto, The Malpaso, The Tenamache and The Pozolillo. You can also visit old mining towns like Real Mineral del Zopilote.
Tuxpan
Nestled along the banks of the San Pedro Rivier is a nice boardwalk where you can enjoy the landscape. You can visit the San Miguel Arcangel Parish and the Community Museum. The local cuisine is based on fish and seafood. Four kilometers from the municipal seat is the archeological zone of Coamiles rich with petroglyphs and with several structures made out of stucco. There is also an Archeological Museum with an interesting collection of pieces found in the region. For those who enjoy nature is the Palapar Ecological Reserve consisting of lagoons and an maze of mangroves home to a rich biodiversity.
La Yesca
La Yesca is characterised by an impressive mountain landscape that remind us the scenery of central Europe. The attractive town has an 18th century church. The forest surroundings provide an ideal place for ecotourism. Nearby is Huajimic, where you can buy delicious variety of fresh cheeses, unique in the entire state.
El Nayar
The main ethnic groups in the area are the Cora and the Huichol. One of the greatest cultural expression in the area takes place during the Holy Week. This tradition is considered an Intagible World Heritagy by UNESCO and merges indigenous tradition and animistic beliefs with the Christian dogma. Hundreds of wildly running men painted all over with their semi-naked bodies, fighting ritual battles with wooden swords and dancing crazily. There are some other interesting towns in the region like: Jesús María, Mesa del Nayar, Santa Teresa de Jesús, Huaynamota and Potrero de la Palmita, where you can buy traditional crafts. You can also visit the Franciscan mission of La Mesa del Nayar.
There is Wixarika Community called Ethno tourism group Kawí mana Kauthat are focused on the preservation of Wixárika Huichol culture. Here you can find typical dishes based on traditional recipes. Beside you will find community museums where you can learn about the history of this culture and a small craft market. There are guided eco-tours where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest of Zapote de Picacho. You can also have a boat ride in the Aguamilpa Dam or enjoy the nature in special camping areas.
Another Ethno tourism group called Tawexikta “Place of the Sun ̈ offers 4 ecological cabins and a restaurant with typical regional food. There are tours to admire the flora and fauna as well as a center for selling handmade Wixárika crafts.
Huajicori
The main ethnic groups in the area are the tepehuanes and mexicaneras. Huajicori church is the only Baroque style building in Nayarit. There are a a series of petroglyphs in the community of El Faizan commonly known as La Pila de los Monos (Monkey stack).
Lagunas Encantadas (Enchanted Lagoons)
This region is located in the center of the state of Nayarit, and the volcanic craters have been transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful lagoons. Here you will find small boutique hotels offering good services. The lagoons are ideal for any kind of water sports, including sport fishing.
Santa María del Oro
An extinct volcanic crater crowned by a beautiful lagoon. Their sulphurous waters with an average temperature of 25°C (77ºF), are ideal for swimming, boating, and year round fishing. Few minutes before arriving at the lagoon, is the village of the same name where you can visit the Temple of Señor de la Ascención.
At the edge of the lagoon there are several luxury boutique hotels and restaurants offering typical dishes of the region like: fish chicharrones (deep fried meat), the “cuachala” (chicken or shredded pork in tomato broth, chilies and corn) and baked “capirotada” (toast bread with banana chips, raisins, nuts and peanuts covered with brown sugar syrup and cheese). Here you can enjoy all water sports, such as kayaking, skiing, skateboarding, etc..
The mountainous surroundings are ideal for mountain biking, trekking and bird watching.
In Real de Acuitapilco, there is a recreation center with luxury cabins among waterfalls, springs and the ruins of an old hacienda.
San Pedro Lagunillas
The lagoon in San Pedro is a great place to go fishing, here you will find a lot of tilapia and bass. You can find a number of restaurants along the lagoon where you can enjoy a wonderful fish prepare in many different ways. The area is ideal for mountain biking, camping and canoeing. In the town you can buy delicious homemade cheese on one side of the City Hall and visit the Temple of Apóstol San Pedro, the Community Museum, los Terebintos Garden, or the Main Square.
More Tourist Attractions in NAYARIT
Riviera Nayarit
Just north of Puerto Vallarta Mexico and spanning over 190 miles along the Pacific coast of Nayarit, Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit extends from the northern border with Sinaloa, in the municipality of Tecuala, to the mouth of the Ameca River, on the boundary with Jalisco. This exceptional destination holds magic pictoresque towns, the Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve with coastal lagoons, mangroves and wetlands, home of crocodiles, sea turtles, and endemic birds; the Isabel Island and Marietas Islands, both National Parks; the archeological vestiges in Altavista; and allure beaches where sensational days of sun and water sports can be enjoyed. The Riviera Nayarit has family tours, services and infrastructure for all kina of events, and a growing number of all inclusive and other resorts, from value-priced to luxury, excelent spas and world-class golf clubs. The temperatura here is warm and humid, with an annual average of 77oF, and the rainy season goes from June to October. … Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure in Nayarit
Ecotourism in Nayarit is consolidated as an option to the “sun and beach” product. The destination offers new market niches such as Alternative Tourism for those visitors who seek to enjoy nature safely and reliably. In the region there are a wide variety of companies dedicated to Adventure Tourism, Ecotourism and Rural Tourism, which offer countless tours with outdoor activities such as hiking, canyoning, rappelling, and even gastronomic experiences of typical regional cuisine, thus enriching the tourist offer of the destination.… Read More
Magical Towns in Nayarit
Nayarit is a state whose culture, traditions and gastronomy have made it one of the favorite Mexican tourist destinations for foreigners and nationals. However, as happens in every state, when you visit any part of the state, specifically Riviera Nayarit, its small but attractive jewels, also known as Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), are left out. For this reason, it is important that you know the culture, traditions, magical places, friendly people and incredible experiences that you will only find in the 4 Magic Towns in Nayarit.… Read More
Tepic
The cultural legacy can be seen in the architecture, museums and traditions. The first colonial towns were established in the valleys between the mountain ranges and the coast of Nayarit. And in many of these towns magnificent estates and impressive churches were built. The inhabitants of these cities are naturally excellent hosts, and you can enjoy of this warm, relaxing atmosphere in the old houses converted to a comfortable hotels. Tepic was founded in 1531 by Nuño de Beltrán as Santiago de Galicia de Compostela, the capital of the Kingdom of New Galicia (a territory comprised of the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Durango, Sinaloa and San Luis Potosí).
Tepic combines its modern buildings and services with a rich historical legacy. In this city, you can delve into Nayarit’s fascinating culture thanks to its many museums, historic buildings and variety of traditions.… Read More
Guided Tours in NAYARIT
Flights & Hotels in NAYARIT
More Tourist Attractions in MEXICO
States Of Mexico
Mexico has an incredible diversity of landscapes, where the beauty of its beaches, internationally recognized, stands out. In its vast territory of coasts, there are beaches of unparalleled beauty, and colorful landscapes. A large network of first-class hotels and tourist services is available to visitors to these beaches. Mexico is also mystical places, dotted with archaeological testimonies inherited from its original inhabitants. Monuments made by the Mayas, Aztecs and Toltecs are located in magical landscapes, like lighthouses in an ocean of natural beauty. They offer visitors buildings that tell their history, and museums that collect their cultural heritage. And that keep alive ancestral traditions, in ceremonies and festivals, where you can enjoy cultural activities and entertainment.… Read More
Gastronomy
The Gastronomy of Mexico has a great diversity of typical dishes, which is why it was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The basic and representative ingredients of Mexican dishes are: corn, coriander, chili, beans, piloncillo, nopal and tomato. Mexican cuisine is also characterized by its sauces, which serve as an accompaniment to traditional dishes, prepared based on spices.… Read More
Ecotourism and Adventure
Mexico is one of the best countries for Ecotourism as it has a great variety of flora and fauna, as well as a large number of refuges for extraordinary species. You can enjoy recreational activities of appreciation and knowledge of nature through contact with it, such as: stargazing, observation of natural attractions, wildlife and bird watching. Throughout México there are more than 176 protected natural areas, 5 of them considered by UNESCO as Natural Heritage of Humanity. Just for this and much more, we believe that Mexico is a Paradise for Ecotourism.… Read More
Traditions in Mexico
It is practically impossible to make a meticulous, and above all, accurate selection of the places to visit in Mexico. Each place that our country houses is unique and beautiful in its own way. Mexico, with its nearly 2 million km², has a large number of scenarios to offer, as well as endless activities to do. Do not lose your way and enter the places to visit in Mexico. In Mexico, apart from the beaches and its famous archaeological sites, there are many other really interesting sites and activities that you should know. In the surroundings of the main cities you will find places full of culture and tradition, where you can spend relaxing, interesting and fun vacations. On your trip through Mexico you cannot stop obtaining souvenirs, the crafts that are made here are of the highest quality and recognized worldwide. A shopping tour cannot be missed.… Read More
Capital Cities
Folklore, gastronomy, literary culture, art and exhibitions, is what you will find in the capitals of the states of Mexico. To the north, colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guadalajara, Guanajuato, the Sonoran desert and the California peninsula. To the east Veracruz and the gulf. To the west Acapulco, Oaxaca and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. And to the south the Riviera Maya and the pyramids of Chichén-Itzá, Tulúm and Cobá in Yucatán, Palenque in Chiapas, the cenotes, and the Central American jungles.… Read More
Archaeological Sites
The Archaeological Zones are the cultural past of every Mexican. You will be amazed at the ambient, nature and the environment that surrounds them. Climbing to the top or being around it will take us back in time to admire every detail. México is a country of culture and traditions, many of which we have inherited from the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of this vast territory, although it is true that there were more settlements in the central and southern part of the country, it is also possible to find some archaeological remains in the north.
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Beaches
On the Beaches of Mexico you can immerse yourself in the intense blue ocean of the Pacific bays, sunbathe on the shore of the warm and transparent waves of the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo or even rest on the beautiful coasts of the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican beaches hide wonderful secrets for the traveler. By visiting them, in addition to enjoying the excellent climate and water activities, you can discover splendid archaeological sites and interesting colonial cities without traveling long distances.… Read More
Magical Towns
A Magical Town is a place with symbols and legends, towns with history that in many cases have been the scene of transcendent events for our country, they are places that show the national identity in each of its corners, with a magic that emanates from its attractions ; visiting them is an opportunity to discover the charm of Mexico. The Magical Towns Program contributes to revalue a set of populations in the country that have always been in the collective imagination of the nation and that represent fresh and varied alternatives for national and foreign visitors. A town that through time and in the face of modernity, has conserved, valued and defended its historical, cultural and natural heritage; and manifests it in various expressions through its tangible and intangible heritage. A Magical Town is a town that has unique, symbolic attributes, authentic stories, transcendent events, everyday life, which means a great opportunity for tourist use, taking into account the motivations and needs of travelers.… Read More
