If you love nature and outdoor adventure, you’ll find the state of Nayarit irresistible. Along the Pacific Coast, you have the popular Riviera Nayarit, a budget-friendly stretch of relaxed fishing villages and laid-back beaches. Just to the north, there is Playa Novillero, Mexico’s longest beach, where you can stretch your legs over 90 kilometers of shimmering sand. At the same time, to the south of the Riviera lies Mexico’s biggest bay, La Bahia de Banderas, one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
In stark contrast, the eastern side of Nayarit is intersected by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Here you’ll find massive volcanoes like Sangangüey and Ceboruco, covered with pines and oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
This rugged area is cut, in turn, by the dramatic Santiago River Canyon, which winds its way through Nayarit for over 200 kilometers. In parts, the canyon has a depth of 600 meters, and features a semi-tropical environment at the bottom, offering hikers exciting challenges.
Along the river’s route lies the huge Aguamilpa Dam, one of the best places in the world for bass fishing.
Blue-footed boobies
Nayarit’s geodiversity and biodiversity are greatly expanded by the inclusion of the Marieta and Isabel islands, off its west coast.
Isabel has been called “Mexico’s answer to the Galapagos.” If that sounds like an exaggeration, note that Jacques Cousteau spent weeks there filming a documentary on the island, after which he urged Mexico to turn it into a national park (which it did in 1980).
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