Nestled between the stunning Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Nayarit, Mexico, is a hidden gem. 

Drink tequila and wine directly from the source, explore vibrant local cuisine, and discover centuries of history formed by the Nahua people, the Spanish, and more. Nayarit truly offers something for everyone.

Stay in the Jungle

The perfect place to stay to experience Nayarit is the Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit, an all-inclusive resort a 40-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The hotel rests within a centralized location, allowing you the opportunity to take day trips to towns like San Blas, Jala, Ixtlán, and more. Situated in the jungles of Cruz de Huanacaxtle, it boasts over 10 swimming pools and jacuzzies and a lazy river where you can swim and unwind amongst wildlife such as iguanas and birds.

While there are a variety of villas and rooms to book at the Riviera Nayarit, I would suggest staying in the recently opened Zafiro tower. It is pet-friendly and offers activities and spaces for both adults and families, including Manolo, an adult-only venue that pays homage to Southern Spain’s culinary heritage, and the Delta Kids Club, a space for children aged 4-12 that includes outdoor activities, games, and more. The tower also includes multiple infinity pools and jacuzzies where you can kick back and admire the sunset over the Bahía de Banderas and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains. 

The hotel has numerous amenities from Komorebi Teppanyaki, a Japanese hibachi restaurant, to Tzicuri Spa, a soothing space where you can get pampered while listening to the sounds of the jungle. (Be sure to say hello to Pancake, Tzicuri’s resident feline while there.) Make time for a hike around the property and take in the amazing views of the surrounding area, and experience the Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit’s beach club, a short shuttle ride away, which includes cabanas and refreshment packages for your rest and relaxation along the sand. After a long day of rest, grab dinner at Thierry Blout’s La Casa, a restaurant that blends French and Mexican cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. I recommend the beef filet; baby corn with hollandaise sauce, grana Padano cheese, and truffle; and the Buñuelo de la Feria (chocolate flan), all paired with a nice wine.  

Explore the Mangrove Forest and San Blas

A day trip to San Blas is a must when staying at Riviera Nayarit, and a great place to visit is La Tovara, a mangrove forest and one of the largest protected natural areas in Mexico. La Tovara is an estuary where the fresh spring water from the mountains connects with the salt water from the Pacific, thus creating a unique and richly biodiverse area. At La Tovara, you can take a one hour or three-four hour boat trip, weaving your way through the mangrove forest, seeing the Sierra Madre Occidental on the horizon, and catching glimpses of cocodrilos, coati, martinet cucharón, and more. La Tovara is a beautiful natural habitat that amazes with its views and sounds lurking behind each turn on the waterway.

After your trip to La Tovara, stop by La Contaduría, an eighteenth-century Spanish fort that offers breathtaking views of San Blas from the coast to the mountains. San Blas served as one of the major ports along the Pacific Coast in the Americas during the colonial period. The port connected the then Spanish colony to Asia, transporting goods to Manila and beyond. While there, also visit the ruins of the Templo de la Virgen del Rosario, the church built in 1769.

For shopping, go to the San Blas Dock, where you can pick up an ojos de dios (God’s eyes) a ritual object made by the indigenous Wixárica. Following your shopping excursion, grab lunch or dinner along the beach at Paraiso Jungla, a restaurant offering local cuisine from aquachile (a type of ceviche) to pizza with muscles. Sit outside, enjoy the ocean breeze, and gaze upon the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy your meal.

The Magic of Jala

Another great day trip to make is to Jala, a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) of about 16,000 people situated at the base of the Ceboruco volcano. Jala consists of an enchanting main square area filled with plazas and shops along stone streets. In the center of town, you will find the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, completed in 1738. If you decide to stay the night in Jala and take off on adventures to Ixtlán or other places the next day, book the Nukari Quinta Boutique hotel and enjoy a meal in their rooftop restaurant with a view of the basilica. Staying for a weekend in Jala? Make sure to catch the local Callejoneada on Saturday, a musical tradition that leads you around Jala to learn about the history and culture of the town and region.  

You can’t take a trip to Nayarit without sampling the regional wines and tequila near Jala. For wine, stop by Meseta del Cielo (Sky Plateau), the first winery in Nayarit that opened in 2019. Cava magazine ranked their 2022 and 2024 Syrah harvest on the list of the Top 99 Mexican Wines. Sit amongst the vineyard, partake in a charcuterie board, and sample their award-winning wines. (I especially loved their Rosado, a blended wine, and Santa Sirena, their hibiscus wine.) You can book a private tour of Meseta del Cielo through the Nukari Quinta Boutique hotel or through the Nayarit para Todos program.

Tequila and History in Ixtlán

Driving to Meseta del Cielo, you’ll be graced with gorgeous views of the mountains and rows upon rows of agave plants used to make tequila. Nayarit is one of the five states in Mexico that can produce tequila, and your trip would not be complete without a visit to Real de Ixtlán Tequila Factory where you can witness the process of making tequila, mezcal, and raicilla, as well as sample them. Real de Ixtlán Tequila honors the Wixárica culture of the region in its packaging, featuring artwork and imagery steeped in Wixárica traditions. You can find Real de Ixtlán Tequila in Midland or Houston, and in the future, you will be able to find it elsewhere in Texas.

After sampling wine, tequila, and cheese, head into Ixtlán to visit El Antiguo Ixtlán, an archeological site dating back over two thousand years. It includes one of the few circular temples found in Mesoamerica and the site served as the hub of the “Copper Route,” linking the Pacific coast with the Southwestern United States. Archeologists have found human remains in the shaft tombs, pottery, sculptures, and more. Currently, only ten percent of the site has undergone excavation. Once you’re done exploring the site, go to Ixtlán itself, taking in the sites and sounds of the downtown area, stopping by Nevería Quinta Ruiz, which opened in 1936, to pick up an amazing scoop of homemade ice cream.     

From lush jungles and historic sites to boutique wineries and golden beaches, Nayarit is a destination that seamlessly blends adventure, relaxation, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re sipping wine within view of a volcano, drifting through a mangrove forest, or enjoying a sunset cocktail at a beach club, every experience here feels like a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered. With its vibrant towns, welcoming locals, and unforgettable landscapes, Nayarit isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place that stays with you.

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Cover photo Matthew Teutsch

Hailing from Louisiana, Matthew Teutsch enjoys traveling, reading, writing, teaching, making music, and spending time with his family, which includes their always anxious dog Bergen. He loves new experiences that teach him about the world around him and himself.