Nayarit

About Nayarit

Nayarit stretches along the Pacific from the mangrove wetlands of San Blas in the north to the glamorous beach towns of the Riviera Nayarit in the south, then climbs east into the pine-forested Sierra Madre Occidental, home to the Wixárika (Huichol) people. Sayulita and Punta de Mita anchor a surf-and-boutique-resort scene just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta's international airport (technically across the state line in Jalisco but the real-world gateway to Nayarit), while Tepic, the low-key state capital, offers colonial architecture, volcano views, and Huichol art without the crowds. Note: Nayarit changed its official time zone to align with the Pacific/Mountain zone (America/Mazatlan) in 2023, one hour behind Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco — a detail that catches many visitors off guard when crossing the state line.

Capital

Tepic

Largest city

Tepic

Population

1.4 million

Languages

Spanish, Wixárika (Huichol), Cora (Náayeri)

Currency

Mexican Peso

Time zone

America/Mazatlan (MST, UTC-7; MDT UTC-6 in summer)

Explore Nayarit by topic

Jump straight to the experience you're planning.

• Attractions
• Hotels
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• Budget
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• Safety
• Culture
• Weather
• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Beaches
• Hiking
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• Photography
• Food Tours
• Day Trips
• Family
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Best places to visit in Nayarit

The 22 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.

Islas Marietas National Park

La Tovara National Park

Sayulita Town Plaza & Playa Sayulita

La Contaduría Fort (San Blas)

Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve

Mexcaltitán Island Village

Recommended itineraries

Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.

Where to stay in Nayarit

Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.

Where to eat in Nayarit

Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.

Getting around Nayarit

Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) in neighboring Jalisco, 10-40 minutes from Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta, and Punta de Mita, is the real-world gateway to Riviera Nayarit. Nayarit's own Amado Nervo International Airport (TPQ) in Tepic has limited domestic service. Along the coastal corridor, colectivo vans, city buses, ETN/Vallarta Plus intercity coaches, and Uber/Didi cover most needs; a rental car is the only practical way to reach San Blas, Chacala, and inland Tepic independently on a fixed schedule.

Budget breakdown

Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.

Best time to visit Nayarit

November and April-May are the sweet-spot shoulder months: dry-season weather with lower prices and fewer crowds than the December-January peak.

Essential travel tips

• Nayarit runs on America/Mazatlan time (Mountain Time), one hour behind Puerto Vallarta/Jalisco across the state line — check flight and tour times twice
• Book Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta resorts well ahead for December-January and Semana Santa
• Rent a car for a day to reach San Blas and Chacala independently; public transit thins out north of San Pancho
• Try pescado zarandeado (butterflied grilled fish) — it is Nayarit's signature dish, especially around San Blas and Bucerías
• Carry cash (pesos) for colectivos, small restaurants, and the Sayulita/San Pancho markets — cards are not universally accepted outside resorts

Hidden gems

Off-the-beaten-path corners most travellers miss.

Safety information

Frequently asked questions

Explore Nayarit by city

The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.