Laguna de Santa María del Oro Loop

The Laguna de Santa María del Oro Loop begins near the lakeside cabañas at the crater lake town of Santa María del Oro, reached by roughly a 45-minute drive southeast of Tepic, Nayarit; parking is available near the cabañas and no permit is required for the loop. The route covers 9 km around the volcanic crater lake with about 250 m of cumulative elevation gain, a moderate profile that most hikers complete in 3 to 4 hours. The path alternates between packed dirt lakeside sections and short, partly shaded climbs through surrounding forest as it circles the water, with occasional rocky patches near the hillside portions of the loop. Landmarks along the way include multiple viewpoints over the turquoise crater lake, small fishing docks, and patches of forest that shelter birdlife typical of the region. Hikers who prefer a shorter outing can turn around at the halfway viewpoint on the far side of the lake rather than completing the full loop. Drinking water is not available along the trail itself, though the lakeside cabañas at the start and end of the route sell bottled water and simple meals; there are no refuge huts on the trail proper. Many hikers finish the loop with a swim in the lake, which stays warm enough for a dip most of the year. The hike is enjoyable year-round, though it is most comfortable in the cooler months of November through February.