Punta Raza Coastal Trail

The Punta Raza Coastal Trail is accessed by car or colectivo from San Pancho, Nayarit, along the coastal road heading north toward Lo de Marcos, with informal parking available near the trailhead; no permit is required. The one-way route covers 6 km with about 150 m of elevation gain and takes 2 to 3 hours each way, making it a moderate half-day outing best done as an out-and-back or with a pickup arranged at the far end near Lo de Marcos. The trail follows a mix of packed dirt and rocky coastal bluffs, with intermittent shade from coastal scrub and patches of exposed, sun-baked ground along the higher sections overlooking the Pacific. Landmarks along the way include secluded coves accessible only on foot, rocky headlands with views up and down the coastline, and the Punta Raza point itself, which is a popular turn-around spot for hikers doing an out-and-back rather than continuing to Lo de Marcos. There are no water sources, refuge huts, or shelters anywhere along the coastal path, so hikers need to carry enough water for the full distance, particularly given the sun exposure on the bluff sections. Insects can be an issue in the shaded, brushier stretches, especially near dawn and dusk. The trail is best hiked between November and April, when conditions are drier and the coastal heat is more manageable.