Current Hotel Offerings and Establishments in Nayarit
Nayarit currently boasts approximately 33,000 hotel rooms and over 950 establishments, along with 7,000 temporary apartments or residences. The state’s diverse geography allows for a wide range of tourism activities, from community to nature-based tourism.
Key Tourism Segments in Nayarit
According to Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado, the head of Nayarit’s local tourism board, the state is focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings and promoting various segments such as business, cultural, sports, nature, and adventure tourism.
“In the sports tourism sector, we are seeing many visitors arrive between non-vacation seasons to practice surfing, scuba diving, and cycling. Another growing segment is nature tourism, including birdwatching, whale watching, turtle releases, and wellness or well-being experiences along the coast,” Suárez del Real Tostado told El Economista.
Nayarit’s Magical Towns
Suárez del Real Tostado emphasized that the tourism board has been working to diversify Nayarit’s offerings and promote community-based cultural tourism within its nine Magical Towns: Ahuacatlán, Amatlán de Cañas, Compostela, Ixtlán del Río, Jala, Mexcaltitán, Puerto Vallarta (Islas Marías), San Blas, and Sayulita.
“In the Magical Towns, visitors can participate in workshops and create handicrafts,” he said.
Compostela: A Magical Town with Rich History and Crafts
Compostela, one of Nayarit’s Magical Towns, is home to historical buildings like the Santiago Apóstol parish, built during colonial times. The town features traditional leatherwork shops, coffee plantation tours with tastings at the Artesanal Café Molote, hand-rolled cigar making at La Flor de Chila, and leather accessory crafts at Talabartería Profe Nacho.
Rincón de Guayabitos, a popular area within Compostela, is known for Isla Coral, surfing, boat tours, and birdwatching. During specific seasons, the Guayabitos beach hosts sea turtle nesting.
Sayulita: Surfing and More Along Nayarit’s Riviera
Sayulita, another Magical Town located in Bahía de Banderas municipality, is renowned for surfing and offers beaches suitable for all skill levels. Additional activities include fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The central plaza is known for its vibrant atmosphere.
The Islas Marietas National Park, 9.5 km southwest of Nayarit’s coast, is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. It hosts migratory and resident seabirds, including the largest population of yellow-bellied, chestnut-bellied, and blue-bellied warblers. The park’s marine area protects 44 species of flora and fauna.
San Blas, a 25-minute drive from the capital, offers beaches, mangroves, rivers, and streams due to its natural wealth. It serves as a temporary home for over 300 migratory bird species.
Rancho Vista Paraíso in Higuera Blanca, Bahía de Banderas municipality, provides outdoor adventure activities like hiking, horseback riding, and ziplining through mangroves, where various wildlife species reside.
“We have the ‘Nayarit la Escuela de la Aventura’ project, which offers courses in paragliding, mountain biking, surfing, and kitesurfing. Tourists can visit Nayarit not only for vacation but also to learn a new sport,” Suárez del Real Tostado explained.
Future Plans for Nayarit’s Tourism
By 2025, Suárez del Real Tostado aims to develop over 60 tourism routes. In 2026, the focus will be on creating attractions, artisan workshops, sanctuaries for observing flora and fauna, trails, and unique tourism experiences to complement existing routes and boost the state’s economy.
“With diversification, we can offer both craft workshops and adventure tourism opportunities. This way, visitors understand there’s a world of experiences beyond specific activities,” he concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current hotel and establishment offering in Nayarit? Nayarit currently offers approximately 33,000 hotel rooms, over 950 establishments, and 7,000 temporary apartments or residences.
- What tourism segments is Nayarit focusing on? Nayarit is promoting business, cultural, sports, nature, and adventure tourism.
- What are Nayarit’s Magical Towns and their unique offerings? Nayarit has nine Magical Towns, each with distinct cultural and natural attractions. Examples include Compostela’s historical buildings and leatherwork shops, Sayulita’s surfing opportunities, and San Blas’ natural beauty.
- What future plans does Nayarit have for its tourism sector? By 2025, Nayarit aims to develop over 60 tourism routes. In 2026, the focus will be on creating attractions, artisan workshops, sanctuaries, trails, and unique tourism experiences.
