Compostela offers a range of travel experiences: coastal destinations, cultural discoveries in the municipal seat, and a route centered on coffee and tobacco. When looking for a hotel, it helps to decide whether beaches and the sea, local history, or culinary craftsmanship matter most. You can then tailor your choices to your personal interests.

Coast, Sea and Nature Watching

Rincón de Guayabitos is part of Bahía de Jaltemba and is located in the municipality of Compostela. The town stretches approximately two kilometers in length and around 30 meters in width. Its gentle, consistent waves are associated with surfing; boat trips are also offered in the bay. Waves and boat trips may vary. If you are planning a trip, check the current conditions and options in advance.

Isla del Coral is an ecological protected area with white sand, blue water and coral reefs. Its habitats include sea turtles, seabirds, fish and starfish. The island can be reached by boat from Rincón de Guayabitos; availability and boarding conditions may vary. Before visiting, also find out about local protection rules.

The surf at Playa Platanitos is calm, and the beach is suitable for swimming and relaxing. Fishing is also possible, and the beach palapas serve grilled dishes including pargo and huachinango. Surf conditions, fishing conditions and food offerings may vary seasonally. Playa Tortugas, meanwhile, stretches for eight kilometers. Access is via a path through the vegetation; conditions on the path may change with the weather.

From July to October, Rincón de Guayabitos, Frideritas, Los Ayala and neighboring beaches are mentioned as places for whale watching. Tours are offered on the beach; confirm current dates and availability in advance. Another seasonal option is birdwatching on the beach: Rincón de Guayabitos lies along a migratory route for seabirds.

At Parque Natural Punta Custodio, you can learn more about sea turtles. Volunteers can take part in programs to monitor egg laying and protect the eggs. Check before your trip whether participation is possible.

Murals, History and Local Crafts

The Rutas Mágicas de Color include nine murals on the streets of Compostela. They depict local culture, history and traditions; individual murals may change. The colonial-era Santiago Apóstol parish church is also located in the municipal seat. The murals and the church offer different insights into the town’s culture and history.

AltaVista is an archaeological site near the town of Chacala and dates to around 300 BC. The petroglyphs are associated with the Tecoxquin. Their motifs relate to subjects including health, fertility, weather and cultivation. This gives AltaVista its own cultural focus alongside the discoveries in the municipal seat.

Traditional crafts are also part of the Compostela experience: visitors can learn about the leatherworking process. Handcrafted products include saddles, belts, huaraches and bags with artistic details.

The Ruta Tabaco y Café brings together experiences centered on coffee and tobacco. The listed stops include a guided tour of coffee plantations with a tasting, a guided walk through the historic center, and an artisanal cigar workshop. Since departures and program details may change, confirm that the experience is currently running before booking.

Local Cuisine and Other Destinations

At Mercado Municipal, dishes on offer include pescado zarandeado, ceviche, shrimp broth and pollo al Ixtlán. This is another way to explore Compostela’s culinary offerings, separate from the coffee route. In the municipal seat, Lake El Molino is considered one of the most visited places. The municipality also has bathing facilities and hot springs considered worth visiting; check current operating information before making a special trip.

Discover more destinations: Chacala, Bahía de Banderas.

Return to the main travel overview: Nayarit.