Las Varas between the Sierra and Riviera Nayarit

Las Varas lies in the heart of the Sierra de Vallejo and is surrounded by fields of beans and tobacco, as well as orchards. At the same time, the town is at a crossroads: several roads lead from here to different beaches along the Riviera Nayarit. If you want to combine the agricultural surroundings with a range of coastal destinations in one trip, you can make Las Varas a destination in its own right.

The main square offers a specific place to visit if you plan to spend time in the town itself: you can linger on a bench with an ice cream. So, alongside the road connections, your plans can also include a place to relax.

Patron Saint Festival and Agriculture

The parish in Las Varas is dedicated to Santa María de Guadalupe, and its patron saint festival is celebrated on February 12. This gives your travel plans a fixed date on the religious calendar. At the 2025 patron saint celebrations, there was live music and dancing with Banda Zarape, Tecnolokos Band, Banda Caballeros and Grupo 7. That same year, the Expo Feria Agrícola Ganadera Las Varas honored the people who work the land and raise livestock. The two events reflect different sides of local life: the patron saint festival as a religious occasion, and the Expo Feria with agriculture and livestock at its heart. If you are traveling for a specific program, check the dates for the relevant year.

Planning excursions around Las Varas

Santuario Playa Platanitos is in the vicinity of the destination. A private or rental vehicle is recommended for the trip; there are no direct public buses to the protected area. Check the transportation information again before setting out, and factor this travel requirement into your day’s plans.

Compostela as a wider destination

The wider destination of Compostela offers other cultural attractions that you can plan as separate stops. The Rutas Mágicas de Color comprise nine murals on the streets of Compostela, depicting local culture, history and traditions. The parish church of Santiago Apóstol, dating from the colonial period, also stands in Compostela, the municipal seat. AltaVista near Chacala adds another historical perspective: the archaeological site dates to around 300 BC, and its petroglyphs are considered insights into the life and beliefs of the Tecoxquin, including their views on health, fertility, weather and cultivation.

The Ruta Tabaco y Café in Compostela also brings together several activities: a guided visit to coffee farms, a coffee tasting, a guided tour of the historic center, and a hands-on cigar-making workshop. Confirm the current departures and workshop availability before making plans. The Mercado Municipal in Compostela offers local dishes including pescado zarandeado, ceviche, shrimp broth and pollo al Ixtlán. If you plan to visit the market, check its opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Peñita De Jaltemba, Monteón, San Blas, San Francisco, Cuastecomate, Valle Dorado, Estancia Del López, Tepic

For the wider travel overview: Nayarit.