A 17th-century temple and the nearby Laguna de San Pedro Lagunillas offer two different perspectives on the area: architectural history in the main town and nature experiences by the water. Add distinctive feast days and a cuisine of its own for festivals. You can choose the focus of your stay according to whether you mainly want to experience historic sites, a festival or activities at the lagoon.

The Temple and Traces of Local History

The Templo Parroquial de San Pedro Apóstol is a single-story building made of plastered stone, with metal beams and prefabricated concrete slabs. At the lower edge of its northwestern bell is a relief dedicated to Señor San Pedro, dated 1888. The Templo de San Pedro is the oldest building in the main town of San Pedro Lagunillas and dates from the 17th century.

In San Pedro Lagunillas, the Ruta Caminos del Suroeste leads to centuries-old architectural sites. These include the Templo de San Pedro Apóstol, Plaza Los Mártires, Hacienda La Condesa and the ruins of a former tequila hacienda. The route offers culture enthusiasts several historical points of interest without requiring a set itinerary. Hacienda La Condesa is a well-preserved colonial-era building. Terebinth trees grow in Plaza de los Terebintos behind the municipal government building; the trees make the name of this square immediately clear.

Festival Days and Cola de Rata

On June 29, San Pedro Lagunillas celebrates the festival in honor of its patron saint, San Pedro. Processions from neighboring towns make their way from the entrance arches to the temple; food is offered to the faithful. The Topaderas take place from September 17 to 19. During the festivities, the entire local population throws water, eggs and flour; dances and celebrations are also part of the event. If you want to plan your trip around one of these festivals, check the dates and program before setting off.

Cola de Rata, a traditional drink made from fruit and alcohol, is also part of the Topaderas. It ferments for about four months in a sealed container buried in the ground. The drink connects festival traditions with a distinctive preparation method and is a cultural point of interest in its own right, alongside the processions, dances and food offered to the faithful.

Lagoon, Nature and Your Stay

Laguna de San Pedro Lagunillas is located near the town. It is approximately 1.9 kilometers long and 1.6 kilometers wide, with an average depth of about 9 meters. These measurements give a concrete sense of the lagoon without suggesting that it is part of the town center.

There are walking trails around the lagoon and opportunities to observe flora and fauna, as well as birds. Canoeing and boat trips are especially possible there in spring, when calm waters favor these activities. Check locally to see whether operators are available. This lets you consider wildlife observation and water activities as different ways to enjoy the area.

The cuisine also offers another reason to visit: restaurants near the Laguna serve dorado, tilapia fillets and traditional dishes such as tamales, pozole and beef birria. Individual restaurant offerings may vary. Check the current accommodation details before booking.

Discover more destinations: Monteón, La Peñita De Jaltemba, Tepic, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Ixtlán Del Río, Estancia Del López, Santa María Del Oro, Ruiz

For the broader travel overview: Nayarit.