6 Nature Parks in Nayarit, Mexico: Map & Photos

6 parks and reserves

Nayarit has 6 parks and reserves with their own page on Puebloteca, near the Pueblos Mágicos of San Blas, Ahuacatlán, Mexcaltitán, and Sayulita. The closest to a pueblo is La Tovara, 7 km from San Blas; the farthest out is Isla Isabel, 43 km from Mexcaltitán.

Parks and reserves are best on weekdays and early in the day. Bring water, and check the opening hours, since some close one day a week.

Best months, when most of these towns are dry with comfortable afternoons: Jan, Mar, Apr, Dec.

The Nature Parks 6

La Tovara · Nature reserve · 7 km from San Blas
Boat rides through mangrove tunnels to a clear spring where you can swim, with crocodiles and herons on the way.
Singayta · Nature reserve · 7 km from San Blas
A small ecotourism village on the road to Tepic with boat rides and trails for birdwatching in mangroves and forest.
Tinajas de Santa Isabel · Nature reserve · 18 km from Ahuacatlán
Clear spring-fed pools in the forest near Santa Isabel, reached by dirt road and a short walk; going with a local guide helps.
Islas Marietas · Nature reserve · 24 km from Sayulita
A protected island park off Punta de Mita, home of the famous Hidden Beach inside a crater-like hollow.
Isla Isabel · Nature reserve · 43 km from Mexcaltitán
A protected volcanic island full of nesting frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies, about 90 minutes by boat from Boca de Camichín.
Sierra de Vallejo · Nature reserve · Bahía de Banderas
The jungle-covered coastal range behind Sayulita and the Bahía de Banderas valley, home to jaguars, 261 bird species and shade-grown coffee.