Exploring Compostela Nayarit’s Hidden Treasures

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Exploring Compostela Nayarit’s Hidden Treasures

Compostela Nayarit is the third Magical Town in this coastal state. Its official name is actually Villa de Galicia de Compostela de Indias, founded in 1530 by Nuño Beltrán.

Before that, it had been inhabited by the indigenous people of the Mazatlan lordships.

The name of this town is to honor the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, so it is considered an actual city.

This beautiful corner of Mexico has great natural wealth, as there are large green areas and long beaches nearby.

It also has historical and cultural monuments of great importance.

As if that were not enough, Compostela Nayarit is home to several fantastic traditional festivals.

Get to know this charming city, whose main economic sources include fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

The best time to visit is during November and December since this is when most festivals and parades are held.

How to get to Compostela Nayarit

The nearest airport is Tepic (capital city of Nayarit), 37 km away, you can also fly to Puerto Vallarta and drive to Compostela, 132 km.

If you are in Guadalajara and drive your car, take Highway 15D, Guadalajara-Tepic, and exit to Chapalilla and finally towards Puerto Vallarta.

You can also get there by public transportation, take a bus from the Guadalajara or Tepic bus stations.

What to do in Compostela Nayarit

Stroll through the historic center. The streets are beautiful, selling original handicrafts made from tobacco leaves on several corners.

Don’t forget to stop by the Santo Santiago Apostle Parish Church, the Municipal Presidency, or the House of Culture.

If you want adventure or to enjoy nature, go to Punta Custodio Natural Park.

It is the ideal place for mountaineering, biking, climbing, rappels, or having a picnic.

Also, go to Punta Custodio Bay, a beautiful beach spot 8 kilometers long. You will find delicious seafood, as well as a pleasant climate.

In this paradise, you can snorkel, take canoe rides, and release baby turtles.

Check here for a place to stay in Compostela or nearby

Another favorite place is the Compostela Museum. There you will learn about the history of the place and observe archaeological pieces of great value.

Take advantage of your vacation to expand your knowledge!

Other places I recommend you to visit are the Ex-Hacienda de la Condesa Miravalles, the Santana and Molinos pools, and the Railroad Station:

Visit Coral Island near Compostela 

Coral Island in Compostela, Nayarit, is located in Rincón de Guayabitos; it’s like a big aquarium with several marine species in its corals.

It is possible to snorkel to admire dolphins, fish, manta rays, jellyfish, turtles, and even humpback whales (when in season) in its crystalline turquoise waters.

In one part of the sea, you can see the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception while snorkeling or diving.

Coral Island is 3 km from Rincón de Guayabitos and can be reached by boat. And some have a glass bottom; you will enjoy it because it is beautiful to see these marine species.     

Enjoy a natural spa in Nuevo Ixtlán  

There are different spas with hot springs in Compostela.

The Nuevo Ixtlán Natural Spa is in the middle of the jungle and has 20 beautiful stone pools, each holding two to six people.

You may want to read: Ixtlan del Rio, Nayarit: Visitors Guide 2023

When you arrive, you are assigned a pool for you and your companions to use during your stay; the tubs are cleaned frequently.

Enjoy the quiet beaches in Rincon de Guayabitos

Rincón de Guayabitos Beach is an hour away from the Magical Town of Compostela, Nayarit.

It is a paradise with a natural pool due to its calm waves and warm waters.

Guayabitos is an ideal place to practice various activities such as canoeing, rowing, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, the banana, and jet ski rentals.

It has a clean beach certification, a wide variety of lodging in hotels and bungalows, and restaurants on the shore of the beach.   

Along with Los Ayala and Chacala, this beach is considered one of the best in the Riviera Nayarit.

Visit El Naranjo Beach Turtle Camp

The turtle camp at El Naranjo Beach in Compostela, Nayarit, is dedicated to protecting sea turtle nests.

Especially during the nesting season from July to December each year, which is essential for the conservation of the species.

This camp’s activities include egg collection, hatchling release, beach cleaning, research, and environmental education.

You can contribute to any of their events and support them wherever possible.

Mandarina in Compostela Nayarit, the new ultra-luxury destination

If you love to travel in style and spend time looking for new destinations to conquer, there’s one place for you: Mandarina.

The opening of the One&Only Resort in 2021 sets a new standard for ultra-luxury destinations in Riviera Nayarit.

Under the Mandarina name, the project also calls for the opening of Rosewood Resort & Spa in 2022.

One&Only Mandarina establishes itself as an exceptional concept in the Americas. In addition to hotel spaces, it includes 55 private residences.

Designed by Rick Joy Architects, each of its accommodations is immersed in pristine natural settings.

“Rick Joy is renowned for achieving a true communion with nature through his designs. His philosophy makes perfect sense for our project: preserving the environment while providing travelers and residents with priceless experiences,” said Ricardo Santa Cruz, Head of Business Development for Mandarina at RLH Properties.

He also detailed that One&Only Mandarina Private Homes will operate as an extension of the hotel.

Residents can access the brand’s services: concierge, private chefs, Spa, Kids Club of almost 7,900 m2, and exclusive restaurants for adults and others with a family atmosphere.

Not to mention the private and picturesque One&Only Majahua Beach Club.

The Mandarina “neighborhood” has 265 hectares and a great diversity of ecosystems.

Santa Cruz specifies that One&Only Mandarina is located to the south in an area with elevations and dense jungle vegetation, ideal for mountain biking and hiking trails.

Exclusive experiences

“The land reaches a plain where the equestrian center and the world-class polo club will be located, which -due to their degree of specialization- will give Mandarina a very different feeling from other destinations,” said Santa Cruz.

At Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club, riders of all ages and skill levels will come together to learn, practice, or compete.

“With innovative architecture, it will coordinate effortlessly with the surrounding nature and amenities of Mandarina.”

On the northern flank of the equestrian center, high atop another mountainous area, will rise the Rosewood Resort & Spa. With spectacular ocean views, this resort will also feature residences of privileged status.

“Eleven years ago, my partners and I began envisioning a different Mexican Pacific destination. After an intense search, we found this place that met all the characteristics we were looking for.

It is located a little less than an hour away from Puerto Vallarta’s International Airport and will be only half an hour away once the toll road coming from Guadalajara is completed,” he commented.

He also mentioned that Mandarina is only minutes away from Sayulita and San Pancho.

Finally, he added that RLH Properties is listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange and specializes in acquiring, developing, and managing high-end hotels and resorts.

“Our solid experience in the industry made it possible to overcome the challenges involved in a project of this size. Thanks to the trust placed in the anchor brands, Mandarina is developing successfully.”