//
Place in Nayarit, Mexico
Photo: Luis Méndez Covarrubias, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mexcaltitán, also known as Mexcaltitán de Uribe, is a very old island settlement in Nayarit that may be the original home of the Mexica (and other Nahuatl-speaking peoples). Mexcaltitán has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Magicos, despite having a population of only 818 in 2010, usually considered too small to support tourism.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Small but utterly fascinating museum for Mexicans and anyone trying to understand Mexicanidad. The museum features a number of sculptures, pottery, artworks and other artifacts uncovered in archaeological investigations of the island. Exhibits document the Mexica folk stories of Aztlán and the 3-century-long migration to Tenochtitlan.
The town's zocalo, or main square, is a tidy, well manicured park with wide walkways, park benches, and a central gazebo.
St Peter the Apostle Church
Main church for the town, it's very small for a parish church (more like the size of a chapel) but has colonial charm and is quite picturesque with its frequently repainted exterior and unpretentious interior.
Church of St Peter and Paul
Second church for the town, similar in size and appearance to the other, but located near the lake.
Super casual outdoor dining area, specializes in seafood, which in Mexcaltitan means mostly shrimp. Even the meatballs are shrimp balls here. Quesadills with shrimp were winners as were the shrimp tamales. Good drinks and enjoyable waterfront atmosphere.
Seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp. The shrimp soup is excellent. House specialty is pescado zarandeado, cooked over wood fire. Sunset views in the afternoon.
Seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp. Large shrimp cocktails. Pescado zarandeado is a taste of local cuisine. Shrimp tacos are delicious and affordable.
Traditional Mexican fare, some without shrimp.
Older, time-worn property with basic rooms.
Basic accommodations.
Mexcaltitlan is not particularly easy to reach and is likely to require a bit of flexibility and perseverence.
Read in the guideWalk. It's a small island, the city has a ring road with an interior grid layout with just 2 main north-south streets and 2 main east-west streets. It's easy to navigate and nothing is further than a few blocks.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tepic · Regional · TPQ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Mexcaltitán and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.