Municipality in Nayarit, Mexico
Photo: AlejandroLinaresGarcia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Compostela (Nayarit) is a small colonial-era city about 40 km inland from the Pacific Ocean in the Mexican state of Nayarit. The city is one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos and its best feature is its large central town square (zocalo) next to its main church (Santiago Apostol).
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St James the Apostle Church
Beautiful pink cantera stone church built in the 16th century with an unusually wide belfry. The interior is tastefully sparse with a small number of iconic statues, polished marble walkways, and a high bright nave.
Historic home of a state legislator and former governor, now serving as a cultural center for the city with a library and other facilities. Noted for its elaborate Huichol-style murals, mostly featuring natural scenes like a deer and other animals with fanciful colors and native patterns.
Cozy traditional restaurant serving northern style grilled meats, like arrachera, as well as regional seafood specialties. Big mixed drinks. Occasional live music.
Friendly casual restaurant with an international menu that includes pastas, burgers, baby back ribs, and seafood. Local craft beers available.
Basket tacos are a favorite in this part of Nayarit and Tacos de Canasta serves up cheap eats for the local community (typically 4 tacos for under M$20).
Moderate hotel with clean, spacious rooms. Good location across the street from main plaza. Off-street parking.
Basic accommodations with no frills or extras. Rooms are small and not much more than a bed and a bathroom (without a door). Okay for budget travel.
Upscale hotel with very large, clean, well furnished rooms and friendly service. On-site restaurant serves traditional Mexican breakfast.
Comfortable hotel on the outskirts of town. Rooms are set up like cabanas and have good privacy. Rooms are spacious and clean. Outdoor gardens with walkways and a large outdoor swimming pool.
By car
Compostela is 28 km due south of Tepic on federal highway MEX-200. The road is twisty in places and the ride will take about 50 minutes.
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Tepic · Regional · TPQ
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