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Small archipelago on the Mexican west coast
Photo: Derrick Coetzee Camera location47° 33′ 11.72″ N, 122° 04′ 50.26″ W View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 47.553255; -122.080628, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Islas Marías is a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean 100 km off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico. The largest of the islands was used as a penal colony and federal prison for most of the 20th century. The prison closed in 2019 and the islands have been opened to tourism for those looking for a unique and definitely "off the beaten path" weekend destination. The islands are home to a range of plant and animal life, including several endemic species found nowhere else on earth. The islands are a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island's main town, Puerto Balleto, has been designated as one of Mexico's Pueblos Mágicos.
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Pier
Long pier. As passengers disembark and walk into town, they pass through colorful arches welcoming them to Puerto Balleto.
Small historical museum with exhibits charting the history of the island and its famous prison. Imagine what it was like to be sentenced to years on the island, without visitors, working under the hot sun.
Perched atop a ridge at one end of Puerto Balleto is a red and white lighthouse above a large, single-story contemporary lighthouse keeper's house. The lighthouse is not open to visitors, as of 2024. The lighthouse is a 10-minute hike from downtown and offers spectacular sunrise views.
Cristo Rey
High atop a bluff overlooking the town and harbor below is a statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched, similar to the famous statue of Christ overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Stairways let visitors climb up the pedestal to the base of the statue. Access is provided only by guided tours departing from Puerto Balleto. Independent hikes to the monument are not permitted.
Government House
Historical structure, operated as a cultural center. Visitors can see it as part of a guided tour.
Federal Penitentiary
Visit the former maximum security prison areas and see how convicts did hard time on the island. The cells are dark and gloomy and inmates were allowed just 15 minutes a day outdoors. The prison housed several notorious drug cartel figures in the early 2000s.
Old salt works where prisoners once worked the lagoons and salt flats to harvest salt. Scenic views.
By plane
As of January 2025, it is possible to fly to the island (once a week) from Tepic. Information about flights is on the Islas Marías web site.
Transportation around the island is typically by boat and is included in the tour price. Some tours will be by bus.
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Puerto Vallarta · International · PVR
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