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City and municipality in Nayarit, Mexico
Photo: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ixtlán del Rio is a small town in the southeast corner of Mexico's Pacific coast state of Nayarit. The town is best known as the site of a pre-Hispanic archaeological ruin that is sometimes known as Los Toriles.
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Zocalo
Attractive, well-kept small urban park with groomed landscaping set around a large bandstand.
Los Toriles
Small site managed by INAH. Clean with minimal facilities. Limited signage.
Colonial era church with a beautifully ornate interior full of statues and other artworks.
Climb the 500 stairs to the summit where you can sit in quiet contemplation or admire the views of the town and surrounding countryside. (It is possible to drive to the top by coming in the back way.) A small chapel at the top is usually closed.
Public swimming pools. Public restrooms and showers. Pools are clean and well maintained.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's a waterfall in the mountains a few kilometers south of town. No roads go there but local guides know the way and can guide you on a several hour hiking trip out and back or it's about an hour and a half each way on horseback.
Bright cheery traditional restaurant serving a variety of seafood and other dishes. Grilled octopus, steamed mussels, Also serves steaks, chicken and a smattering of international dishes. Full bar. Off-street parking available.
Comfortably cheery restaurant with an extensive menu. Serves breakfast and lunch. Good fresh-brewed coffee in the morning.
Large, clean, comfortable restaurant close to the archaeological ruins. Menu is traditional Mexican and the house specialty is carne asada. Locals also recommend the chilis rellenos.
Family friendly casual seafood restaurant. Big shrimp cocktails, grilled octopus, grilled fish. Occasional live music.
Good place for tasty late night cheap tacos. Super casual street food type place. Local delivery available.
Traditional hacienda style hotel with rooms set around a central courtyard. Rooms are clean, comfortably furnished and include air conditioning.
Basic hotel in the heart of the city, near bus terminals. Rooms are minimally furnished and in need of renovation but prices are low. Off-street parking available.
By bus
Pacifico operates several buses per day to Ixtlan del Rio departing Tepic from Av. Insurgentes y República de Chile. Fares cost about M$150 for the 1-hour trip.
The town is small, safe, and walking is the easiest way to get around. Taxis are usually available at a sitio across the street from the Zocalo.
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Tepic · Regional · TPQ
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