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Mexcaltitán is a tiny island town set in a lagoon among the mangrove wetlands of northern Nayarit. Its streets form a near-perfect oval around a central plaza, and in the rainy season some of them flood so thoroughly that residents get around by canoe. Some historians and many locals associate the island with Aztlán, the legendary homeland from which the Mexica, or Aztecs, are said to have migrated.
Getting there is part of the appeal. Boats leave from the Embarcadero La Batanga and wind through the mangrove channels of Laguna Grande, passing herons, egrets, and fishermen tending nets, before tying up at the island docks. On foot, a short loop along the ring road passes colorful houses with drying shrimp and fishing gear outside. The Plaza Central is the social heart, overlooked by the Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol, and the small Museo del Origen presents the Aztlán story and regional archaeology. Shrimp dominates local cooking, including the traditional dried shrimp dishes and tamales. Each June the feast of Saints Peter and Paul brings a lively canoe race between fishermen.
Mexcaltitán suits curious travelers who appreciate unusual places and simple comforts. Lodging is minimal, so most visit as a day trip. The nearby town of Santiago Ixcuintla is the usual staging point, and San Blas is within driving distance.
WiserMap travel guideMexcaltitán Mexico Island Village Mangroves and ShrimpPlan a trip to Mexcaltitán, the car-free island village in Nayarit: boat rides through mangroves, colorful lanes, a small museum, shrimp dishes and tips.Read the guide
La Batanga is the mainland dock where boats leave for the island of Mexcaltitán, a short ride through mangrove channels. Boatmen run shared and private trips through the day. Agree on the price before leaving, and ask if they can add a longer tour of the lagoon on the way.
The island sits in a vast lagoon and wetland system fringed by mangroves, rich in herons, egrets, ibises and other water birds. Boat tours glide through narrow channels where the birds nest. Early morning trips offer the best birdwatching and the coolest temperatures.
The edge of this tiny round island is lined with docks where canoes and fishing boats tie up, and where fishermen unload shrimp. A walk around the waterfront takes only a few minutes and gives views across the lagoon. Sunset over the water is the most peaceful time of the day.
Mexcaltitán's streets form a ring around the island, lined with brightly painted houses with tiled roofs. In the rainy season the streets can flood and residents move by canoe, earning the island the nickname Venice of Mexico. The whole village is easily seen on foot in an hour.
The small central plaza at the heart of the island has a kiosk, benches and shady trees, with the church and museum just steps away. It is where village life gathers in the evening. Small restaurants nearby serve local seafood and are a good place to rest after exploring.
The island's church faces the central plaza and is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the patrons of this fishing community. It is simple and brightly painted inside. Visitors are welcome outside service times, and it is the focus of the late June patron saint celebrations.
This small museum on the plaza explores the belief that Mexcaltitán may be Aztlán, the legendary homeland from which the Mexica, later the Aztecs, began their migration. It shows archaeological pieces, codex reproductions and models. Hours can be irregular, so ask locally.
On 29 June, the island celebrates its patron saints with a canoe race on the lagoon between two boats carrying images of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, followed by music and festivities. It is the most colourful day of the year here. Arrive early to find a spot on the waterfront.
Fresh shrimp from the lagoon is the centre of local cooking, served as shrimp meatballs, empanadas, ceviche and the traditional tlaxtihuilli, a shrimp broth with masa and chile. Small family restaurants around the island serve these dishes. Try several in a shared plate to sample them.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: mickou, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
