Plizio Visual Lab
San Blas

ℹ️Practical info — San Blas
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The legendary "jejenes" (sandflies) emerge at dawn and dusk. You must use strong insect repellent and consider wearing long sleeves during these times.
- Take a boat tour through the La Tovara mangroves early in the morning for the best chance to see crocodiles and exotic birds.
- Visit the ruins of the 18th-century Contaduría on the hill of San Basilio for panoramic views of the town and coastline.
- The local bus (colectivo) is an incredibly cheap way to get to nearby pristine beaches like Matanchén Bay, though schedules can be flexible.
🍽 Food
San Blas is famous for its dense, sweet pan de plátano. Buy it warm from local bakeries or street vendors.
A traditional dish where fish is slow-cooked over a wood fire, often found in rustic eateries around Matanchén Bay.
Try these sweet coconut treats sold at stalls near the town square or the beaches.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for intricate yarn paintings and beadwork made by the indigenous Wixárika (Huichol) people.
Visit the municipal market to buy locally grown coffee and tropical fruits.
A long, wide beach that stretches for miles. It's usually very quiet, great for a solitary walk.
Though a bit of a drive, this peaceful island is considered the mythical birthplace of the Aztecs and feels frozen in time.
Water temperature…
San Blas is a town steeped in history on the Riviera Nayarit, once one of the Spanish Crown's most important Pacific ports. The 'La Contaduría' fortress on San Basilio Hill bears witness to this glorious past and gives wide views over the town. San Blas is world-famous for its biodiversity, especially for bird watching in the La Tovara National Park. The beaches of San Blas are expansive and natural. El Borrego is the most well-known beach in town, convenient for relaxed days by the sea and famous for its sunsets. Playa del Rey is a sacred site for the Huichol (Wixárika) indigenous people and has a mystical atmosphere far from modernity. The gentle waves in Matanchén Bay are also well-suited for beginner surfers. In San Blas, time seems to move slower. Local cuisine features specialties like 'Pescado Zarandeado' (grilled fish). Despite its historical significance, the town has remained a quiet refuge that primarily attracts nature lovers and independent travelers.
- Location: Mexico
- Top sights: Mirador De Las Aves · Niños Héroes y Batallia de Veracruz · Benito Juárez
- Nearby: Los Ayala (15 km)
- Population: ~10.187 (2024)
Geography
Facts
- Historic port
- La Tovara National Park
- Bird watching
- Colonial fortress
- El Borrego surf spot
- Pescado Zarandeado
- Sacred Playa del Rey
- Pacific coast
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Morning: We start at the mysterious Piedra Bola before delving into the fascinating ruins of Fuerte de San Basilio, soaking up early bay views. Midday: The heart of San Blas awaits as we explore the lively local squares, honoring heroes like Mercado and Juárez among shaded benches. Afternoon: We head towards the waterfront to the legendary Muelle de San Blas, listening to the waves and watching local fishermen return. Evening: Our walking tour concludes at the historic monument of Fray Junípero Serra, leaving you perfectly placed to enjoy fresh seafood nearby.
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
San Basilio Fort
José María Mercado
Benito Juárez Monument
San Blas Pier
Fray Junípero Serra
The morning starts at Piedra Bola, where rain meets the sea spray; a sturdy umbrella is a must. At noon, the San Basilio Fort provides some shelter, but be very careful as the old stone surfaces become treacherous when wet. In the afternoon, stroll towards the central monuments, using the building eaves to stay dry. The evening at the pier is dramatic with low clouds over the Pacific. Finish your walk at a covered spot to enjoy the atmospheric rainy coastal views.
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
San Basilio Fort
José María Mercado
Benito Juárez Monument
San Blas Pier
Fray Junípero Serra
The winter morning is mild and perfect for a walk to Piedra Bola; the air is fresh and the sun is not yet intense. At noon, climbing to San Basilio Fort is much more comfortable in the cooler temperatures than in the summer heat. In the afternoon, enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere; the low winter sun bathes the monuments in a warm glow. Keep in mind that sunset is around 17:00. Finish your day at the pier before the chilly evening sea breeze kicks in.
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
San Basilio Fort
José María Mercado
Benito Juárez Monument
San Blas Pier
Fray Junípero Serra
Morning: Kickstart your ride climbing to Fuerte de San Basilio for panoramic views, then roll smoothly down to the mysterious Piedra Bola. Midday: Pedal through historic plazas, stopping to reflect at monument sites like the Niños Héroes, capturing the rich heritage of San Blas. Afternoon: Cruise south to the famous El Borrego beach, swapping your bike saddle for the soft sand and enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze. Evening: We ride towards the evocative ruins of Hotel Playa Hermosa, exploring its abandoned grandeur as the sun sets over the golden horizon.
San Basilio Fort
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
José María Mercado
Niños Héroes Monument
El Borrego Beach
Hotel Playa Hermosa
Cycling in the rain requires caution, especially on the way to San Basilio Fort; the cobblestone streets are extremely slippery. Check your brakes before starting. At noon you reach Piedra Bola, where the sea spray further drenches the path. In the afternoon, pedal through the center to the monuments; avoid deep puddles due to hidden potholes. The road to El Borrego beach can be muddy. Finish the tour at Hotel Playa Hermosa, where you can seek shelter under the ruins before it gets dark.
San Basilio Fort
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
José María Mercado
Niños Héroes Monument
El Borrego Beach
Hotel Playa Hermosa
Winter is the best time for cycling in San Blas. Start your morning at San Basilio Fort; the cool air makes the climb a breeze. Then coast down to Piedra Bola, where you can enjoy the clear coastal views. At noon, cycle comfortably through the town; the sun is pleasantly warm but not oppressive. In the afternoon, head to El Borrego beach, where the winter wind blows steadily. Don't forget the early 17:00 sunset; reach Hotel Playa Hermosa in time for the last daylight.
San Basilio Fort
Piedra Bola de Ahualulco
José María Mercado
Niños Héroes Monument
El Borrego Beach
Hotel Playa Hermosa
Morning: Drive to Mirador De Las Aves for spectacular birdwatching, then travel to the colonial ruins of Fuerte de San Basilio for coastal views. Midday: Park near the legendary Muelle de San Blas to capture iconic photos, followed by a scenic drive to the secluded sands of Playa del Rey. Afternoon: We continue south to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Hotel Playa Hermosa, offering a unique glimpse into the region's glamorous past. Evening: End your coastal road trip at El Borrego, enjoying the lively beach atmosphere and a breathtaking tropical sunset by the crashing waves.
Birds Viewpoint
San Basilio Fort
San Blas Pier
Playa del Rey
Hotel Playa Hermosa
El Borrego Beach
By car, San Blas can be comfortably explored even in the rain. Start at the birdwatching viewpoint, where you can observe the wildlife from the dry interior. Then head to San Basilio Fort, where it's best to park close to the entrance to avoid getting soaked. At noon, visit the pier and Playa del Rey; visibility can be limited during heavy tropical downpours, so drive carefully. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Hotel Playa Hermosa and El Borrego beach. During heavy bursts, stay in the car and enjoy the view of the stormy coast.
Birds Viewpoint
San Basilio Fort
San Blas Pier
Playa del Rey
Hotel Playa Hermosa
El Borrego Beach
The winter months offer ideal conditions for a car tour through San Blas. Start your morning at the birdwatching viewpoint when visibility is clearest. The cool morning air makes visiting San Basilio Fort particularly pleasant. At noon, visit the pier and Playa del Rey; enjoy the mild winter sun, which is not as scorching as in summer. In the afternoon, head to Hotel Playa Hermosa. Keep in mind that the sun sets around 17:00. Finish your day at El Borrego beach with a spectacular sunset before the cool night air sets in.
Birds Viewpoint
San Basilio Fort
San Blas Pier
Playa del Rey
Hotel Playa Hermosa
El Borrego Beach
Sights in the town San Blas (6)
Frequently asked questions
What should I visit in San Blas?
What is La Tovara?
Are there many mosquitoes?
How are the beaches?
Is San Blas a large resort town?
San Blas: where is it located?
San Blas: what is there to see?
San Blas: why is it worth visiting?















