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San Blas

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City
—°6
San Blas (Mexico)
ℹ️

Practical info — San Blas

🌤 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

🍽
Banana Bread

San Blas is famous for its dense, sweet pan de plátano. Buy it warm from local bakeries or street vendors.

🍽
Pescado Tatemado

A traditional dish where fish is slow-cooked over a wood fire, often found in rustic eateries around Matanchén Bay.

🍽
Cocadas

Try these sweet coconut treats sold at stalls near the town square or the beaches.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Huichol Art

Look for intricate yarn paintings and beadwork made by the indigenous Wixárika (Huichol) people.

🛍
Local Coffee and Fruits

Visit the municipal market to buy locally grown coffee and tropical fruits.

🧘
Playa Borrego

A long, wide beach that stretches for miles. It's usually very quiet, great for a solitary walk.

🧘
Isla de Mexcaltitán

Though a bit of a drive, this peaceful island is considered the mythical birthplace of the Aztecs and feels frozen in time.

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.

Geography

Population
10,187 (2024)
Coordinates
21.54294, -105.28490

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.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town San Blas (6)

Mirador De Las Aves🌿 nature

A viewpoint in San Blas dedicated to observing the local bird species.

Niños Héroes y Batallia de Veracruz🏺 historical

A monument in San Blas commemorating historical events in Mexican history.

Benito Juárez📍 landmark

A public artwork in San Blas honoring the historical leader Benito Juárez.

Piedra Bola de Ahualulco📍 landmark

A geological attraction in San Blas known for its round rock formations.

José María Mercado📍 landmark

A statue in San Blas dedicated to the local historical figure José María Mercado.

El Borrego🎡 recreation

A popular sandy beach in San Blas convenient for surfing and leisure.

Frequently asked questions

What should I visit in San Blas?
The San Cristóbal fortress gives a great view of the city.
What is La Tovara?
A national park with mangroves that you explore by boat.
Are there many mosquitoes?
Yes, 'jejenes' (gnats) are notorious, bring insect repellent.
How are the beaches?
Playa de Matanchén is famous for its very long waves.
Is San Blas a large resort town?
No, it is a laid-back village with rustic charm.
San Blas: where is it located?
San Blas is located in Mexico.
San Blas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador De Las Aves, Niños Héroes y Batallia de Veracruz, Benito Juárez.
San Blas: why is it worth visiting?
San Blas is a town steeped in history on the Riviera Nayarit, once one of the Spanish Crown's most important Pacific ports.
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