Bird watching paradise

Birds flock in the tropical winter in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico, arriving from all over to the mangrove swamps, estuaries, lagoons and beaches, thus making San Blas one of the most prominent natural shelters in the western hemisphere.

According to the Audubon Society, San Blas is only second after Panama, with the largest number of bird species, identifying above 300 in the annual Christmas census. Ornithologist from around the world, whether knowledgeable or beginners, travel far and away to search for birds and to participate in the bird count at San Blas.

Most species are observed in areas within visitors' reach, and the months between October and April are best for the pleasure of Bird Watching.

Armando Santiago is a professional guide in San Blas. www.birdingsanblas.com

Estuaries´and mangrove swamps´adventures

Sport fishing, surfing, whale watching and sandy beaches...

Seek for Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish and many others...

Go surfing in the world largest wave, at the Las Islitas beach, registered in the Guinness Book of Records...

Set sail to watch the hunchback whale in December and though March, and discover the many dolphins, turtles and giant rays on your trip...

Walk on the thin dark sand along the beaches and enjoy the sunbathe and the warm breeze upon your face, in the many San Blas beaches with low, peaceful waves...

Walk, bike, horse ride or kayak yourself around, see the El Cora waterfall and the Tecuitata fall, and fetch time to visit Platanitos, the great turtle conservation park, and while in there, be amused by the thousands of colorful fish and the sunk Ships aside the reef...

Mexcaltitán

Not one hour away from San Blas by car, the ancient Aztlan is found, now called Mexcaltitán.

Small round island emerging from the estuaries and rivers in the coastal Nayarit, where it's believed the Aztecs started their journey that led into the foundation of Tenochtitlan, now called Mexico City.

Aztlan or "the place where herons abound", is the origin of the Mexican people, where the seven nahuatlaca tribes, guided by Tenoch, began their long pilgrimage. Huitzilopochtli, God among the Aztlan tribes, became the ruling God among the Aztecs centuries later.

The small museum in the Island holds the thousand years old stone, carved with the eagle over the nopal, devouring a serpent, the National Emblem of Mexico. Many other vestiges of the ancestral history can be found there.

While in the Island of Mexcatitlan, it is a must to try out the food prepared on prehispanic recipes.

Huichol center at Santiago Ixcuintla

Coffee, tobacco, greens and tropical fruits are the main produce of Santiago, city of great relevance in Nayarit. The name "Ixcuintla" means "place where the dogs abound", and Santiago is where the Aztec dog, Ixcuintl, comes from.

Twenty years ago, a Huichol Center was established here, where the Huichol artisans have workshops to teach to create paintings, masks, wood pieces covered with tiny beads or thread; bracelets and hand-woven clothes.

The Huichol people inhabit the Sierra del Nayar, and have maintained their beliefs and traditions, their culture and arts, being example of a spiritual community. They live very close to nature, deeply affected by its cycles and forces, but they attune themselves to it with sensitivity, understanding and apreciation that are rare today. In the midst of contemporary ecological problems and ethical conflicts, their ancient wisdom presents itself as a valuable resource.

Cerro de San Juan ecological reserve

2,000 meters (6,200 feet) above the see level, this Mountain is one of the best birdwatching spots, only one and a half hours away from San Blas.

Isabel island ecological reserve

Isabel island, located 5 hours by launch from San Blas is a national park and ecological reserve. Because of its diversity of species, it is considered the most important reproductive center of the pacific coast.

Discover in your expedition the Santa Maria del Oro lagoon, the prehispanic ruins of Ixtlan: "Los Toriles", also see the Ceboruco volcano, the City of Tepic, State Capital, and its museums: Regional, Amado Nervo, Juan Escutia and Cuatro Pueblos (four native peoples: Huicholes, Coras, Tepehuanos and Mexicaneros).

And these are only some of the enchanting surroundings for a perfect ecotourism vacation in San Blas, Nayarit, México.