If you’re the one in charge of organizing the next trip (and you were born to plan itineraries), don’t skip this destination in Nayarit, nicknamed the “Mexican Venice.” It’s Mexcaltitán de Uribe Island, located in the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla; during the rainy season, people travel along its streets on rafts.
This small “Pueblo Mágico” is located in the northern part of the state of Nayarit. The island, with its mangroves and wildlife, blends seamlessly with the beauty of the streets, which are home to a community that primarily makes its living from shrimp fishing.
We know what you’re thinking! Yes, the food here is delicious, and according to Pueblos Mágicos por México Desconocido, one of the main dishes is shrimp meatballs—a dish of pre-Hispanic origin known as tlaxtihuil. You’ll also find pescado zarandeado and oysters in their shells.
Beyond the “Mexican Venice,” some researchers believed this place was Aztlán
According to the INAH, for several years some researchers believed that this site was Aztlán—yes, the place where the Mexicas built the city of Tenochtitlán—but this theory was ruled out as research progressed.
The Ministry of Tourism suggests that the name Mexcaltitán means “home of the Mexicans,” while the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) states that it comes from a combination of Nahuatl words that signify “wealth and abundance.”
Why is it a good idea to visit this island during the rainy season?
In addition to enjoying delicious food and being surrounded by nature, you can explore the island’s streets on rafts. But this only happens during the rainy season, when water levels rise and flood the streets, creating navigable canals—just like in Venice.
From the pangas, you can explore the town and admire its houses and buildings with red-tiled roofs; if you visit in late June, you can take part in the patron saint festivities in honor of San Pedro and San Pablo. Among the activities that make up this festival is a boat race around the island.
Other places you can visit include the Museo del Origen, the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, and the Casa China.
Now that you know a little more about Mexcaltitán de Uribe Island in Nayarit, have you started packing your bags?
