Very near Puerto Vallarta, to 145 miles north, in the state of Nayarit, is located the island of Mexcaltitan. Built on an islet in the middle of the lagoon of the same name,this town is just 400 meters long and 350 wide. Arriving by land from Santiago Ixcuintla, Mexcaltitán seems to float on the water, and at the time when the San Perdo’s river grows , it gives the impression of being buried beneath the water. This is why its sidewalks are so high.
Some say, and this has been the subject of controversy among historians, that this town is the mythical Aztlan (aztecs), from where the Aztecs left to the center of the republic, following the designs of their god Huitzilopochtli, who sent them to find a similar place where they will establish their new city, Tenochtitlan (todays Mexico City); the signal to know the right place was the finding of an eagle on top of a cactus devouring a snake.
In fact, this has no bases and it is just supported on the idea that Aztlán “place of herons” and Mexcaltitán a place on where it abound, and it has been historically associated; another argument is that Aztlan was in Chicomostoc “place of seven caves”. In any case, the only certainty is that the founders of the Aztec capital came from the West, and whom they do have relationship with the now state of Nayarit.
Although some doubt about the certainly of these data, all agree that is a unique place, lush vegetation, colorful streets, friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere. Worth visiting the island since there are buildings of the eighteenth century as the Church of San Pedro and San Pablo, which deserve a visit.
The town counts with the museum “ The Origin” with very interesting archaeological pieces of the local cultures, especially the Aztec.
Both the coast of Nayarit as the estuary of the lake have extraordinary seafood: oysters, shrimp, bearded, mullet, bream, which give the local cuisine an unmistakable and makes it one of the most succulent in the broad spectrum of Mexican food. Do not miss the meatballs and shrimp tamales, the tlaxtihuilli (a unique prehispanic dish) or sarandeado fish.
While walking through the main square and the town’s streets will find local artisans making their curious creations, almost all marine elements such as ginger, shrimp containers made of cloth blanket.
Mexcaltitan is an excellent choice to pass the day, especially at this time which is not so hot and also there is no mosquitoes. Come, and enjoy to the magnificent beaches of Nayarit .
