Discover Monteón

Monteón and its nearby surroundings bring together coastal landscapes, estuaries, nature conservation, and leisure activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Monteón, it helps to plan your activities: golf, a beach walk, and seasonal nature watching each offer a different focus. Keep in mind that seasons change and local trail conditions may vary.

A landscape between valley, estuary, and coast

Arroyo El Monteón flows into Estero Canalán. Together with its tributaries, it crosses the El Monteón Valley from east to west. The estuary and coastal lagoon of Canalán lie at the southwestern end of the study area connected to the valley. Estero Punta Raza has a seasonally fluctuating water level, influenced more by rainfall than by tides.

Mangroves grow around Estero Punta Raza, while coastal scrub occurs along and parallel to the beach. The landscape associated with the El Monteón area also includes natural palm stands, dry deciduous forest, semi-evergreen forest, wetland and coastal vegetation, and agricultural land. The basin of Estero Punta Raza and its adjacent area are designated as an ecological precautionary zone.

Playa Canalán and the route to the sea

Playa Canalán is considered a nearly untouched beach. A coastal and estuary area there is designated exclusively for protection, and visitors are advised to exercise caution at the beach because of the wildlife. From El Monteón’s main road, take the unpaved road straight ahead at the fork at the end of the route to reach Playa Canalán. Local trail conditions may vary; check them before your visit.

Punta Raza: beach, turtles, and season

Punta Raza is reached via Federal Highway 200 and through the town of El Monteón; a narrow path leads there. Access involves a hike of about two kilometers. At the fork at the end of the route, take the unpaved road on the right to Punta Raza. Check local trail conditions.

The warm Pacific waters off Punta Raza have strong surf and a strong undertow. The beach is therefore better suited to walking than swimming. Humpback whales may be seen offshore from December to March; sightings are not guaranteed. Punta Raza also has an independent turtle conservation sanctuary, where four staff members collect and protect turtle eggs. Check in advance whether visitors can participate.

The Punta Raza turtle camp is located in El Monteón. During the season, which begins in August, young sea turtles are released there. Confirm participation and dates before your trip.

Golf and a meal at Field of Dreams

Golf is available at different locations: Campo de Ensueño is a golf option in the village of El Monteón. The Field of Dreams course is about one kilometer south of the village entrance and is a nine-hole, par-3 course. Check the current operating arrangements for golf options before your trip.

The Field of Dreams golf course restaurant, Sr. Pollo, lists chicken, barbecue ribs, chicken wings, tacos, and hamburgers on its menu. Offerings may change; check in advance whether the restaurant is currently operating.

Compostela as a distinct cultural context

In the broader destination of Compostela, the Rutas Mágicas de Color features nine murals in the streets of Compostela depicting local culture, history, and traditions. The municipal capital is home to the colonial-era parish church of Santiago Apóstol. Visitors can also learn about the traditional leatherworking process there.

The Ruta Tabaco y Café in Compostela combines coffee and tobacco themes. Its program includes a guided tour of coffee crops with a tasting, a guided walk through the historic center, and a hands-on cigar-making workshop. Departures and program details may change; confirm them before your trip. The petroglyphs of AltaVista are also associated with insights into the life and beliefs of the Tecoxquin, including their views on health, fertility, weather, and cultivation.

Discover more destinations: La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Las Varas, Tepic, Ixtlán Del Río, Sayulita, Punta Mita, San Pedro Lagunillas, Santa María Del Oro.

Return to the broader travel overview: Nayarit.