Santa María Del Oro: Temples, Lagoon and Waterfalls

Santa María Del Oro offers different starting points for planning a trip: architecture in town, activities along the Ruta Santa María, and natural and historical sites in the surrounding area. When looking for a hotel, you can plan your stay around whether culture, activity or scenery is your priority.

The Templo del Señor de la Ascensión

The Templo del Señor de la Ascensión in Santa María Del Oro is a single-story building with cream-colored plaster. Its features include stone walls, stone masonry and a vaulted ceiling. The inscription “11 de mayo de Diego Rodríguez” is located on the keystone of the arch leading to the nave.

The temple brings together two different scales: the form of the entire building and a single inscription on a specific architectural element. Those interested in architectural forms can consider both when interpreting the temple.

Activities on land and water

The Ruta Santa María includes horseback riding, target shooting, zip-lining and rappelling. Kayaking and hiking are also available. You can swim at both a waterfall and the lagoon. Fishing and water skiing are also mentioned for the lagoon.

Swimming is therefore possible in two named settings: at the waterfall and in the lagoon. Fishing and water skiing are additional activities mentioned at the lagoon. This distinction can help you get a clearer picture of the water-based options for your trip, while horseback riding, hiking, zip-lining and rappelling appeal to other interests.

Tastings are also part of the Ruta Santa María: the dishes mentioned are fish skin, aguachile, ceviche and tamal de lima. Alongside sports activities and scenery, culinary experiences are another distinct focus.

Lagoon, lookout and waterfalls

Mirador Jacarandas is near Santa María Del Oro. Along the Ruta Santa María, it is considered a recommended stop before Laguna de Santa María del Oro. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon, a lake of volcanic origin.

Also nearby, in Cofradía de Acuitapilco within the municipality of Santa María del Oro, is Cascada de La Silla. It is over 30 meters high, and you can swim in its waters. The two water destinations are therefore quite different: at the lookout, the focus is on panoramic views of the lake, while at Cascada de La Silla, the height and swimming are noted.

Real de Acuitapilco and its surroundings

Real de Acuitapilco is nearby. The town is considered one of the first mining settlements in Nayarit and features the ruins of an old hacienda. The municipality of Real de Acuitapilco also has waterfalls and a recreation center offering horseback riding, target shooting, zip-lining, climbing and rappelling.

Recreational activities in the Real de Acuitapilco area include paintball, zip-lining, hiking and other sports. There is also a children's area, and the location is considered suitable for families. If these offerings are important to your plans, check separately whether they are currently available.

Getting there and finding a hotel

The drive from Tepic to the municipality of Santa María Del Oro via the Tepic–Guadalajara highway takes about 45 minutes. Traffic and road conditions can affect journey time, so treat this as an approximate estimate.

Then check the location of a specific accommodation against the places you plan to visit. This will help you choose a hotel that suits your personal travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Sayulita, Bucerias, Valle Dorado, San Pedro Lagunillas, Ruiz, Punta Mita, La Peñita De Jaltemba, Higuera Blanca.

For the broader travel overview: Nayarit.