Mexcaltitán de Uribe, also known simply as Mexcaltitán, is a small man-made island-city off the coast in the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla in the Mexican state of Nayarit. Its name derives from two náhuatl words, "mexcalli" and "titlán". Some historians have raised the possibility that it was the Aztlan of the Aztecs, their home city and birthplace from where they set out on their pilgrimage in 1091 that led them to the founding of Tenochtitlan.This island is now being promoted as a tourist attraction. It was designated a "Pueblo Mágico" by the federal government, but the distinction only lasted one year.
Reaching the Mexcaltitán Island is an achievement in itself. The adventure begins with a 15-minute boat ride to the island. If it is shrimp season you will likely notice local fishermen in the waters catching shrimp for local Mexcaltitán restaurants.
The island of Mexcaltitán is not very large in size, it is approximately 40 meters from north to south and 360 meters long from east to west. In the rainy season, its streets are flooded and traveled by boat, which is why this island has earned the name of "The Mexican Venice".
Currently the population of the Island of Mexcaltitán is only 800 people and its history dates back many years. Many historians consider Mexcaltitán the birthplace of our Mexican identity, since from this island the Mexica originally departed on their journey to find Tenochitlán, which eventually became Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.
Shrimp fishing is the main economic activity of the inhabitants of the Mexcaltitán Island. Many fishermen start their day at 3 am during the high season between May and August, so they have the afternoon free to rest and relax in the billiard rooms. The few local Mexcaltitán restaurants on the island offer fresh shrimp on their menus, including the famous shrimp tamales.
The artisans of Mexcaltitán are known for their articles made from mangroves, for their barcinas (spheres created with blankets and palm leaves) used to preserve dried shrimp.
In addition to the houses and wide streets, the island is home to a beautiful church and the Museum of El Origen, located in the Central Plaza. In the Mexcaltitán museum you can find a variety of archaeological pieces from Mesoamerican cultures.
There is only one hotel in Mexcaltitán, Nayarit; It is called Hotel Ruta Azteca. This family hotel is simple and offers visitors everything they need to visit the island, its rooms offer panoramic views of the lagoon.
And rest assured: this will be a magical journey, a truly inspiring and authentic Mexican adventure.
Reaching the Mexcaltitán Island is an achievement in itself. The adventure begins with a 15-minute boat ride to the island. If it is shrimp season you will likely notice local fishermen in the waters catching shrimp for local Mexcaltitán restaurants.
The island of Mexcaltitán is not very large in size, it is approximately 40 meters from north to south and 360 meters long from east to west. In the rainy season, its streets are flooded and traveled by boat, which is why this island has earned the name of "The Mexican Venice".
Currently the population of the Island of Mexcaltitán is only 800 people and its history dates back many years. Many historians consider Mexcaltitán the birthplace of our Mexican identity, since from this island the Mexica originally departed on their journey to find Tenochitlán, which eventually became Mexico City, the capital of Mexico.
Shrimp fishing is the main economic activity of the inhabitants of the Mexcaltitán Island. Many fishermen start their day at 3 am during the high season between May and August, so they have the afternoon free to rest and relax in the billiard rooms. The few local Mexcaltitán restaurants on the island offer fresh shrimp on their menus, including the famous shrimp tamales.
The artisans of Mexcaltitán are known for their articles made from mangroves, for their barcinas (spheres created with blankets and palm leaves) used to preserve dried shrimp.
In addition to the houses and wide streets, the island is home to a beautiful church and the Museum of El Origen, located in the Central Plaza. In the Mexcaltitán museum you can find a variety of archaeological pieces from Mesoamerican cultures.
There is only one hotel in Mexcaltitán, Nayarit; It is called Hotel Ruta Azteca. This family hotel is simple and offers visitors everything they need to visit the island, its rooms offer panoramic views of the lagoon.
And rest assured: this will be a magical journey, a truly inspiring and authentic Mexican adventure.
