San Blas, NayaritSan Blas is located about 70 kilometers northwest of the state capital of Tepic, on the coast of the state of Nayarit amid lush tropical estuaries and lagoons. Though a small village, San Blas, founded in the 17th C., was an important port for over 2 centuries as well as a main shipbuilding center during the period of Spanish colonization. Fishing is one of it's prime resources - there is excellent deep sea fishing for sailfish, dorado (mahi-mahi) and other catches, and fleets of shrimpers work out of the area. The town offers a variety of clean and comfortable tourist facililities; sightseeing can include visits to the remains of the old fort and Customs House of colonial times, as well as the Hill of the Contaduria and the ruins of the Temple of San Basilio (XVIII Century). Not far from town, on the shores of large and sweeping Mantachen Bay, visitors can enjoy outings to the coves and beaches and the seafood restaurants of Las Islitas. Mangoes, bananas and many other tropical fruits are grown in the rich soil of the region and one of it's specialities that you'll see advertised often is the regional banana bread. San Blas area is excellent for the birdwatcher and nature lover. Jungle and river tours will take you through the estuaries and waterways and thick lowland vegetation of La Tovara for unique birding and ecological experiences. In addition to a long list of water fowl and shore birds found here, the other flora and fauna, both in the tropical flood forest and in the sea, are spectacular and include orchids, mangroves, crocodiles, tropical fish, migrating whales, flowering tropical vines, iguanas and both sea and land turtles. The Las Palmas Crocodile refuge is another local attraction where quantities of these large reptiles can be seen in their natural environment. The refuge carries out a crocodile breeding program organized by the local community with government help in order to preserve and protect the endangered American crocodile. AccommodationsHotel Garza Canela, Paredes 106 Sur, San Blas, Nayarit. TV, A/C, parking, pool, 41 rooms and 5 suites. Tel/Fax: 323-285-0112. Posada del Rey, Calle Campeche 10, San Blas, Nayari. Moderate rooms, some with ocean view, a/c, pool. Tel. 323-285-0123. Bungalows Quinta California, San Blas, Nayarit. 2 Bdrm bungalows w/ kitchen, bath, hot water. Near town & beach. TEl. Phone 323-285-0603, Fax 323-285-03100. Bungalows Conny, Chiapis 26, San Blas, Nayarit. Tel: 323-285-0986. Bungalows with kitchens, a/c, TV, parking. "Los Cocos" Trailer Park, San Blas. 120 Spaces w/hookups, camping, hot showers. Tel. 323-285-0055. Casa Roxana Bungalows, Callejòn El Rey 1, San Blas, Nayarit. A/C, TV, pool, parking,kitchens Suites San Blas, Fracc. Palmar De Los Cocos, San Blas. Tel. 323-285-0505 Birdwatcher's Digest: San Blas | San Blas Birdwatching Trip report | Sunset in San Blas |
