Discover Nayarit’s Coolest Mountain Towns This Summer To Escape The Heat

While Mexico’s coastal hotspots heat up for the summer, savvy travelers are heading uphill — quite literally — to uncover the breezy mountain escapes tucked deep in southern Nayarit. Away from the beach crowds and humid shorelines, the Magical Towns of Jala, Compostela, Amatlán de Cañas, and the tranquil volcanic lagoon of SantaMaría del Oro are offering fresh air, cool climates, and immersive cultural experiences that make for the perfect summer hideout.

Jala: The Original Magic in the Mountains

Perched at the foot of El Ceboruco, an active volcano cloaked in mist and mystery, Jala was the first town in Nayarit to earn the coveted “Pueblo Mágico” title. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and enormous cliffs, Jala comes alive in the rainy season when the surrounding hills burst into lush shades of green. Visitors flock to hike the volcano’s slopes, wander historic neighborhoods, and sample traditional dishes like corn cookies, torrejas, and tostadas with pork leg.

The town’s deep connection to maize iseverywhere. Not only does it produce some of the world’s largest corn cobs(some clocking in at 17 inches), but it also honors this legacy with the Elote Fair in August. Spanish heritage lives on in landmarks like the Basilica Lateranense de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, and the former Convent of Limpiay Purísima Concepción de María, whose pink stone façade features a Virgin with indigenous features and attire, a rare blending of Catholic and native iconography. Beneath the convent, tunnels and crypts hold centuries of stories,from friars to plague victims. The nearby Museum of Sacred Art is the first of its kind in Nayarit.

Accommodations range from cozy hostels to sophisticated stays like Nukari Quinta Boutique, a lovingly restored 18th-century mansion offering gourmet dining, spa rituals, and panoramic rooftop views of the volcano. Nature lovers can also venture out to Salto de Jomulco or bike and camp along the volcanic valley.

Compostela: A Colonial City with Cool Forests and Hot Springs

Founded in 1530, Compostela is one of the oldest colonial towns in the region and an ideal summer retreat thanks to its blend of coastal breeze and mountainous cool. Here, visitors can spend a day exploring centuries-old landmarks like the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, soaking in natural hot springs, or sampling “pollo al Ixtlán” and pescado zarandeado at the local market.

Nature lovers will find bliss in the nearby forested areas, perfect for camping and cycling. Looking to go deeper? The Alta Vista archaeological site showcases mysterious petroglyphs. Whether strolling through shaded leather workshops or sipping on agua fresca after a forest hike, Compostela is a place where culture and climate combine for afresh, summer getaway.

Amatlán de Cañas: A Hidden Jewel of Rivers,Spas, and Chocolate

Just a winding mountain road away lies Amatlánde Cañas, one of Nayarit’s newest Magical Towns and a sanctuary for wellness seekers and adventure travelers. This quiet village near the Jalisco border is known for its rugged beauty, ancient temples, and artisanal chocolate workshops. Its crown jewel is El Manto, a natural spa with crystal-clear waterfalls enclosed by towering rock walls.

The area offers a rare blend of relaxation and excitement. Visitors can tour abandoned mining towns like El Pilón, embark on hiking and biking trails, or dip into one of many local hot springs.Traditional dishes like tomato-braised tongue and birria add a cozy warmth toeven the coolest nights, and lodging options are simple but welcoming, withresorts available right near El Manto for those looking for a longer stay.

Santa María del Oro: Where Stillness Meets the Sky

A short 40-minute drive from Nayarit’s capital, Tepic, Santa María del Oro is Nayarit’s answer to the call for peaceful mountain lake energy. Centered around a mesmerizing lagoon nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, this destination is where heat and hustle disappear, with ever-changing hues of turquoise and cobalt across the water.

Boutique stays like Hotel Chi’l Jaj blend into the volcanic landscape, while waterfront restaurants serve specialties like fish chicharrón and marinated seafood platters. Activities on the lagoon include paddleboarding, kayaking, and slow boat rides to hidden alcoves. For thrill-seekers, Arcadia Park Adventure nearby offers zip-lining and rappelling among pines and waterfalls. But the real magic of Santa María del Oro is in the silence, a rare and restorative gift in a busy world.

Why Head for the Hills This Summer?

With average temperatures hovering around 22–23°C (71–73°F), these highland havens offer a natural alternative to crowded beaches and sticky heat. Each town is rich with local culture, surrounded by impressive landscapes, and filled with welcoming communities eager to share their traditions, from hand-pressed tortillas and heritage crafts to sacred petroglyphs and ancient architecture.

Salty Breezes, Fresh-Caught Seafood And Storybook Villages; Why Martha’s Vineyard Is The Ultimate American Summer Escape:

Guide to Martha's Vineyard

Photo: Gabriela Herman

Salty breezes. Fresh-caught seafood. Storybook villages. Just off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is the ultimate New England summer escape.

Contributed by Kim Foley MacKinnon

www.travelandleasure.com

Lay of the Land

At just 100 square miles, the Vineyard is split between down-island and up-island towns.

Down Island

Edgartown: Stately homes of 18th-century whaling captains line the streets of this historic town.

Oak Bluffs: Known for its Victorian cottages and kitschy fudge shops, this is the island’s tourist hub.

Vineyard Haven: Come here for one-off boutiques and the main ferry terminal.

Up Island

Aquinnah: Make the trek to this western town for its colorful clay cliffs and Gay Head Lighthouse.

Chilmark: Islanders escape the summer crowds for the quiet fishing villages along Chilmark’s coastline.

West Tisbury: The most bucolic area has acres of rolling farmland.

Getting Around

Catch a ferry from Massachusetts, New York, or Rhode Island. If you don’t bring your car, rent a bicycle or a moped. Taxis are also plentiful.

Photo: Gabriela Herman

Stay

The island has no shortage of charming seaside inns. Here, five that top our list.

Beach Plum Inn: There’s a lot to love about this seven-acre hilltop retreat overlooking Menemsha Harbor, from its clutch of country cottages, where interiors are artful studies in pastels, to the restaurant’s panoramic water views and alpaca pen. Bonus: free passes to the private Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket beaches. Chilmark. $

Charlotte Inn: Towering linden trees frame the clapboard façade of this 1864 merchant’s house. The lobby is full of 19th-century oil paintings and Edwardian objets d’art; upstairs you’ll find 19 intimate rooms done up with plush canopy beds, grandfather clocks, and vintage steamer trunks. $$$

Dockside Inn: At this seaside Victorian Revival, a stone’s throw from the Oak Bluffs ferry terminal, wide wraparound porches are ideal for watching boats sail in and out of the harbor. The backyard garage is stocked with beach necessities, from ice chests to sand toys and loungers, and a 1956 Rolls-Royce is on hand for a spin around the island. Oak Bluffs. $

Hob Knob: Playful elements—dog-shaped lamps; chintz wallpaper—make the Hob Knob ideal for travelers seeking a whimsical alternative to the island’s old-school inns. Take a fishing trip around Vineyard Sound on the hotel’s 27-foot Boston Whaler—and bring back your catch for dinner.Edgartown. $$$

Winnetu Oceanside Resort The 54-suite Winnetu is as close as the Vineyard gets to a mega-resort, with a library, fitness center, and vast lawn outfitted with a nine-hole putting green and a turtle pond. The hotel is just a 250-yard walk from South Beach. $$

Hotel Pricing Key
$ Less than $200
$$ $200 to $350
$$$ $350 to $500
$$$$ $500 to $1,000
$$$$$ More than $1,000

Photo: Gabriela Herman

Eat

Martha’s Vineyard is all about farm-fresh ingredients and, of course, plenty of seafood.

Black Dog Tavern: A visit to the Vineyard isn’t complete without a stop at this waterfront landmark, mere steps from the main ferry. The rough-hewn interior is decorated with boat tackle and other seafaring objects, but grab a seat at an outdoor picnic table—if one is free. What to order? A lump crab cake sandwich and a bowl of quahog chowder.Vineyard Haven. $$

Hooked: Opened last year, the sibling to popular island spot Atria quickly became the place for in-the-know locals. Its buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour (in July and August) is a perfect prelude to dinner. Look for seafood classics (grilled salmon; soft-shell crab) and offbeat items such as Asian-style baby back ribs. Oak Bluffs. $$

Make Blue Cheese Stuffed Pork Chops

State Road: Many of the ingredients here are picked from the restaurant’s own gardens. Dig into lemon-ricotta pancakes or the locavore burger, with house-made garlic dill pickles, in a wood-beam dining room outfitted with American antiques. West Tisbury. $$$

Sweet Life Café: An alum of New York City’s Aureole, chef Carlos Montoya turns out Frenchified American classics at this romantic Victorian town house—a favorite of the Obamas. Start with a bottle of Chardonnay from the cellar (it’s one of the island’s largest), then try the grilled rib eye with Parmesan velouté followed by a strawberry terrine. $$$

Faith’s Seafood Shack: The sashimi and lobster rolls alone are worth the trek to this no-frills, cliffside haunt near the Gay Head Lighthouse, complete with knockout ocean views. Aquinnah. $$

Drink

Three places to go after dark.

At the bi-level Alchemy, the steak frites and fried risotto balls don’t distract from the tropical drinks such as tangy mojitos and gin-and-juices. Edgartown; 508/627-9999.

Peanut shells blanket the floor at the laid-back Offshore Ale Co., a neighborhood pub that stays packed until the wee hours. Try the Offshore Amber Ale—it’s brewed on site. Oak Bluffs.

A snug, railroad-style lounge, Sidecar Café & Bar draws crowds with its innovative cocktails, including the Brown Chicken, Brown Cow, made with Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, Wild Turkey American Honey liqueur, and ginger ale. Oak Bluffs.

Restaurant Pricing Key
$ Less than $25
$$ $25 to $75
$$$ $75 to $150
$$$$ More than $150

Photo: Gabriela Herman

Shop

Hopscotch across the island for ocean-themed mementos, one-of-a-kind glassware, and more.

Midnight Farm is a browser’s paradise of funky furniture and unique finds—quilts from India, jars of homemade mango-lime salsa, and kitchen chairs with denim covers. Vineyard Haven.

Interior designer Liz Stiving-Nichols hand-selects each piece at Bespoke Abode, from driftwood picture frames to porthole mirrors and stools. Her Townie Pillows, stamped with Vineyard town names and zip codes, are an island favorite. Vineyard Haven.

If you’re looking for nautically inspired gifts, head to AquaNaut Gallery. Many of the intricate watches (decorated with ships and lighthouses), scrimshaw knives, and shadow boxes inlaid with seashells are made by island craftsmen. 76 Main St., Vineyard Haven; 508/687-9865.

Opened in 1858, Alley’s General Store is a throwback to an era when every neighborhood had a one- stop shop. Come here for picnic fixings, comic books, and, of course, your morning coffee.1045 State Rd., West Tisbury; 508/693-0088.

At the light-filled Martha’s Vineyard Glassworks, artisans create colorful vases and tableware. Best bet: the multihued pitchers.

Vineyard Vines pays homage to the island’s preppy heritage with whimsical ties and polo shirts in various pastel shades. Edgartown.

Photo: Gabriela Herman

See + Do

Four ways to soak up the Vineyard culture.

Campground: Hundreds of Victorian gingerbread cottages fill this landmark district, built by Methodists who established camp meeting sites here in the 1800’s. Don’t miss the annual Grand Illumination night (on August 14 this year), when house windows are lit up with paper lanterns. Oak Bluffs.

Island Alpaca: At this seven-year-old breeder’s farm, guests can feed the animals and take them for walks around the 19-acre grounds. Swing by the gift shop for alpaca hats, scarves, and sweaters, all made on the island. Oak Bluffs.

Granary Gallery at the Red Barn: Christopher and Sheila Morse have amassed an impressive and eclectic collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs by more than 75 international and local artists in their converted barn. The highlights: black-and-white landscape photography by Margaret Bourke-White and Alfred Eisenstaedt. West Tisbury.

Edgartown Lighthouse: The iconic 1881 lighthouse was built for Crane Beach, in Ipswich, Massachusetts; after a hurricane destroyed Edgartown’s original lighthouse, this 45-foot-tall cast-iron structure was dismantled and brought by barge to the Vineyard. Climb the spiral staircase to the top for sweeping views of the harbor and Chappaquiddick. Edgartown.

Photo: Gabriela Herman

The Island’s Best Beaches

Hop a ferry to the island of Chappaquiddick, 300 yards off the Vineyard’s eastern coast, for miles of empty sand and great bird-watching (spot blue herons and sandpipers).

West Tisbury’s Long Point Wildlife Refugeencompasses 600 acres of windswept dunes, hiking trails, and unspoiled coastline.

You won’t witness a better sunset than atMenemsha Beach, a two-minute walk from the fishing village of the same name. Pack a picnic and a blanket—it gets cold at dusk.

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