Experience the "magic" of Mexcaltitán

Riviera Nayarit’s Mexcaltitán recently became one of Mexico’s Magic Towns, an acknowledgement established by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism to honour beautiful Mexican villages that have excellently preserved their cultural and historic richness.

Here are five fun facts travellers should know about this mysterious micro-destination: 

• Located a short boat ride away from Riviera Nayarit, the small island has earned global recognition as the “Mexican Venice” thanks to the many canals that crisscross through it. Mexcaltitán features high sidewalks that allow pedestrians to navigate the island even during times of high-water levels which can flood the streets of the island. 
• Visitors will find no cars in Mexcaltitán. A canoe ride around the charming island takes about 30 minutes and provides numerous photo opportunities as well as many surprises including a close-up view of the island’s only soccer pitch—in the middle of a lake.

• Travellers visiting here will be enchanted by thousands of colourful Mexican houses and local restaurants offering fresh seafood such as shrimp ceviche or tlaxtihuil (a traditional corn-based shrimp chowder) with the ingredients caught right outside their very doors.
• The magical town also immerses visitors in the history of ancient Mexico. The island is deep-rooted in ancient Aztec history and many historians believe that this island is the birthplace of modern-day Mexico.
• Years ago, Mexcaltitán served as the blueprint for Tenochtitlán (Mexico City) as is evidenced by the narrow streets and ability for the city to function under rising water levels.

This recognition marks the second town in the region of Riviera Nayarit to be named a Magic Town, and the fourth town in the state of Nayarit.