A Historic Port in Alta California: San Blas, Riviera Nayarit
Get to know the historic port of San Blas in Nayarit, from where the Franciscan friars led by Fray Junipero Serra departed in 1768 to colonize Alta California.
San Blas in Nayarit, the historic port from which the Franciscan friars led by Fray Junipero Serra departed in 1768 to colonize Alta California.
Visiting San Blas is like being transported to another time, since walking through its streets you can relive past times amidst the warm provincial atmosphere. The port was founded by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán in 1530, however, King Carlos III of Spain recognized it as a deep-sea port until the second half of the 17th century.
It is in these years when the construction of the port and a shipyard began, and in October 1767 the first ships were launched into the sea. In San Blas, the first maritime customs office of the Pacific was established and it was the most important port in this area during colonial times.
San Blas has many historic buildings and attractive places to visit. Near the dock is the Ex Maritime Customs House erected in the 19th century, today the Casa de la Cultura (House of Culture). On the Cerro de Basilio, is located the fort of La Contaduría, built-in 1770, which houses a historical museum. A few steps down the hill are the ruins of the Temple of Our Lady of the Rosary, known as "La Marinera", dating from 1769. From here, it is possible to appreciate a spectacular view of the cliff and the sea.
A visit to San Blas would not be complete without visiting all its beautiful beaches. El Borrego, stretching three kilometers of fine golden sand, is one of the most popular for wave lovers; after a boat ride, you can visit the Isla del Rey beach, an ideal place to enjoy the regional gastronomy in the middle of a unique landscape. You can also visit the Piedra Blanca, a small rock in front of the port, where the image of the Virgin of Our Lady of the Rosary, the patron saint of sailors, and an important ceremonial center for the Huichol people, is located.
Other natural wonders include the tropical swamp comprising the El Pozo estuary and the San Cristobal River, and of course, La Tovara National Park, which is a federally protected area with natural caves, a "Crocodile Reserve" and a crystalline water spring surrounded by simple restaurants where you can savor the regional cuisine. Here you can enjoy a tour that lasts approximately three hours where you can appreciate the variety of mangroves, birds, crocodiles, and diverse fauna.
Only two kilometers away is the town of Singayta, where you can rent horses, bicycles, or boats to ride through the jungle and mangroves. Isabel Island is located 70 kilometers away, of volcanic origin, formed by cliffs and beautiful beaches that give refuge to thousands of birds. San Blas has a comfortable hotel infrastructure.
