Tawexikta Lugar Del Sol (The Place of the Sun)
Riviera Nayarit is home to four indigenous tribes that still live their traditional lifestyle. It is possible to visit one tribe, who live in Tawexikta.  Accessible only via a high-bow motorboat, known throughout the region as a panga, and certainly off the beaten path, the Huichol Indian village is called Tawexikta, known as the Place of the Sun. Here, visitors who enjoy experiencing traditional cultures can peek into the lives of the native tribe by witnessing their ritual dances or shopping directly from Huichol women for their intricate artisan work. The Huichol beaded masks, necklaces and animal figures have become a recognizable symbol of Riviera Nayarit.
Insider Tip: For a completely immersive cultural experience, there are a handful of simple cabins available for visitors to spend the night at the Huichol village. Meals prepared by the Huichol included. 

Playa Novillero
The longest beach in Mexico, 92 miles of unspoiled coastline, is located at the northernmost point in Riviera Nayarit. Gaze at seemingly perpetual palm trees and hammocks under the shade of palm huts while sipping a beer in solitude. Small beach restaurants serve the region’s famed Sarandeado-style grilled red snapper that is smoky and covered with chili, limes, mustard, and butter.
Insider Tip: Ideally a day trip from Tepic or San Blas, visitors can stay hydrated by sipping on coconuts fresh off of a burro (donkey) cart.  

Los Toriles
The only archeological site in Nayarit open to the public is located just 6 miles from Ixtlan del Rio. Dating from 300-600 BC, it has over 85 buildings although only a few are excavated. You can see four wide plazas and several palaces. Also, you can explore shaft tombs and temples, including one of the only round temples in Mexico.

Bellavista
Quite literally a time capsule, Bellavista was built around a now closed textile factory that was a brick-for-brick replica of its Belgium counterpart. Erected in 1841, this once bustling factory town now shares an eerie glimpse into pre-war Europe and the little known trade roots of Nayarit. It now rests as a historic marker and a beautiful photo opportunity.
Insider Tip: Hang around the factory long enough and you will run into Juan Caña Stephens, a long-time groundskeeper who can recount the history of the building and its importance to this region of Mexico. 

Mexcaltitan
The adventure to Mexcaltitan begins with a 25 minute panga ride through estuaries, islets, coves and mangroves. Thought to be the first home of the Aztecs that founded Tenochtitlán (known today as Mexico City), this island is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of Mexico” due to narrow streets that also serve as canals seasonally. Primarily a shrimping community, shrimp is left to dry on the raised sidewalks to be made into a zesty, mouthwatering variety of dishes and snacks, with many recipes dating back to pre-Hispanic times. A local favorite is the shrimp based Mole – thickened with raw tortilla dough called Taxtihuil.
Insider Tip: Dried shrimp is crunchy like a tostada and consumed head and all! This small island can only be explored on foot or by boat (seasonally) and the majority of restaurants are unnamed yet serve delicious fresh catch.           

For more information about Riviera Nayarit and its towns, visit www.rivieranayarit.com.