Mexico Lindo; Isla De Mexcaltitán, Nayarit

With around 800 inhabitants, this island is small, nestled in the center of the Laguna De Mexcaltitán; it is famous for many reasons, food, legends, and the name it has been given as the ”Venecia Mexicana.” in the previous blog post we talked about Villa Hidalgo, Nayarit, which is full of things to do and only a short 45 min drive to the island, another great reason to visit the area. This island was recently given the coveted name of Pueblo Magico by the Mexican people and an investment of 35 million pesos to go towards rejuvenating the island while keeping its unique flare.

I grew up around seafood; my father, raised in Nayarit, would always create the most incredible seafood dishes. If it wasn’t him starting them, you could catch us at a seafood restaurant that served its food al Estilo Nayarit. The key to finding a good restaurant was making sure that it had a photo hung up somewhere of La Isla De Mexcaltitán, I grew up seeing this island through photographs, and we finally made the trip to see it through our very own eyes. All I can say is that it’s true, it’s a place no like no other accessible only by boat, an island which has everything its people need and more; it’s like it’s own little country fully supporting itself and it’s people on its natural resources, seafood. With the recent investment into the island, you can find gorgeous streets, that during the rainy season, flood and turn the island into Mexico’s Venice; as you travel through the island by canoe only, you will see colorful buildings and find some tremendous culinary spots that serve some of the best seafood you will ever have!

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Legends says….

The Island is the crib of the Aztec people, the place that saw the start of this great civilization; the people here received a message; locate an eagle feeding on a snake nestled on a Cactus, there you will build your capitol, the legend claims. Said scenario was found in what is now known as Mexico City, and this image might sound familiar; that is because it’s the image you will find in the center of the Mexican flag. The people on the island are more than happy to tell you the story, each adding their twang to it, but none of them drifting too far from the idea that the island is where the Aztec civilization came from. This story from locals was a treat worth the visit on its own, I came here looking for that island I always saw photographed, and I took with me so much more. This place is truly a magical one.

Visiting the state of Nayarit to indulge in the Mexican culture is a must to learn how the people live with their surroundings, and visiting La Isla Of Mexcaltitán is a must to learn from its people where this great civilization came to be. You will find fish and shrimp out through the streets sun drying, fisherman making their nets for tomorrow’s trip, but most importantly, you will find it’s beautiful people welcoming you to the place they are very proud to call home. Next time you are in Mexico, consider visiting the island that might be the Aztec civilization’s birthplace and ask a local to tell you the story.