Between Tequila, Clay and Flavors: An Unforgettable Getaway to Ixtlán del Río
Day 1: Regional Flavors and Ancestral Heritage
Breakfast at La Casona
Located on Revolución Socialista #101, La Casona is more than just a restaurant — it also serves as an art gallery and museum, with hacienda-style architecture and a cultural atmosphere. Here, you enjoyed shrimp chilaquiles that balance spice and freshness, along with the emblematic “carne zarandeada,” a classic hallmark of Nayarit’s cuisine.
Exploring Los Toriles
Just 9 km from downtown Ixtlán del Río, this archaeological site is the most important pre-Hispanic complex in the region. You admired a circular temple dedicated to Ehécatl-Quetzalcóatl, palaces, hydraulic systems, and the remains of a flourishing city between the 7th and 11th centuries.
Chocolate Workshop at Ma’nena
In this artisan space, you learned to make chocolate tablets from cacao roasting to the final product. A hands-on experience that blends local tradition with artisanal technique, engaging all your senses.
Traditional “Nieve de Garrafa”
You tried the traditional handmade ice cream, prepared with ice, salt, and natural flavors, watching the manual churning process that makes this regional dessert unique.
Lunch at Mariscos El 30
Although not widely documented online, local seafood spots such as El Cachetes are renowned. You enjoyed a seafood cocktail — with dried shrimp, raw shrimp, and oysters — as well as “camarones a la cora,” a regional shrimp specialty with bold flavors from the Pacific.
Stroll through Downtown and the Plaza
The colonial architecture of the Parroquia de Santo Santiago Apóstol, with baroque and rococo influences, enriches a walk through the main square. Its arcades, candy stalls, and handicrafts complete the urban experience.
Lodging: Hotel Boutique & Casona Marqués de Minas
This boutique hotel combines historic charm with modern comfort — the perfect retreat after a day full of activities.
Dinner at Pollo a la Picha
At the end of Portal Juárez, this local dish was created by Doña María “La Picha” in the 1920s. Free-range chicken marinated and fried in lard, served with a tomato, oregano, and jalapeño sauce, golden potatoes, and cabbage. A true taste of local identity in every bite.
Day 2: Homemade Bread, Pottery and Agave Culture
Breakfast at Piloncillo Café Boutique
A cozy downtown spot famous for freshly baked bread and a traditional Mexican menu. Its artisanal coffee and warm atmosphere make it the perfect start to your day.
Tequila Route at Tequilera Real de Ixtlán
At this 100% agave distillery, you learned the process from the jima (harvest) to stone-oven distillation, enjoyed a tequila tasting — silver, reposado, and crystal clear reposado — and prepared a traditional “cantarito.” An immersive experience in Mexico’s iconic spirit.
Relax at Alberca de Piedra
Just outside town (Camino El Tambor #112, La Haciendita), you enjoyed crystal-clear spring water, a small cascade with a natural massage effect, BBQ areas, and even a “cowboy’s cabin” built in a tree. A serene and refreshing way to end your trip.
Ixtlán, Genuine and Deep
Ixtlán del Río is a destination that offers a complete experience: the aroma of cacao, ancestral history, flavors from sea and land, artisanal traditions, and the soothing embrace of nature. Let each place tell its own story — a journey that nourishes both body and soul.
By Charlie viaja
