Day 1: Ancestral Fishing and Culture on the Way to Mexcaltitán
The journey begins early, traveling from Tepic toward Santiago Ixcuintla. Enjoy an aromatic morning coffee and local breakfast at Bistró Parra to fuel up for the day.
We’ll continue toward the historic town of Sentispac for a brief stop at its main plaza—a perfect spot for photography and a glimpse into local life. Then, it’s on to La Batanga pier, the starting point for our boat navigation through winding canals and lush mangroves.
During the crossing, you’ll take part in a hands-on explanation of tapo fishing—natural traps used by local fishermen for centuries. You’ll also get to practice fishing with a huitol, a traditional artisanal technique that lets you experience the region’s seafaring heritage firsthand.
By midday, the boat heads toward Laguna Grande, where you’ll learn the history and cultural significance of the St. Peter and St. Paul festivities, a vibrant tradition celebrated in these waters. Afterward, we begin our navigation toward the mythical Island of Mexcaltitán, circling the island by boat before docking.
Once on the island, we’ll take a walking tour of its picturesque streets, visiting the church and El Origen Museum. Here, you’ll discover the island’s link to the very origins of Mexican culture (often cited as the legendary Aztlán) and admire unique archaeological pieces. Following this, a short boat ride takes us to La Kika Restaurant for a Pescado Zarandeado gastronomic workshop. You’ll learn the secrets of the adobo (marinade) and the traditional grilling technique over mangrove wood embers.
Lunch will be a feast of the island’s traditional ingredients. In the afternoon, return to the Mexcaltitán Plaza for free time to explore the town’s unique circular layout and purchase local handicrafts. Finally, we head back to La Batanga pier for the return trip to Tepic.
