When planning a trip to Monteón, it is helpful to distinguish between several things: the turtle camp in El Monteón, the coastal and estuary landscape at Playa Canalán and the surrounding area, and golf near the entrance to the village. The time of year may also matter: releases at the camp take place during a season that begins in August; humpback whales may be spotted off Punta Raza from December to March.
Landscape and waterways in the area
In the El Monteón Valley, the Arroyo El Monteón and its tributaries cross the landscape from east to west; the stream flows into the Estero Canalán. At the southwestern end of the area connected to the valley lie the estuary and coastal lagoon of Canalán. Water levels in the Estero Punta Raza fluctuate seasonally and are influenced more by rainfall than by the tides. Mangroves grow around the Estero Punta Raza; coastal scrub occurs along and parallel to the beach.
Across the wider area connected to El Monteón, the landscape also includes natural palm groves, dry deciduous forest and semi-evergreen forest, along with wetland, mangrove and coastal vegetation, as well as land used for agriculture. The Estero Punta Raza basin and its surrounding area are designated as an ecological precautionary zone. Ecotourism activities are possible there as long as they are compatible with nature conservation.
Playa Canalán is considered an almost untouched beach. A coastal and estuary area there is designated exclusively for protection. Caution is advised at Playa Canalán because of the wildlife.
Turtles, season and wildlife watching
The Punta Raza turtle camp is located in El Monteón. During the season that begins in August, young sea turtles are released there. Before your trip, check the current dates and whether participation is possible.
Nearby, in Punta Raza, there is also an independent turtle sanctuary where four employees collect and protect turtle eggs. Check in advance whether visitors can take part in this work. Possible humpback whale sightings off Punta Raza are during a different period: they may occur from December to March, but are not guaranteed.
Routes and choosing a beach
The route to Punta Raza follows Federal Highway 200 and passes through El Monteón. At the end of the road, the unpaved road to the right at a fork leads to Punta Raza; the unpaved road straight ahead leads to Playa Canalán. Access to Punta Raza includes a hike of about two kilometers. The route passes through lush vegetation and by large palm trees that provide shade. Check the road conditions before setting out.
The coast off Punta Raza calls for different planning: the warm Pacific waters there are characterized by strong surf and a powerful undertow. The beach is therefore better suited to walking than swimming. Water conditions can change; check them locally.
Golf and a place to eat
The nine-hole, par-3 Field of Dreams course is about one kilometer south of the village entrance. Before your trip, check whether the course is currently operating. The Sr. Pollo restaurant is located at the golf course; it serves chicken, barbecue ribs, chicken wings, tacos and hamburgers. Offerings and operating status may change, so check both in advance.
Choose accommodation based on your priorities
Check the seasonal dates and current operating conditions for the activities you are interested in before booking.
Discover more destinations: Valle Dorado, Sayulita, La Peñita De Jaltemba, Higuera Blanca, Lo De Marcos, Agua Escondida, Santa María Del Oro, Tepic.
For the main travel overview: Nayarit.
