Santa María Del Oro brings together a specific cultural site with nature and activity destinations in the surrounding area. The town is home to the Templo del Señor de la Ascensión; the Ruta Santa María offers recreational activities and tastings. There is also the view of Laguna de Santa María del Oro, along with destinations such as waterfalls and Real de Acuitapilco. You can plan your trip around culture, water or activity, and consider each of these different places as a focus in its own right.
Templo del Señor de la Ascensión
The Templo del Señor de la Ascensión is a single-story building with cream-colored plaster, stone walls and a vaulted ceiling. Plaster, stone and the vault refer to different architectural features and give a concrete picture of the building. One precise detail adds to the architecture: an inscription appears on the keystone of the arch leading to the nave. It reads “11 de mayo de Diego Rodríguez”. The building’s design and a specific inscription are thus distinct aspects of the temple.
Lagoon and Activities on the Ruta Santa María
On the Ruta Santa María, Mirador Jacarandas is recommended as a stop before Laguna de Santa María del Oro. From the lookout, panoramic views stretch across the lagoon, a lake of volcanic origin. The lookout and the lake therefore offer two closely connected perspectives: a view of the body of water and its geological context.
The route includes horseback riding, target shooting, zip-lining and rappelling. Kayaking, hiking, and swimming at a waterfall and in the lagoon are also possible. Fishing and water skiing are also listed as activities on the lagoon. The options range from activities on land to those in or on the water. Which ones appeal most to you depends on whether you would rather focus on hiking and horseback riding or on water activities.
Culinary tastings are also part of the Ruta Santa María: listed dishes include fish skin, aguachile, ceviche and tamal de lima. These dishes offer a distinct focus alongside the sports activities and the lookout.
Destinations in the Surrounding Area
Real de Acuitapilco is described as one of the first mining settlements in Nayarit; it has the ruins of an old hacienda. The municipality of Real de Acuitapilco also has waterfalls and a recreation center offering horseback riding, target shooting, zip-lining, climbing and rappelling. A 2019 tourism description also lists gotcha, zip-lining, hiking and other sports activities in the area, as well as a children’s area; it describes Real de Acuitapilco as suitable for families. If you are planning to take part in these particular activities, check current offerings separately.
Cascada de La Silla is located in Cofradía de Acuitapilco, in the municipality of Santa María del Oro. The waterfall is over 30 meters high, and you can swim in its waters. The waterfalls in the area thus complement the lagoon as another water-based destination, while Real de Acuitapilco offers a different focus with its mining history and hacienda ruins.
Getting There from Tepic
The municipality of Santa María del Oro can be reached from Tepic via the Tepic–Guadalajara highway in about 45 minutes. Travel time may vary depending on traffic and road conditions, so treat this as an approximate guide for your journey.
Discover more destinations: Valle Dorado, Punta Mita, Agua Escondida, Jala, Ruiz, San Pedro Lagunillas, Cuastecomate, Monteón.
For the main travel overview: Nayarit.
