Santa Maria del Oro is a district of the municipality of La Yesca, located in the Mexican state of Nayarit. The district is located within La Sierra de Vallejo, a mountain range whose highest point is the hill “Pichachí”. Santa Maria del Oro is recognized for its beautiful landscape, including one of the largest natural lakes in the state, Lake Santa Maria del Oro. The region is especially popular among hikers, campers and picnickers, who are drawn to the picturesque surrounding landscapes.
The region also has numerous cultural attractions, many of which relate to the famous 16th century Nuestra Señora de Santa Maria del Oro church. The church was built by the Spanish in order to evangelize the local native population and still stands today. The church, along with its surroundings, was declared a protected national monument in 1976. Visitors to the area can visit the church and enjoy its colorful history, as well as the natural surroundings.
The district of Santa Maria del Oro is well-connected to other parts of Nayarit, as well as nearby states like Jalisco and Aguascalientes. It is accessible by car, as well as bus or air. It is also home to several small towns and villages, which offer a variety of services. For example, the town of La Yesca offers lodgings and restaurants, in addition to cultural experiences such as museums and outdoor markets.
Santa Maria del Oro is the perfect spot to get away from it all and experience the unique beauty of Nayarit. With its stunning lake views, fascinating cultural attractions, and convenient access to other parts of the country, the district of Santa Maria del Oro is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Santa Maria del Oro is located in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. It is a municipality and a district of the municipality of Tepic, and has an estimated population of 8,283 inhabitants. Santa Maria del Oro is known for its beautiful lake, Lake Santa Maria del Oro, which covers nearly 3,800 square kilometers. The lake is an important source of drinking water for the population in Nayarit and Mexico as a whole, and it is also a popular tourist destination, thanks to its picturesque landscapes. The district is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and watersports. It has a small downtown area, which includes a few restaurants and shops, as well as a church, a library, and a cultural centre.
If you are departing from the center of Nayarit, the easiest route is to take Highway 200 to Santa María del Oro. The drive should take about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. You can take a public bus to Santa María del Oro, or rent a car or hire a private driver.
1. El Cerro de Santa Maria del Oro: Originally known as the Cerro de San Miguel, the mountain stands in the center of the district of Santa Maria del Oro and is a symbol of the region. It is believed to have great spiritual significance to the Aztecs and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Visitors can make their way up to the top of the mountain to take in the panoramic views and to explore its archaeological sites.
2. Santa Maria del Oro Church: This beautiful church was first built in 1712 by the Spanish and is devoted to the patron saint of Santa Maria del Oro, San Juan Bautista. The interior of the church is decorated with paintings of angels and the exterior is adorned with a large cross. The site also houses the tomb of Bishop Don Nicolas Fernandez de Leon de Leon, who founded the church.
3. TepicXalisco Archaeological Site: This site is located on the slopes of the Cerro de Santa Maria del Oro and was occupied by the ancient Aztecs. Here, visitors can explore numerous well-preserved remains such as walls, tombs, and ceramics.
4. La Ceiba Museum: This museum is located in the old tobacco curing house and focuses on the history and life of the people of Santa Maria del Oro. Exhibits include historical artifacts, photographs, and paintings. The museum also offers courses in the local indigenous languages of Cora and Huicholine.
5. La Ceramica Archaeological Site: This site is located on the banks of the Santa Maria River and is believed to have been occupied by the pre-Hispanic culture of Huicholes. Visitors can explore ruins of terraces, pyramids and circular structures. Of particular interest are the numerous petroglyphs found in the area.
1. El Santuario de la Virgen de la Candelaria de SantaMaria del Oro – This historic sanctuary is located in the hills overlooking the town of SantaMaria del Oro and features a iconic statue of the Virgin Mary. Visitors can admire breathtaking views from the spacious grounds and can explore the area’s colonial church, constructed in the late 18th century.
2. La Presa de Minerva – Located about an hour drive away from SantaMaria del Oro, La Presa de Minerva is a gorgeous lake surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can bring a picnic and relax on the shore while admiring the impressive lake. There are also opportunities to kayak and signal as well as take part in bushwalks and bird watching.
3. Las Cuevas del Cenote Yecoro – This stunning natural cave lies deep in the jungle and is home to a spectacular cenote, or sinkhole. Visitors can explore the caves and pools and take in stunning views. It is possible to dive in the cenote, with caves ranging in depth from 10m to 50m.
4. La Ermita de San Francisco – This historic church is a very popular destination for pilgrims. The sanctuary features an old image of San Francisco as well as a torture chamber from the 17th century. Visitors can also find many paintings and sculptures inside the church.
5. La Caleta de los Gavillon – La Caleta de los Gavillon is a small secluded beach located at the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Santa Maria del Oro. The beach features breath-taking views and offers visitors a chance to relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Santa Maria del Oro district offers a great variety of activities related to nature, culture, and adventure. Nature activities include zip-lining, bird watching, and forest exploration. Cultural activities include visiting nearby archaeological sites, small towns, and art galleries. Adventure activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, and kayaking. There are also many activities related to the lake, such as fishing and taking boat tours. Other activities include swimming and spelunking. As for nightlife, the district has some great bars and restaurants for a night out.