In the heart of Nayarit’s Pacific coast, surrounded by mangroves and canals that flood during the rainy season, lies Mexcaltitán, a small island considered by many to be the mythical origin of Mexico.
This Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town)—located in the municipality of Santiago Ixcuintla—has been linked by various researchers to the mythical Aztlán, the place from which the Mexica people departed before founding Tenochtitlan, according to narratives collected in colonial chronicles and historical studies by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
Colorful, circular, and peaceful, Mexcaltitán combines fishing tradition, indigenous heritage, and an identity that intertwines myth and history. Walking through its streets is like stepping into a living version of one of the country’s most important founding stories.
Legend holds that Mexcaltitán could be Aztlán, the place of origin of the Mexica. Several studies have analyzed oral tradition and descriptions contained in documents such as the Tira de la Peregrinación (also called the Boturini Codex), which narrates the Mexica people’s departure from an island to the central highlands.
The account tells that the Mexica departed guided by the sign of their god Huitzilopochtli, embarking on a long pilgrimage that culminated in the founding of Tenochtitlan in 1325. The idea that Mexcaltitán was that original island is based on geographical similarities: its circular shape, the canals that surround it, and its location on a lake evoke the symbolic description of Aztlán.
However, specialists from the INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) point out that there is no conclusive archaeological evidence confirming that Mexcaltitán is Aztlán. Rather, it is a historical hypothesis that has strengthened the cultural identity of the site. This blend of myth and collective memory has made the island a key point for understanding how pre-Hispanic narratives continue to influence the construction of the national identity.
In 2001, Mexcaltitán was designated a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) by the Ministry of Tourism for its historical and cultural value.
Beyond the myth, Mexcaltitán offers authentic experiences for visitors. The first step is to explore the island on foot: its cobblestone streets, brightly painted houses, and raised sidewalks—which serve as walkways when the water level rises—create a unique scene.
A must-see is the Museo El Origen (Museum of the Origin), which exhibits archaeological pieces and explains the relationship between the island and the Mexica migration. The museum, supported by state cultural authorities, helps contextualize the history and legend surrounding the site.
You can also visit the Parish of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, located across from the main square, where community life comes alive at sunset. In the small local eateries, the sea takes center stage: grilled fish, fresh shrimp, and traditional dishes are all part of the fishing economy that sustains the island, recognized by the Nayarit government as one of its main economic activities.
For tourists seeking a connection with nature, boat tours through the mangroves offer opportunities to observe birds and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lagoon. These excursions connect with the lacustrine essence that fuels the island’s founding myth.
The charm of Mexcaltitán lies in its intimacy: in listening to its history, in crossing the island in less than an hour, and in experiencing its connection to tradition.
Source: escapadah
