Las Varas: Sierra de Vallejo, Fields and Patron Saint Festival

Las Varas lies in the heart of the Sierra de Vallejo and is surrounded by fields of beans and tobacco, as well as orchards. The town is also at a crossroads, with several roads leading to different beaches along the Riviera Nayarit. This brings together an agricultural setting and roads heading toward the beach as two distinct points of reference for planning your trip.

Landscape and Getting Around

The main square adds a specific place to this picture in the town center, where you can linger on a bench with an ice cream. When choosing a vacation rental, consider whether you want Las Varas itself to be the focus of your stay or whether you would like to include road connections to different beaches in your travel plans. The town thus combines a rural setting with a clear point of reference for driving toward the beaches of the Riviera Nayarit.

Patron Saint Festival and Local Events

The patron saint festival of the parish in Las Varas is celebrated on February 12. The parish is dedicated to Santa María de Guadalupe, giving the feast day a clear religious significance. The 2025 patron saint celebrations featured live music and dancing with Banda Zarape, Tecnolokos Band, Banda Caballeros and Grupo 7. These program details relate to that year’s celebrations.

The 2025 Expo Feria Agrícola Ganadera Las Varas also had its own focus: it honored the efforts of the people who work the land and raise livestock. Together, the two events show different sides of local life—religious festival culture on one hand, and agriculture and livestock farming on the other. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates and program for the year of your visit.

Getting to a Nearby Destination

A private or rental vehicle is recommended for getting to Santuario Playa Platanitos; there are no direct public buses to the protected area. Check the transportation information again before your visit. This guidance is particularly relevant if you are planning to visit the sanctuary as well as Las Varas.

More to Explore in the Compostela Destination

Compostela offers a distinct cultural perspective: Rutas Mágicas de Color includes nine murals on the streets of Compostela depicting local culture, history and traditions. The municipal capital is also home to the colonial-era parish church of Santiago Apóstol. Public art and colonial architecture provide different cultural highlights there.

The Ruta Tabaco y Café is also based in Compostela. Its program includes a guided visit to coffee plantations with a tasting, a guided walk through the historic center and a hands-on workshop on cigar making. The route is designed as an immersive experience centered on coffee and tobacco. Check current departures and workshop availability before making plans.

Another natural highlight in Compostela is Isla del Coral, a protected ecological area with white-sand beaches, blue waters and coral reefs. The island is home to sea turtles, seabirds, fish and starfish. It can be reached by boat from Rincón de Guayabitos; boat availability and boarding arrangements may vary. Before your visit, also check the applicable conservation rules.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Higuera Blanca, Sayulita, La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Agua Escondida, San Pedro Lagunillas, Ruiz, Tepic, San Francisco.

For the main travel overview: Nayarit.