Monteón: Coastal Scenery, Nature and Turtle Conservation

Key themes around Monteón include coastal and estuary landscapes, seasonal turtle conservation and opportunities for golf. It is worth distinguishing between the town of El Monteón and experiences in the surrounding area.

Coastal and Estuary Landscape

Playa Canalán is considered an almost untouched beach. The coastal and estuary area there is designated exclusively for protection; caution is advised because of the wildlife at Playa Canalán. Further afield, Arroyo El Monteón and its tributaries cross the El Monteón Valley from east to west. The arroyo flows into Estero Canalán. The water level of Estero Punta Raza fluctuates seasonally and is influenced more by rainfall than by tides. Mangroves grow around the estuary; coastal scrub is found along and parallel to the beach.

The landscape of the wider El Monteón area also includes natural palm stands, dry deciduous forest, semi-evergreen forest, wetland, mangrove and coastal vegetation, as well as land used for agriculture. The basin of Estero Punta Raza and its adjoining area are designated as an ecological precautionary zone. Recreational ecotourism activities are possible there, provided they are compatible with nature conservation.

Turtles, Hiking and the Sea

The Punta Raza turtle camp in El Monteón is associated with releases of young sea turtles during a season that begins in August. At an independent turtle conservation site in Punta Raza, four staff members collect and protect turtle eggs. Ask in advance about current dates and possible opportunities to participate. From Punta Raza, humpback whales may be visible off the coast between December and March; sightings are not guaranteed.

Access to Punta Raza involves a hike of about two kilometers. The trail passes through lush vegetation and by large palm trees that provide shade. The warm Pacific waters off Punta Raza have strong surf and a strong undertow; the beach is therefore better suited to walking than swimming. Conditions can change, so check them before visiting.

Getting Around and Planning Your Day

Punta Raza is reached via Federal Highway 200 and through the town of El Monteón. From the main road in El Monteón, at a fork at the end of the road, the unpaved road to the right leads to Punta Raza; the unpaved road straight ahead leads to Playa Canalán. Local road and trail conditions may vary, so check them before setting out. The Field of Dreams golf course is about one kilometer south of the village entrance and is a nine-hole, par-3 course. Sr. Pollo restaurant at the golf course serves chicken, barbecue ribs, chicken wings, tacos and hamburgers, among other dishes. Check in advance whether the course and restaurant are open and what food is currently available.

When choosing a vacation rental in Monteón, these differences can shape the rhythm of your day: Playa Canalán and the estuary landscape offer coastal and nature experiences, while Punta Raza also offers seasonal turtle releases and possible whale watching. Golf offers a different focus.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Compostela

Compostela offers a different focus for travel planning. Rutas Mágicas de Color features nine murals on the streets of Compostela, depicting local culture, history and traditions. The Ruta Tabaco y Café brings together coffee and tobacco: it includes a guided tour of coffee plantations with a tasting, a walk through the historic center and a hands-on cigar-making workshop. Confirm current departure times and the availability of program activities in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ixtlán Del Río, San Blas, Bucerias, La Peñita De Jaltemba, Punta Mita, Ruiz, Tepic, Jala.

For the broader travel overview: Nayarit.