Costa de Nayarit Remote Beach Access Circuit
Untouched Pacific coast through jungle corridors
Between San Blas and Chacala lies 75 kilometers of coastline that tourists never see—beaches where sea turtle eggs still hatch undisturbed and fishing pangas anchor in turquoise water. The route follows ancient salt-harvesting roads through mangrove swamps and seasonal rivers, connecting hidden playas like Platanitos and Tortugas through jungle single-track that turns to soup during summer rains. At Río Las Varas, you’ll ford chest-deep water during spring tides while dodging saltwater crocodiles that sun themselves on fallen trees.
Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance 4WD with differential locks for sand sections and river crossings. Dry season only (November-May)—monsoon rains make this impassable and dangerous. Fuel up in San Blas; carry 40 liters water minimum. The payoff is clifftop camping above beaches where humpback whales breach during winter migration, plus traditional fishing villages that still operate on handshake economics. Real Mexico, not resort Mexico.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 656 ft |
| Best season | November-May |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | San Blas, Nayarit |
| Land manager | Local Ejidos |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but the sand sections and river crossings favor AT tires and a locker if you have one. A lifted rig with aggressive tires makes the beach exits and jungle ruts significantly less stressful.
What happens if you try to run this in June or July?
The rainy season (June–October) turns the jungle corridors into deep mud pits and swells the river crossings to genuinely dangerous levels. Some stretches become impassable entirely. Stick to November through May.
Do I need any permits to drive this route or camp on the beaches?
The land is managed by local ejidos, not a federal agency, so there are no formal permits or fees. That said, asking locals at the ejido checkpoints for permission to camp is standard practice and goes a long way — bring pesos for informal fees that sometimes get requested.
What's the hardest part of this route and what makes it technical?
The soft sand beach exits and the tidal river crossings near the midpoint are where rigs get stuck. Water depth at crossings can vary with tide, so timing and scouting on foot before committing matters. The jungle two-track sections have deep ruts that can high-center shorter-wheelbase vehicles.
How far do I need to carry fuel for this route, and is there any resupply between San Blas and Chacala?
There is no fuel between San Blas and Chacala — fill up completely before you leave San Blas. The 47-mile route itself isn't the issue, but low-range crawling through sand and mud will spike your consumption, so carry a minimum of 5 gallons extra.
Trail track
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