Amatlán de Cañas

Amatlán comes from Nahuatl and means “place where amate and paper are abundant.” It is formed by the words “Amtl”, referring to the amate tree, and “Tlán”, meaning place of abundance. The word “Cañas” (canes) was added to the name due to the presence of sugarcane mills and presses in the area.

Amatlán de Cañas, designated a Pueblo Mágico in June 2023, is a charming destination in Nayarit, known for its natural beauty, mining history, and legends surrounding the Ceboruco volcano. Highlights include the Barranca de Oro, El Manto water park, and various waterfalls and hot springs.

Local festivities honor the town’s patron saints, and traditional dishes such as lamb birria and tamales colados can be enjoyed, along with traditional sweets and peanut-based products. Its handicrafts, made from otate (a type of bamboo) and leatherwork, reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

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