Santa María del Oro: A hidden volcanic crater lagoon in Nayarit

Photo: Shutterstock

If you’re in Guadalajara and looking to explore the surrounding areas, don’t miss Santa María del Oro—a charming little town featuring a stunning lagoon inside a volcanic crater. Although it’s located in Nayarit, you can reach it from Guadalajara in about two and a half hours.

Let nature surround you and experience this hidden gem of Mexico, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and witness the magic and power of Mother Earth.

The History Behind Santa María del Oro

This area was completely uninhabited during pre-Hispanic times, and it wasn’t until the 12th century that the first indigenous groups settled here. Later, the Spanish took control of the area as a route to the northwest under orders from Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, a Spanish soldier and explorer.

In 1530, the town was called Santa María de Acuitapilco, in honor of the town’s patron saint and the Acuitapilco mine. However, the name did not last, and in 1594 it was changed to Santa María del Oro in recognition of the three nearby gold mines.

The beautiful lagoon of Santa María del Oro

The crater of Santa María del Oro was formed thousands of years ago after a meteorite impact. Some say the lagoon’s depth was once impossible to measure, as the impact pierced deep layers of earth, creating the crater
 

Activities to do in Santa María del Oro

Most activities here take place in nature, so wear comfortable clothing and bring plenty of energy to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Explore the lagoon of Santa María del Oro

The lagoon measures nearly 2.25 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide. Its waters change color due to the minerals and high alkalinity—some areas appear blue, others green—making it a truly enchanting spot. You can swim in its warm waters, or enjoy kayaking, boating, or diving.

Swim at La Silla Waterfall

Santa María del Oro is home to La Silla Waterfall, which stands about 30 meters high and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Its refreshing waters are hard to resist for a swim.

Discover the Ruins of San José de Mojarras

San José de Mojarras is a community within Santa María del Oro, home to the Temple of Señor San José, a protected historical monument. If you love history, take an expedition to learn more about this ancient site full of fascinating stories.

Other activities

In this natural paradise, you can also enjoy birdwatching, sport fishing, water sports like windsurfing, kayaking, and wakeboarding, as well as swimming, snorkeling, and high-altitude diving. Its shores are perfect for camping, rappelling, zip-lining, horseback riding, or simply walking and exploring the area.

Photo: Quinta Real Guadalajara

Where to Stay When Visiting Santa María del Oro

To make your visit even more enjoyable, we recommend staying at Camino Real Guadalajara, featuring comfortable rooms with terraces offering full views of the gardens. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a gym, pool, business center, and spacious event halls. Santa María del Oro is just a 2-hour-and-10-minute drive from Camino Real Guadalajara.

Another option is Quinta Real Guadalajara, a luxurious property that preserves Jaliscan culture with period furniture, rose stone walls covered in ivy, beautiful gardens, and more. The private suites offer ultimate relaxation, ensuring your stay exceeds your expectations. Santa María del Oro is less than two and a half hours by car from Quinta Real Guadalajara.