Mystical, charming, and full of secrets to tell, Santa Maria del Oro is a colorful little town in Nayarit in which legends and natural beauties abound. One of its many wonders is its deep lagoon located in a volcanic crater thousands of years old.
The Santa Maria del Oro lagoon is not only a setting with wonderful views but also a stage surrounded by the magic of the legends of ancient Mexico, legends about love as deep as the crater in which its waters rest...
Thousands of years ago, in a legendary city called Michiztlán, there lived a great king and his beautiful daughter, Tepozilama.
One clear day and with the sun high in the sky, Princess Tepozilama went for a walk through the forest and came across a badly injured deer to which she immediately went to help.
However, as she tried to get closer, the voice of a handsome warrior stopped her in her tracks.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” Tepozilama questioned him.
“I am Pintontli,” he answered firmly.
From that moment on, both of them fell deeply in love.
Even knowing that there was a great conflict between their cities, the love of Tepozilama and Pintontli was greater than the differences of their towns.
However, when the king found out, he forbade his daughter to see him again.
The princess begged and asked her father not to take her away from her lover:
“My father, I am in love and I ask that you marry me to him.”
To which the king replied with disgust:
“I will never allow my daughter to fall in love with one of my worst enemies! Take them away and tie them up in front of each other.”
Thus, Tepozilama and Pintontli, tied so close but so far, cried for nights over their misfortune, until their tears formed the beautiful lagoon that today is known as the Santa Maria del Oro lagoon, in Nayarit, Mexico.
How deep is the lagoon?
The Santa María del Oro lagoon, located in a volcanic crater formed by a meteorite millions of years ago, has impressive dimensions: 2.25 km long and 1.2 km wide. The Autonomous University of Nayarit has confirmed that its depth reaches 60 meters, the result of the impact that went through multiple layers of earth.
Can you swim in the lagoon?
The waters of the lagoon are warm and clean, so you can swim, practice various water sports, and enjoy unforgettable moments outdoors.
How to get to Santa Maria del Oro from Puerto Vallarta?
The way to get to Santa Maria del Oro from Puerto Vallarta is through Highway 70D, also known as the Puerto Vallarta - Las Varas and Compostela - Las Varas route.
The road must be followed until the height of Ahuacatlán and there take the exit to the left to join Highway 15D toward Arroyo del Colgado. Once there, you can take a 360° detour to turn right and continue your trip for 10 more minutes until you reach Santa Maria del Oro.
How to get to Santa Maria del Oro from Tepic?
To get to Santa Maria del Oro from Tepic, you must take Highway 15D all the way over to Arroyo del Colgado. Once there, you can turn left and continue your trip for 10 more minutes until you reach Santa Maria del Oro.
How to get to Santa Maria del Oro from Guadalajara?
From Guadalajara, the fastest way to get to Santa Maria del Oro is by following Highway 15D until you reach the Arroyo del Colgado. Once there, you must make a 360° turn to be able to take the route to your right and continue your trip for 10 more minutes to Santa Maria del Oro.
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