Los Ayala
Alta Vista
Alta Vista
Alta Vista, Nayarit, Mexico
Worth Exploring!
Worth Exploring!
" Mano Dura"
The "Heavy Hand"; the "hand" of he church, the Spanish viceroys, the dictator generals; the politicians and others who have oppressed the people of Mexico.
The "Heavy Hand"; the "hand" of he church, the Spanish viceroys, the dictator generals; the politicians and others who have oppressed the people of Mexico.
Magical
If you are seeking a little adventure, in the style of Indian Jones, and Dirk Pitt, and and an enriching cultural and archeological experience, a day trip to Alta Vista is highly recommended!
Alta Vista is a beautiful and surprising little known sacred archeological site which is filled with sacred, ancient petroglyphs. This historic site is found at the base of volcanic rock formations, adorned with crystal clear springs, hidden within a lush tropical rainforest. No doubt, many still to be discovered petroglyphs remain well hidden along the trail leading to this ancient site.
Petroglyphs are drawings which are carved, chipped, and engraved into rock, and are of significant cultural and archeological importance. Over two thousand petroglyphs are said to be situated in Alta Vista, and some of these are over 2000 years old.
Alta Vista and the surrounding area was originally home to the Tecoxquin; an Aztecan tribe who carved the petroglyphs in this area. This native group consisted of farmers, fishermen and traders from the coast of Nayarit and the neighbouring state of Jalisco. The petroglyphs are said to be symbolic of the Tecoxquin's religious offerings to the Gods to meet the needs of their people. They worshiped the Gods in order to ensure good health, fertility; abundant rains to ensure good crops and an ocean abundant with with fish.
The key petroglyphs are located along the trail which meanders through the tropical rainforest, following a seasonal creek, eventually ending in the crystal clear fresh water pools and rock formations of Las Piletas. Alta Vista still serves as a sacred archeological site, so when visiting please be respectful of the local culture.
Definitely, worth exploring!
Alta Vista is a beautiful and surprising little known sacred archeological site which is filled with sacred, ancient petroglyphs. This historic site is found at the base of volcanic rock formations, adorned with crystal clear springs, hidden within a lush tropical rainforest. No doubt, many still to be discovered petroglyphs remain well hidden along the trail leading to this ancient site.
Petroglyphs are drawings which are carved, chipped, and engraved into rock, and are of significant cultural and archeological importance. Over two thousand petroglyphs are said to be situated in Alta Vista, and some of these are over 2000 years old.
Alta Vista and the surrounding area was originally home to the Tecoxquin; an Aztecan tribe who carved the petroglyphs in this area. This native group consisted of farmers, fishermen and traders from the coast of Nayarit and the neighbouring state of Jalisco. The petroglyphs are said to be symbolic of the Tecoxquin's religious offerings to the Gods to meet the needs of their people. They worshiped the Gods in order to ensure good health, fertility; abundant rains to ensure good crops and an ocean abundant with with fish.
The key petroglyphs are located along the trail which meanders through the tropical rainforest, following a seasonal creek, eventually ending in the crystal clear fresh water pools and rock formations of Las Piletas. Alta Vista still serves as a sacred archeological site, so when visiting please be respectful of the local culture.
Definitely, worth exploring!
Spiral Petroglyph
Alta Vista, Nayarit Mexico
Alta Vista, Nayarit Mexico
How to Get There from Los Ayala
The site of Alta Vista is truly is best seen using the services of a tour guide. The road leading to the site is not easy to find, or to navigate, even with four wheel drive, and the trail leading to the site is not very well marked. The hike is about a kilometer; uneven, but relatively flat and an easy walk for most folks. If you choose not to take a guided tour to the area, go with friends who have been there before, or at the very least hire the services of a local guide from Alta Vista.
Alta Vista is about a forty minute drive north of Los Ayala, along Highway 200. The sign denoting Alta Vista is on the east side of the highway, about three kilometers north of Lima de Abajo; south of Chacala and Las Varas. When you spot the sign for Alta Vista, turn right and follow the winding, winding country road for about ten kilometers. Enjoy the scenic drive. Eventually you will come across a Palapa Shelter which is usually staffed with a caretaker, who will steer you towards the trail leading to Alta Vista.
If for some reason, you miss the Palapa Shelter, or the caretaker is not on sight; head back onto the road and drive straight up into the charming town of Alta Vista. Upon arrival, ask one of the locals to recommend a qualified guide to lead you to the Alta Vista site.
The site of Alta Vista is truly is best seen using the services of a tour guide. The road leading to the site is not easy to find, or to navigate, even with four wheel drive, and the trail leading to the site is not very well marked. The hike is about a kilometer; uneven, but relatively flat and an easy walk for most folks. If you choose not to take a guided tour to the area, go with friends who have been there before, or at the very least hire the services of a local guide from Alta Vista.
Alta Vista is about a forty minute drive north of Los Ayala, along Highway 200. The sign denoting Alta Vista is on the east side of the highway, about three kilometers north of Lima de Abajo; south of Chacala and Las Varas. When you spot the sign for Alta Vista, turn right and follow the winding, winding country road for about ten kilometers. Enjoy the scenic drive. Eventually you will come across a Palapa Shelter which is usually staffed with a caretaker, who will steer you towards the trail leading to Alta Vista.
If for some reason, you miss the Palapa Shelter, or the caretaker is not on sight; head back onto the road and drive straight up into the charming town of Alta Vista. Upon arrival, ask one of the locals to recommend a qualified guide to lead you to the Alta Vista site.
To view photos of Alta Vista click on any image in the gallery....