In the middle of Nayarit, Mexcaltitán de Uribe is a tiny island city that has the nickname “The Mexican Venice.” For any travellers interested in Aztec civilisation, it goes in the “must-visit” category. A hidden gem, it offers culture, history, and natural beauty to those travelling through Mexico.
Journey to Mexcaltitán
First things first, how can you get there? Fortunately, Mexcaltitán is fairly accessible. Visitors can reach the island by boat from La Batanga, 40 kilometres from Santiago Ixcuintla. From most Mexican cities, there are buses to Nayarit, and from there, there is the road to La Batanga. You may have to contend with busy roads and slow-moving traffic at times, but the tranquil boat journey to the island will make it all worthwhile.
On arrival, visitors will be struck by the traditional architecture, local culture, and beautiful streets. Not only that, but visitors who have been to Venice will have an instant sense of deja-vu upon seeing the canals, admiring the colourful houses, and even visiting the local church, hinting at the cross-cultural past of the island. There is also museum where tourists can go to learn more about the history of the small island.
Aztec Tourism: A Broader Perspective
Aztec civilization has long held an allure for visitors eager to learn about one of the most advanced societies of its time. We can see its influence on popular culture too, with movies like Apocalypto (2006), directed by Mel Gibson. Although a movie about Mayan culture, Aztec imagery and references are shown throughout. The ancient culture has also made the crossover into the iGaming world. For example, NJ online casino offer games like 3 Secret Cities. Games like these show the Aztec world to gamers as they are very symbol-heavy and highlight which cultural features have made the crossover into the mainstream. The game uses aspects of the civilization like Aztec temples as well as gaming features like free spins and multipliers. Crossovers like movies or games about the time period allow people to access the culture of those that lived over five hundred years ago.
Mexico itself is home to numerous famous Aztec sites. These include the Templo Mayor in Mexico City, which was the main temple used by worshippers. It has offered plenty of archaeological clues about the time and now is the site of a museum. Teotihuacán, also near Mexico City, was inhabited by the Aztecs too and revered as where their gods created the center of the universe. Finally, Malinalco is an architectural wonder with a temple complex carved into a hillside and used for ceremonies. For an additional understanding of the culture, visitors may also choose to visit any one of these locations.
Unraveling the Historical Tapestry
Mexcaltitán is steeped in legend and has been given the title of a “Magical Town” by the Mexican government given its status. Its name means “House of the Mexicans” and it’s said that the island may be the ancestral home of the Aztecs, which adds another layer of mystique to the island.
Mexcaltitán de Uribe is one of the most unique locations in Mexico. Its rich history, mixed with its welcoming community, makes it an ideal place to visit and learn about the ancient legends that are associated with this civilization.