Getting to Islas Marietas National Park
Islas Marietas National Park sits in Nayarit, Mexico, with La Peñita de Jaltemba the nearest town of any size — about 51.3 km (31.9 mi) out, or roughly 1 hr 7 min of driving.
Drive times from Islas Marietas National Park
Islas Marietas National Park sits close enough to Isla Isabel National Park, Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park, and Lago de Camécuaro National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Isla Isabel National Park | 131 km (81.6 mi) | 2 hr 23 min |
| Volcán Nevado de Colima National Park | 244 km (152 mi) | 4 hr 2 min |
| Lago de Camécuaro National Park | 363 km (225 mi) | 5 hr 47 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| La Peñita de Jaltemba | 51.3 km (31.9 mi) | 1 hr 7 min |
| Las Varas | 70.9 km (44.1 mi) | 1 hr 28 min |
| Zacualpan | 75 km (46.6 mi) | 1 hr 32 min |
| Compostela | 92.9 km (57.7 mi) | 1 hr 49 min |
| San Blas | 98.5 km (61.2 mi) | 1 hr 54 min |
| Tepic | 115 km (71.5 mi) | 2 hr 9 min |
| Villa Hidalgo | 122 km (75.5 mi) | 2 hr 14 min |
| Amatlán de Cañas | 123 km (76.6 mi) | 2 hr 16 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Islas Marietas National Park?
La Peñita de Jaltemba, about 51.3 km (31.9 mi) away — roughly 1 hr 7 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Islas Marietas National Park?
The practical bases are La Peñita de Jaltemba, Las Varas, and Zacualpan — all within a reasonable drive of the park.