Two firetrucks blasted our plane with water the moment we landed in Nayarit, Mexico’s Tepic International Airport (TPQ). Panicked, I asked the folks around me what had happened. They reassured me that this was a time-honored tradition known as a water cannon salute for special occasions, and as passengers on the first commercial international flight to Tepic, we were getting the royal treatment.
On July 16, low-cost airline Volaris made history with its new nonstop route connecting Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit. Representatives from LAX, Volaris and the Ministry of Tourism of the State of Nayarit commemorated the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, photobooths and fanfare.
“This new Volaris route connecting Los Angeles and Tepic offers travel advisors a unique selling opportunity: a direct and cost-efficient way to connect their clients with an emerging destination in Mexico that blends authenticity, culture and proximity to the Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Roberto Garcia Rojas, director of distribution and market development at Volaris. “It’s ideal for those looking to go beyond the traditional tourist spots — whether for family trips, niche groups or cultural exploration.”
This new Volaris route connecting Los Angeles and Tepic offers travel advisors a unique selling opportunity: a direct and cost-efficient way to connect their clients with an emerging destination in Mexico that blends authenticity, culture and proximity to the Riviera Nayarit.
While in the air, Volaris handed out T-shirts and squishy airplane toys to each passenger. As if we were guests on “Oprah,” we learned that the bottom of the toy had a number that corresponded to a raffle — and that four lucky passengers would win roundtrip tickets to Tepic. To represent the Indigenous culture of Nayarit, a member of the Wixarika (Huichol) community, dressed in traditional clothing, conducted the raffle and shared aspects of his customs and culture with us.
Volaris’ new airlift is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing LAX at 11:37 a.m. and arriving in TPQ at 2:27 p.m. Return flights take place on those same days, departing Tepic at 6:50 a.m. and arriving in Los Angeles at 9:48 a.m.
“The LAX–Tepic route is more than just a connection — it’s a gateway to major opportunities for tourism and economic development in Tepic and the entire state of Nayarit,” said Garcia Rojas. “We see this flight as a tool that will help advisors offer their clients something new, authentic and still under the radar.”
Easy Access to Jala
Less than an hour from Tepic by car, we discovered the charming colonial town of Jala, one of Nayarit’s Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns). Nukari Quinta Boutique, a historic 18th-century villa with 17 suites, served as an idyllic anchor for exploring this quaint town. The hacienda-style property mixes colonial architecture with modern amenities such as 24-hour concierge service, a full-service spa and a pool for enjoying cocktails and views of Ceboruco Volcano.
Nukari Quinta Boutique is a historic hacienda-style villa with 17-suites and views of Ceboruco Volcano.
Credit: 2025 Visit NayaritNukari offers packages that cater to all types of travelers, including couples who want to pamper themselves at the spa before enjoying a romantic multicourse meal on the hotel’s rooftop. When we visited, a couple was having a candlelit engagement dinner there, gazing out upon the iconic Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption as it lit up at night. Adventurous clients will want to consider the hotel’s Lodging Plus Hiking package that includes accommodation, a guided hike for two to the Ceboruco Volcano and a picnic lunch.
We maximized our time in Jala by hiring a guide for a short hike to the nearby El Salto waterfall and taking part in the weekly Jala Callejoneada, a street-party-meets-walking-tour of the town.
As we walked behind a truck with blinding disco lights and a four-piece band, we visited points of interest, including a 443-year-old church built by Franciscan monks who wanted to evangelize the local population. It was both beautiful and eerie walking inside Limpia y Immaculate Conception of Mary, which was lit only by candles and featured an unexpected visit by an actor dressed as a Franciscan monk.
The walking tour through Jala’s cobblestone streets continued to surprise us with interesting facts, singalongs and treats, from cups of agua de jamaica (hibiscus tea) to corn on the cob (I later learned that the town hosts a Corn Festival each August). Jala Callejoneada takes place on Saturday nights around 7 p.m.
“From friendly locals to incredible food, Jala is really magical and a place I’d like to visit again,” said Blanca Rodriguez, a wedding specialist at Prescription for Travel Inc. “Volaris’ new service to the region is a good fit for anyone who wants to visit Jala, San Blas and especially the town of Tepic. And it’s our job as travel advisors to offer the new flight so Volaris will maintain, and hopefully expand, service to this emerging region.”
