Territory capital · Mexico
Tepic
Give Tepic one night as a stop between Mazatlán and Guadalajara or as the gateway to San Blas, not a beach base: the coast is 1 h west.
Tepic is the capital of Nayarit, a mid-sized highland city at about 900 m in a green valley between the Sierra Madre and the Pacific. It has a small walkable centre, four small museums, a cathedral under repair and the best road and bus links to San Blas and the Riviera Nayarit. Most travellers pass through in a day or use it as a cheaper bed before the coast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–May (dry, cooler)
- avoid Jun–Oct (rain and humidity), Easter week
- Airports
- TPQ · PVR
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Tepic911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Tepic, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyTepic is a working state capital, not a resort: petty theft is the usual city risk…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance (SECTUR) · 078 Green Angels roadside help
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTPQ Amado Nervo International (Tepic) (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of the centre; Volaris links to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Los Angeles.TPQ Amado Nervo International (Tepic) (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of the centre; Volaris links to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Los Angeles.
- Getting aroundThe centre is small and walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$30–60
- Street or quick mealTorta or tacos at a market stallM$80–150
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at an OxxoM$50–80M$25–40
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Ride-hail across the centreM$50–90
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Museo Regional de Nayarit)checkabout M$55
- Budget bedBudget hotel double, a night, per roomMX$500 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel double, a night, per roomMX$700 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedBudget hotel double, a night, per roomMX$900 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$500 (≈ US$30) · Mid MX$1,000 (≈ US$55) · High MX$2,000 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TPQ Amado Nervo International (Tepic) (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of the centre; Volaris links to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Los Angeles. More flights at Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL).) · PVR Puerto Vallarta (About 2.5–3 h by road south; the usual arrival for the Riviera Nayarit.)TPQ Amado Nervo International (Tepic) (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of the centre; Volaris links to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana and Los Angeles. More flights at Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL).) · PVR Puerto Vallarta (About 2.5–3 h by road south; the usual arrival for the Riviera Nayarit.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–May. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C) low), wettest Jul (17 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Tepic: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
1 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
2 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
15 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Nov
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small and walkable. Uber and DiDi cover longer hops; local buses run to the bus terminal and outlying sights. For San Blas and the coast, buses leave the Central de Autobuses on MEX-15.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
San Blas
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Bus from the Central de Autobuses, or car via the Tepic–San Blas expressway
Mangrove boat trip and a surf beach; doable as a day, better with a night.
Mexcaltitán
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Car or bus towards Santiago Ixcuintla, then a short boat
Small island town; check the boat times before setting out.
Amatlán de Cañas
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car on the Guadalajara road south-east
Thermal pools and a lake; a car makes it far easier.
Sayulita
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Bus or car south on the Pacific highway
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep on the coast.
Door to door: About 3 h
Bus or car south towards Puerto Vallarta
Long beach town; pair with Sayulita or San Francisco.
Door to door: About 2.5 h
Bus or car south on the Pacific highway
Jungle-backed beach village; a stop on the coast run, not a day trip.
Lo de Marcos
overnightDoor to door: About 2.5 h
Bus or car south on the Pacific highway
Quiet beach village; same coast corridor as Sayulita.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (around Plaza Principal)
Walk to the plaza, cathedral, museums and markets; the pick for one night without a car.
Avenida México corridor
Hotels, Liverpool and the bus terminal side of the centre; practical for early departures.
Forum Tepic / south side
Chain hotels and the mall near the highway; needs a taxi to the centre.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$500–900 excl. bed
- Mid
- M$900–1,600 excl. bed
- High
- M$1,600+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range or chain double1 × 1 night × MX$1,000 | MX$1,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × MX$1,000 | MX$2,000 |
| Airport taxi, TPQ to the centre, one way1 × MX$250 · check | MX$250 |
| Ride-hail across the centre1 × MX$60 | MX$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$381 |
| Trip total≈ MX$2,096 per person per day, bed included | MX$4,191≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in pesos; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$30–60 |
| Torta or tacos at a market stall | M$80–150 |
| Mid-range main dish | M$150–300 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at an Oxxo | M$50–80 / M$25–40 |
| Ride-hail across the centre | M$50–90 |
| Museum entry (Museo Regional de Nayarit)check | about M$55 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The cathedral was damaged in the 2022 earthquake and has been closed for repairs: check before you plan around it.
- Foreign governments advise against non-essential travel to Tepic and the Xalisco area because of organised crime: check your own government's current advice.
- June to October is hot, muggy and wet; afternoons bring heavy rain.
- The free Mazatlán–Tepic highway has a poor reputation; use the toll road (15D) if driving.
- Museum and government-building hours are weekday-heavy and close on Mondays.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance (SECTUR)
- 078
- Green Angels roadside help
- 078
Pocket card
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TepicTepic
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
- Green Angels roadside help078
Embassy
No embassy in Tepic: the US, UK and Canadian embassies are in Mexico City, with consulates in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- TPQ airport → centre, taxi: about M$250, 20–25 min (check)
- Central de Autobuses → Plaza Principal, ride-hail: M$50–90, 10 min
- Tepic → San Blas, bus: about M$80–120, 1–1.5 h (check)
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello / Good day (bweh-nos dee-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (grah-see-as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan-to kwes-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la kwen-ta por fa-vor)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (pwe-do pa-gar kon tar-he-ta)
- ¿Dónde está la central de autobuses? — Where is the bus station? (don-de es-ta la sen-tral de ow-to-boo-ses)
Telcel has 5G across the city; buy an eSIM before you fly if you want data on arrival.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Tepic. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–May (dry, cooler) · avoid Jun–Oct (rain and humidity), Easter week · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for TPQ: taxi and ride-hail bands field-checked, plus the Puerto Vallarta fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Plaza Principal, Avenida México museums, Parque La Loma, the bus terminal.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (cathedral, Museo Regional, Casa Museo Juan Escutia, Cerro de la Cruz) and eat pages with last orders.
- Hostile-arrival fixtures for the rainy season and for late bus arrivals.