NAYARIT, Mexico – May 11, 2026 — The state of Nayarit has officially received the Designation of Origin for Café Nayarit, marking a historic milestone for the destination’s agricultural sector while reinforcing Mexico’s longstanding coffee tradition and the growing international recognition of Nayarit’s mountain regions.

Nayarit received the official declaration recognizing the work of thousands of coffee producers whose traditions have shaped the state’s coffee-growing communities for generations.

The designation officially recognizes coffee production in municipalities including Compostela, Xalisco, Ruiz, San Blas, Tepic, and Jala, where volcanic soil, mountain elevations, humid forests, and favorable climates create ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality Arabica coffee.

With the addition of Café Nayarit, the state now holds three recognized denominations of origin — tequila, raicilla, and coffee — reinforcing its reputation as one of Mexico’s most culturally and agriculturally diverse regions.

Coffee has played a significant role in Mexico’s agricultural and cultural history for more than two centuries. According to Mexico’s National Institute of Social Economy (INAES), coffee was introduced to the country in the late 18th century through the port of Veracruz before expanding into mountainous regions throughout the country where climate and altitude favored cultivation. Over time, coffee became one of Mexico’s most important agricultural products, generating employment and economic activity in rural communities across several states.

Today, Mexico is internationally recognized for producing high-altitude and specialty coffees, particularly from mountainous regions where coffee cultivation remains closely tied to local traditions, Indigenous communities, and small-scale family farms.

In Nayarit, coffee culture has become increasingly connected to tourism experiences that allow travelers to explore the state beyond its Pacific coastline. The destination’s growing “Ruta del Café” introduces visitors to coffee plantations, mountain towns, tastings, traditional roasting techniques, and scenic landscapes throughout the Sierra Madre region.

Among the best-known coffee communities is Huicicila, located in the municipality of Compostela. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and dense vegetation, the town has become symbolic of Nayarit’s coffee heritage, preserving generations-old cultivation traditions while welcoming visitors interested in gastronomy, rural tourism, and local culture.

Nayarit has also developed tourism experiences connecting coffee and tobacco traditions in Compostela, highlighting the historical agricultural identity of the region and offering travelers immersive cultural experiences tied to local production.

As part of the celebration surrounding the designation, Nayarit also hosted the world’s largest coffee master class, officially certified by Guinness World Records, bringing together more than 1,000 participants and underscoring the cultural and economic importance of coffee to the state.

Long recognized for the beaches and luxury resorts of the Riviera Nayarit, the state continues expanding its tourism profile through gastronomy, agriculture, culture, and experiential travel offerings that connect visitors with the inland regions of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

About ENroute Communications

ENroute Communications is a leading travel and tourism public relations agency specializing in Mexico and international destination marketing. With more than two decades of combined experience representing destinations across the country, the agency develops and executes integrated communications strategies in the United States and Canada, including media relations, brand positioning, strategic partnerships and high-impact campaigns.

As the public relations agency of record for Nayarit in North America, ENroute Communications has played a key role in elevating the destination’s visibility among top-tier media, travel advisors and industry stakeholders, positioning Nayarit as one of Mexico’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism destinations.