TEN GREAT INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOTS IN NAYARIT

Does being able to visit scenic spots that stand out when pictured on social media factor into your vacation planning? For many the experiences associated with capturing travel selfies and landscape imagery have become as much of the fun of a trip as adventure excursions, shopping or dining can be for others. Some enjoy travel photography for the artistic expression, others find it a nice way to make and catalog memories, then there are those who just like to brag to others about what they are up to. No what reason entices you, if finding great "Instagrammable Spots" is important to your travel itinerary then a visit to Nayarit should be a very attractive destination. 

Nayarit situated along the Pacific Ocean in central Mexico is one of thirty-one states that makeup the country. Marketed as "Rivera Nayarit" based upon its attractive beaches, lagoons and tidal mangrove forests along its coastline. Nayarit also contains a variety of geography within its interior including hundreds of miles of rainforest and mountains filled with pine-oak forests. It is filled with attractive and interesting places that are great for sharing on Instagram.

Nayarit offers countless opportunities to create scroll-stopping content. Here are ten great Instagrammable Spots in Nayarit, guaranteed to elevate your social media game and provide images you can cherish for a lifetime. The aesthetics of Nayarit have made it a travel destination not just for beach goers and snow birds but a haven for photographers and Instagram enthusiasts as well.

#1 Hidden Beach, Islas Marietas 

Topping the list is the world-famous Hidden Beach in Islas Marietas. Also known as Playa del Amor, this secluded beach is hidden inside a crater, accessible only by swimming or kayaking through a tunnel. The azure waters, pristine sand, and unique geological formations create a surreal scene that will make your Instagram feed stand out. The Hidden Beach's exclusivity and natural beauty make it a must-visit spot for any traveler to Nayarit.

# 2 Higuera Blanca Viewpoint 

The Higuera Blanca viewpoint is unbeatable for breathtaking panoramic views. Located near Punta Mita, this vantage point offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, lush hills, and the surrounding coastline. Whether you're capturing the sunrise, sunset, or the expanse of the sea, the Higuera Blanca viewpoint provides the perfect backdrop for stunning landscape photography. The viewpoint is easily accessible and offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture Nayarit's natural beauty from above. 

#3 Cerro del Mono 

For the adventurous at heart, a hike up Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) is a rewarding experience. The trail offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the Sierra Madre mountains, and the charming town of Sayulita. At the summit, you’ll find a 360-degree view that is awe-inspiring. The journey to the top is filled with photo opportunities, from lush forest paths to sweeping coastal views, making it a favorite among hikers and photographers. 

#4 Paper Flag Street in Sayulita 

Sayulita’s Paper Flag Street is a vibrant, colorful attraction that is perfect for Instagram. This picturesque street is adorned with hundreds of papel picado (traditional Mexican paper flags),creating a lively and festive atmosphere. The flags' vivid colors and intricate designs make for an eye-catching backdrop, and the street is lined with charming shops, cafes, and street art that add to the visual appeal. Whether by day or night, Paper Flag Street is a must-visit spot for capturing the spirit of Sayulita.

#5 San Pancho's Lo de Perla Orchidarium 

The Lo de Perla Orchidarium in San Pancho is a botanical wonderland that offers a feast for the eyes and the camera. This lush, tropical garden is home to a stunning collection of orchids and other exotic plants set against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains. The meticulously landscaped paths, vibrant flowers, and tranquil atmosphere provide endless opportunities for macro photography and serene nature shots. 

# 6 Isla Coral in Guayabitos 

 Isla Coral, located off the coast of Rincón de Guayabitos, is a paradise for beach lovers and snorkelers. The island’s white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life make it a perfect spot for underwater photography and idyllic beach scenes. Snorkeling in the coral reefs reveals a colorful underwater world teeming with fish and other sea creatures, providing ample opportunities for capturing stunning marine photos. 

# 7 Palafitos at San Blas 

 The palafitos (stilt houses) in San Blas offer a glimpse into this historic port town’s traditional way of life. These charming wooden structures, built over the water, create a picturesque scene that is perfect for photography. The reflections of the palafitos in the calm waters, combined with the vibrant colors of the houses, create a visually striking image that captures the essence of San Blas. A stroll through the town reveals more photographic gems, from colonial architecture to bustling markets. 

# 8 Santa Maria del Oro 

Santa Maria del Oro, a stunning volcanic crater lake, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape and breathtaking views. The lake’s turquoise waters, surrounded by lush green hills, create a serene and picturesque setting. Visitors can capture stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape in the clear waters or take a boat ride to explore different angles of this natural wonder. The peaceful ambiance and natural beauty of Santa Maria del Oro make it a perfect spot for landscape and nature photography.

#9 Tierra Tropical Polo Field

 A sprawling backdrop of lush, green jungle will stop any Instagram scroller in their tracks when they see posts of the Tierra Tropical Polo Field. This visual paradise wows with vibrant tropical views, from the impeccably manicured polo field to the backdrop of majestic mountains. Whether you're snapping photos of graceful horses in action or the serene natural beauty, Tierra Tropical promises endless opportunities for viral-worthy material. 

#10 Mexcaltitan 

Mexcaltitan, often called the "Venice of Mexico,” is a small island town with charm and history. The town’s unique layout, with its narrow streets and canals, creates a picturesque setting reminiscent of Venice. Mexcaltitan is believed to be the legendary Aztlán, the ancestral home of the Aztecs, adding a layer of historical significance to its visual appeal. The colorful houses, traditional boats, and serene canals provide endless photo opportunities, capturing the essence of this unique and captivating destination.

A look at Team USA for the World Baseball Classic

UPDATE (3/8/2013):  Eric Hosmer from the Kansas City Royals has replaced Mark Teixeira as the team's first baseman after Texeira was injured in a New York Yankees spring training game.

The other day I posted about how the World Baseball Classic has peeked my interest this year (World Baseball Classic is a break from monotony of Spring Training ).  The World Baseball Classic is an international tournament being played in March 2013 with national teams battling for the title of "World Champion" and bragging rights as the country with the best baseball players.  Rosters for the various national teams that range from the Netherlands to Venezuela include Major League (MLB)players and professional atheletes from other professional baseball leagues located throughout the world.  Japan which has won the tournamant the last two times it has been played in 2006 & 2009 and is considered a favorite again this year has a roster filled entirely with players from its domestic professional baseball league while the USA which is skippered by Yankees Manager Joe Torres is filled entirely with MLB Players from the American and National  leagues.

Team USA is guaranteed to play 3 games in the World Baseball Classic's first round and if they have the best record in their 4 team pool (Pool D) than they will move on to Round 2 being played in Miami Florida being played March 12 through the 16th.  They will play their Round 1 games in Phoenix, Arizona March 8 - 10, 2013.  Games will be broadcast on cable tv and the internet via MLBtv. 

Game 1 is on Friday March 8 @ 9pm ET vs Mexico

Game 2 is on Saturday March 9 @ 9pm ET vs Italy

Game 3 is on Sunday March 10 @ 9pm ET vs Canada

So let's take a look at our 2013 Team USA!

We have 5 starting pitchers on the roster:

R.A. Dickey played for the New York Mets in 2012 and had a 20-7 record with a 2.73 Earned Run Average (ERA)

Gio Gonzalez played for the Washington Nationals in 2012 with a 21-8 record and 2.89 ERA

Ryan Vogelsong helped the San Fransico Giants win the 2012 World Series with a 14-9 record and played in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game having a 13-7 record that year.

Derek Holland had a 12-7 record in 2012 and 16 wins & 5 losses in 2011 for the Texas Rangers.

Ron Detwiler went 10-8 with a 3.74 ERA with 27 game starts for the Washington Nationals in 2012.

Team USA also has a lot of depth with a roster full of quality middle relievers and closers:

Vincent Pestano pitched for the Cleveland Indians in 2012 with a 3-3 record and 2.57 ERA in 70 games for the Tribe.

Luke Gregerson had a 2.39 ERA in 77 games as a middle reliever with the San Diego Padres in 2012.

Steve Cishek went 5-2 with 15 saves and a 2.69 ERA for the Florida Marlins in '12 season.

Mitchell Boggs was 4-1 in '12 with a  2.21 ERA in 78 games for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Glen Perkins went 3-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 70 games for the Minnesota Twins in 2012.

The team also has closers on the line-up:

Chris Perez had 39 saves and a 3.59 ERA with the Cleveland Indians in 2012.

Heath Bell had an off year with the Miami Marlins in 2012 with a 5.09 ERA and 19 saves but the prior 3 years in San Diego he averaged 49 saves per year and a 2.50 ERA.

Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves had a steller year in 2012 with 1.01 ERA and 42 saves!

On the field playing D here is the starting lineup for Team USA:

CATCHER:  Joe Mauer (Minnesota Twins) A solid and respected glove behind the plate to keep the pitching rotation under control with a career batting average as a .323 hitter in 9 seasons - one of the best catchers in the tournament and in Major League Baseball.

1st BASE:  Mark Teixeira (New York Yankees)  a .280 career hitter over 8 season with more than 300 homeruns.

2nd BASE: Brandon Phillips (Cincinatti Reds)  in 2012 he batted .281 with 18 HRs.

SHORT STOP:  William Bloomquist (Arizone Diamondbacks) had a .302 batting average in '12

3rd BASE:  David Wright (New York Mets) had a great year in 2012 with a .301 batting average & 21 HRs

LEFT FIELD:  Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers)  41 Homeruns and a .319 batting average in '12

CENTERFIELD:  Adam Jones (Baltimore Orioles) batted .287 with 32 home runs in 2012

RIGHT FIELD:  Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) hit .290 with 37 HRs last season.

Good luck Team USA - let's bring home the title "world champs!" 

For more information about the World Baseball Classic visit www.worldbaseballclassic.com