Cat

Jaltemba Bay Rotary Working with Local Government

 News  No Responses »
Nov 102011
 

YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!

Municipal commissioners Rosa Guillermina and Romy Mora were the presenters at the Wednesday morning Jaltemba Bay La Penita Rotary club meeting.  Dr. Pimienta is making good on his promise to place a greater emphasis on health.  Please come and join workers and volunteers on December 3rd and 4th, as they participate in a huge clean up campaign.  The designated areas are from Los Ayala to La Penita.  The clean-up will focus on the bay, the beaches and the highway.  Divers will work the depths of the bay, while others will clean the beaches while others will concentrate on the highway.  Come be a part of making YOUR WORLD a better place.  For more information contact English speaking, Romy, at: romy_mora@hotmail.com or call Romy at 322-158-2919.  Rosa’s email is lic_rgdj@hotmail.com or phone her at: 311-122-8474.

MAKING THE TIANGIS A CLEANER AND A MORE PLEASING EXPERIENCE

Municipal commissioners, Romy Mora and Rosa Guillermina, are actively getting the word out about the improvement of the popular tiangis open market.  One of their stops has been the Jaltemba Bay La Penita Rotary Club’s Wednesday morning meetings.  They explained to the local Rotary club that a nearby area, originally designed for parking, has evolved into a squatter’s slum, without the proper health structures.  The squatters will be moved to another area which will then make the market a safer, cleaner and more enjoyable experience.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT

We have a new municipal administration.  They will have an office in your area, how convenient for all!  That is the good news.  The not so good news, they lack basic office equipment (desks, chairs, file cabinets, supplies, etc).  Do not ask “why”.  It is what it is.  The municipal government is combining offices with the federal DIF organization, both to the betterment of our local area.  All of us have an extra table,a chair, or office something to donate.  Please contact Romy Mora.  She speaks perfect English. Romy, at: romy_mora@hotmail.com or call Romy at 322-158-2919.  Rosa’s email is lic_rgdj@hotmail.com or phone her at: 311-122-8474.

 Posted by Cat at 4:23 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit full of Turtle Sanctuaries

 Attractions, Jaltemba Bay  No Responses »
Nov 072011
 

If you’re visiting the Pacific coast of Mexico, why not try something different and discover Bahia Jaltemba Bay? It’s only 60 kilometers (37.5 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, and just a 25-minute drive north of Sayulita. Although it’s easy to reach, it may just as well be another world away since the area is more traditional and less touristy than other nearby towns.

Jaltemba Bay is a relatively undiscovered area and not as commercialized as other beach towns in the Riviera Nayarit, which makes it a perfect escape for some rest and relaxation. The area consists of four towns – Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, La Penita de Jaltemba, and La Colonia – which are small, wholesome, authentic towns that welcome families, couples, and individuals seeking a peaceful, quiet retreat.

La Colonia is at the northernmost end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, the last town in the group, and is marked by a long stretch of a golden sand beach called Bahia de Naranja (Orange Bay) which is about a three-hour walk. One of the most pristine beaches in the area, this is the ideal place to breathe the fresh air, swim in the warm Pacific Ocean, or simply lay back on the soft sand and escape from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.

The beach isn’t as developed as those found in the other three towns, inspiring a raw virgin appeal. Since the pace of life in La Colonia is measured only by wind and waves, time stands still with the impression of having stepped back in time. When compared to a hectic modern lifestyle, you can’t help but appreciate the simple rural life. The congestion of the city is replaced by tiny shops selling whimsical items that catch your fancy.

What makes the beach at La Colonia more precious than other beaches is its unique sea turtle sanctuary, which provides protection to three types of turtles native to the region: the Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley, which have varied nesting seasons during the year, keeping this turtle sanctuary hopping.

Tours are offered for sea turtle observation, education, and release. The baby Olive Ridley turtles are only released after an incubation period of about 45 days before entering the ocean, which happens during late night hours at the waters’ edge to reduce exposure to predators. The best months to participate in this truly unique experience are August through January – right around the corner! La Colonia is just a five-minute drive north of La Penita.

 

Travel to the Jaltemba Bay on the Riviera Nayarit and visit La Penita or Guayabitos.

 Posted by Cat at 2:10 pm  Tagged with: , , , ,

Rincon de Guayabitos Restaruant is Good Eats on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

 Eat, Rincon de Guayabitios  No Responses »
Oct 132011
 

Its TeriYaki Time in Rincon de Guayabitos

Rincon de Guayabitos is a small town on the Riviera Nayarit about fifteen minutes north of Lo de Marcos, or a half hour north of Sayulita on Hwy 200 in Mexico. Its a fun town with shopping, restaurants, and has an abundance of rentals for long term or for your Mexico vacation.

Behind the Oxxo and right next to the Fitness Pad, just down the walk from the main street is a fun restaurant called TeriYaki Time.  One of the nice things that I liked about this restaurant is that it has indoor and outdoor seating.
When I arrived the sun had just gone down, and the TeriYaki Time Restaurant offered  a lovely sunset view. TeriYaki Time offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and has just reopened their doors as of last Sunday for the Winter season.

What’s for Dinner?

I was meeting friends for dinner, and was a few minutes early. This is a family owned and operated restaurant, like most businesses in Mexico, and it was fun to meet them. Mike and Wendy Kurtz, whom I had met earlier in the week, and Alex Cuevas with his son Jorge are the owners of TeriYaki Time, and Alex was the chef for this evening, with Jorge doing prep chef work and waiting tables.

My friends showed up and we all sat down and ordered something to drink. They have beer and wine, and a variety of juices and Thai iced tea, sodas and bottled water. We choose white wine and beer.

 

A Delicious Meal

We decided to order three different dinners off of the menu so we could all share and get to taste everything. It is always so much fun to share food! And, what a culinary delight it was! Everything was so delicious, and it had been quite a while since I had eaten any Asian food, living here in Mexico all summer, and I was hungry and ready for some soba pan fried noodles.  We ordered their signature entree Teriyaki with chicken, Yakisoba  with shrimp, which was my favorite, and the T.T. fried rice with tofu. which was firm and cooked to perfection.

Good Energy in the Kitchen

It was fun to watch Alex in the kitchen preparing the food and cooking at the stove. He is a very happy sort of fellow, with a big smile. I knew that a lot of good energy was being put into our food, which is important to me. Every meal created here is made fresh to order.  When Jorge brought out the food, it really looked great, and the aroma made my mouth water with anticipation. We ordered another round of drinks, and toasted to good friends and good food. All three dishes were exceptional, and the portions were large. You can see more photos in picture gallery to check out their menus, which are in English and Spanish. I like that, as I am still learning my Spanish!

With our appetites fully sated and our stomachs very full, we gave thanks for the great meal and wonderful hosts. TeriYaki Time is in the perfect location because it’s not right on the main street, so you do not have all of the noise or the car exhaust while eating, yet the walkway leads to the main street  where the fun shopping is, and that is what we decided to do after dinner. It was a very fun evening, and I will be dining at the TeriYaki restaurnat again soon.

 

So, if you are ready for something Asian and wonderful to eat, try this delightful restaurant in Rincon de Guayabitos on the Riviera Nayarit on your next Mexico vacation.

 

 Posted by Cat at 9:49 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunsets on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

 Attractions, Lo de Marcos  No Responses »
Oct 062011
 

Mexico Vacations and the Perfect Sunset

It is one of the things that we treasure with we go on our Mexico Vacation on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico,  and that is a great sunset. It is something we all look forward to every evening with the beautiful celebrations of another wonderful day, celebrated by the amazing vibrant colors of a beautiful sunset.

 

Many folks walk the beach around sunset regularly,  breathing in the fresh air on the beach and enjoying the evening color to relax at the end of the day. Some people come and sit in their beach chairs and sip on a tasty beverage as they watch the sun go down as the vibrant colors appear.

 

Most of the color happens after the sun falls down under the horizon. It is always an amazing view, and always a different color scheme every evening. Sometimes they are very purple. Here is one in Lo de Marcos in front of beachfront rental Villas del Rey with the Madonna on the beach, located on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico. Amazing!

If you are like me and like a fabulous sunset, come on a Mexico Vacation on the Riviera Nayarit where you can enjoy some of the  most amazing sunsets in the world.

 Posted by Cat at 9:12 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Travels in Riviera Nayarit Vacation Paradise

 Attractions, Play, Pueblos  No Responses »
Oct 052011
 

Riviera Nayarit Vacation Paradise

One of the reasons why the Riviera Nayarit is such a great travel place is its wide selection of resort towns.  Each one is special in its own unique way, so there’s a town that’s sure to appeal to everyone.  As varied as each one may be, they all have two spectacular things in common: the surrounding natural wonders and cultural diversity.

This tropical paradise on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is one of the few remaining places in the world with an abundance of undeveloped nature – lush tropical rainforests, rolling hills and valleys, marshes and mangroves, exotic plants and animals, pristine gold beaches and the deep blue sea – thriving ecosystems full of biodiversity where nature conservation reigns.

The indigenous peoples who once flourished here, such as the Cora and Huichol tribes of Aztec descent knew this and continue to inhabit the region sharing their cultural traditions and handicrafts with locals and tourists.  The region would not be as historically rich without them as witnessed by tourist attractions with archaeological sites of ancient ruins, such as the Altavista Petroglyphs, and other cultural tours.

With such variety in one place, travelers can try it all.  Adventurers who prefer outdoor vacation activities may opt for surfing along the beaches of Sayulita, Chacala, and San Blas  or zip lining across Monkey Mountain south of Sayulita on the road to Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta, two luxury beach resorts with elegant accommodations.  A more practical, down-to-earth option would be the midsized fishing town of La Penita de Jaltemba.

Nature lovers who prefer the ocean will find the best sailing, fishing, diving, and whale watching conditions near La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Bucerias. Some of the nicest swimming and snorkeling beaches are north in Los Ayala and Rincon de Guayabitos. Those who would rather have a more authentic Mexico vacation will adore the small towns of upscale San Pancho (San Francisco) and sleepy Lo de Marcos.

Reconnect with nature on your Travels to Vacation Paradise when you take a Mexico vacation in the Riviera Nayarit.

 Posted by Cat at 4:06 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Fun Lunch on the Riviera Nayarit in Sayulita Mexico

 Eat, Sayulita  No Responses »
Oct 042011
 

Beachfront Restaurant for Lunch

I had been working in Sayulita on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico all morning, and called my girlfriend to see if she wanted to have some lunch. It was around 1:00 in the afternoon, and my girlfriend and I were both really hungry.There are a lot of good and different restaurants, and plenty of great taco places, however, I wanted to try somewhere that I had not eaten before. I was looking for some fresh seafood. I knew of the Captain Cook Restaurant, and that it was located right on the beach, and had wanted to try their food. I really love eating at beachfront restaurants.

Enjoying Seafood For Lunch

Captain Cook has a lot to choose from on their menu, specializing in Seafood like mussels in white wine sauce and every fish you can think of!  They have the usual Mexican cuisine of course, like tacos and burritos and cheviche, but they also have great appetizers like crab cheese puffs, stuffed Portabello mushrooms and spicy wings. A large variety of salads and  mention yummy looking burgers as I saw one the other day when discovering the restaurant.

I decided on the Red Snapper, which you can order a variety of sizes and weight, which are in kilos. It’s fun because it comes on a large platter that you can share with friends. I also ordered a mixed seafood cocktail, which had octopus, shrimp and scallops. My friend ordered the coconut shrimp. We both had yummy lemonade. It was still a little early for us to be drinking, especially on a work day, however they have a full bar with a happy bartender, and a good menu of drinks.

A nice thing about the menu at Captain Cook Restaurant is that it is written in English and Spanish! So, if you speak English, and are a bit rusty on your Spanish, its a wonderful thing! Click on a picture to go to the Riviera Nayarit Picture Gallery.

We ordered lunch, and while we sipped on our lemonades our server brought us some chips, crackers for the seafood cocktail and salsa. They wait staff was very friendly, and spoke good English as well. They were professional and polite.

Our food arrived in an appropriate amount of time, and it looked delicious! The Red Snapper looked cooked to perfection,and my friends shrimp were big and plump. They both came with salad and my Red Snapper came with rice as well.The waiter also brought out some fresh tortillas.

It was fun sitting out on the beach under an umbrella watching the surfers. They also have plenty of room inside the restaurant with nice wooden tables and chairs that look out over the beach and ocean.
I tried my friends coconut shrimp, which happens to be one of my favorite way to eat shrimp, and it was delicious and not over cooked, and the oil tasted clean and fresh.
We took our time eating and chatting. It was a delightful lunch filled with yummy seafood flavor, and I ate every last bite.  We left happy with our stomachs full.

Whether you are on your Mexico vacation, or if you live in the neighborhood, come enjoy the beachfront restaurant Captain Cook and enjoy some lunch or dinner with a seafood flair on the Riviera Nayarit in Sayulita Mexico.

 

 Posted by Cat at 10:11 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Undiscovered Central Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, Chacala, Pueblos  No Responses »
Oct 032011
 

Uncover the Treasures of Central Riviera Nayarit

This lesser known but not to be neglected section of the Riviera Nayarit has much to be discovered and is probably best geared to adventure travelers seeking to explore the Pacific Coast of rural, historic Mexico.  Some of these tourist attractions include archaeological sites of ancient Aztec ruins, such as the Altavista Petroglyphs near Chacala and other ruins in Las Varas.

While Central Riviera Nayarit is still a relatively undeveloped tourist area, some towns like Chacala and Platanitos are growing in popularity for their exotic nature and pristine beaches of all shapes, colors, and sizes that offer varying ocean conditions for different vacation activities.  A hidden natural attraction near Platanitos is the lovely Laguna La Mataiza Lagoon that flourishes within a supportive ecotourism environment.

Other towns in the area are slightly inland along the lush tropical hills and valleys of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains and rainforests, such as Zacualpan and Las Varas.  Primarily agricultural towns with tropical fruit orchards, vegetable farms, and tobacco fields, they also feature some combined cultural and natural attractions like the caves of La Cueva de La Tigra containing ancient Indian cave drawings.

On your Mexico travels, explore the cultural treasures and natural wonders of Central Riviera Nayarit north of Bahia Jaltemba Bay along the Riviera Nayarit.

 Posted by Cat at 2:30 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Helpful Tips on Tipping in Mexico

 Attractions  No Responses »
Oct 012011
 

Seven Golden Rules of Mexico Tipping

A vacation on Mexico’s Pacific Coast can be a very indulging experience, especially if travelers view the concept of tipping for services in a different way.  Foreigners usually view tips as a bonus – something extra that service professionals receive for taking really good care of us.  In the Mexican tourism and hospitality industry, tips are typically the majority of employees’ income, since most only earn about $50 pesos (less than $4 USD) a day.

When you travel to towns along the Riviera Nayarit and receive that friendly, helpful Mexican hospitality, keep in mind that the service staff depend almost entirely on your tips as a source of their income – even at all-inclusive resorts.  Although tourists may not be responsible for foreign business practices, we can have a positive influence on Mexican culture and individual lives by giving generous tips.  Leaving good tips can also make the difference between an acceptable versus an extraordinary vacation.

1.  Currency Type

While Mexicans will accept foreign currency, they must pay exchange rate costs, so in most cases, the tip they ultimately receive is lower than the tip provided.  If you decide to leave a tip in foreign currency, leave only paper bills since coins cannot be exchanged. Note:  A benefit of paying for items in Mexican pesos is getting the lower purchase price.

2.  Taxi Drivers

Taxi cab services in Mexico typically include a tip as part of their established rates, so tipping drivers is not expected on standard trips.  If the taxi driver ‘goes the extra mile’ by helping you load and unload bags or by waiting for you at a destination, then leaving an extra tip is appropriate.

3.  Bell Boys & Baggage Handlers

Depending on the number, size, and weight of your bags and the room location (i.e., up or down a flight of stairs), a tip of $10 to $20 pesos per bag is customary.  Larger tips are recommended for heavier loads or repeat trips to collect and deliver your luggage.

4.  Room Housekeeping

Each time a housekeeper cleans your room, a tip of $20 to $60 pesos per occupant is recommended.  If you leave the hotel room in an unusually messy condition, giving a higher amount is appropriate since it takes them longer to clean the room.

5.  Waiters, Bartenders & Spa Services

A customary tip for spa technicians, restaurant servers and bartenders is 15% to 20% of the total cost if the tip is not already included on the bill.   Tipping $10 to $20 pesos for one round of drinks is acceptable, but when running a bar tab, a tip of 15% to 20% is customary. Note:  Base your tips for drinks on the full price instead of a discounted price.

6.  Tour Guides & Boat Crew

Sailing cruises; yacht charters; fishing, snorkeling, diving tours, and other organized vacation activities follow the same 15% to 20% tipping scale of the overall fee and are offered to the guide or captain (not a crew member) at the end of the tour.  For charter boats and yachts, a tipping alternative is to leave $500 pesos for the captain and $250 pesos for each crew member.

7.  Gas Attendants & Store Baggers

Since there are no self-service gas stations in Mexico, and store baggers work only for tips, tipping between $5 to $20 pesos is customary.  If the station attendant or bagger provides additional services, such as checking under the car hood, washing car windows, adjusting tire pressure, bagging many products, taking the cart to your car, loading and unloading bags, then tipping at the higher rate is recommended.

For a truly rewarding Mexico vacation in the Riviera Nayarit, apply these Helpful Tips on Tipping in Mexico.

 Posted by Cat at 12:09 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bountiful Beach Bays of Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, Pueblos  No Responses »
Sep 272011
 

Cruise the Beach Bays of Riviera Nayarit

If you enjoy all that goes with vacationing or living near the ocean, then Mexico’s Pacific Coast is the place for you.  Coined the Mexican Riviera, it spans kilometer after kilometer (mile after mile) of dazzling gold beaches framed by beach bays and coves of all shapes and sizes suited to all kinds of activities.

While there are hundreds of bays on the Pacific Ocean, some of the most dynamic are located in the tropical paradise of the Riviera Nayarit, part of the Mexican Riviera.  Mother Nature has bestowed each of these beach bays with varying ocean conditions that match certain water sports and beach activities better than others.

Among them is Bahia Banderas Bay, the largest natural bay in Mexico and one of the ten largest in the world.  This vibrant bay is teeming with tropical fish and sea life that live among underwater rocks, caves, and coral reefs, making it wonderful for snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and sea turtle sightings. Other towns along the bay provide the best conditions for sailing, sport fishing, kiteboarding, and surfing.

Slightly further north are the more authentic Mexican beach towns of Bahia Jaltemba Bay. Home to some breathtaking long beaches and smaller beach coves with island views.  Portions of this bay have calm, clear, aqua sea water and soft, light, gold sand beaches, which are ideal for snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and beach sports.  One of the towns holds the largest open-air market (tianguis) in the region once a week.

Continuing north beyond this bay and the town of Chacala are the natural wonders of Bahia Matanchen Bay.  The towns and beaches along this bay harbor incredible biodiversity, such as marshes, mangroves, jungles, rivers, beaches, wildlife, and historical sites making it ideal for sightseeing, birding, boat tours, and conservation.  Its beaches are known to have some of the best waves in the region for surfing.

Uncover the hidden treasures of the Riviera Nayarit through its bountiful bays on your next Mexico vacation.

 

 

 Posted by Cat at 5:40 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Shop Tianguis in La Penita de Jaltemba

 Jaltemba Bay, Play  No Responses »
Sep 202011
 

Tianguis Outdoor Market in La Penita

For the first time, we had the pleasure of visiting ‘tianguis’ in La Penita de Jaltemba, and what a pleasure it was!  Tianguis (pronounced tee-ang-gees) is Mexico’s version of a swap meet or flea market but offers more than just practical items, including fun things like bright green river turtles, colorful fish and birds, genuine and costume jewelry, new clothes and shoes, Mexican arts and crafts, and of course, all kinds of fresh foods and snacks.  After all, it wouldn’t be Mexico without the tasty treats!

Practical La Penita

La Penita de Jaltemba is a rustic beach town along the Riviera Nayarit, a recently designated tourist region that consists of beautiful undeveloped beaches and charming beach towns, framed by tropical rainforests and the rolling hillsides of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.  Just about 30 minutes north of Sayulita and 30 minutes south of Chacala, La Penita (as it is called) rests along peaceful Bahia Jaltemba Bay on the Pacific Ocean and is one of many beautiful beach coves in the region.

Being an authentic Mexican town that provides practical services for its residents and neighboring communities, it’s less of a traditional tourist town with all the bells and whistles but still welcomes and accommodates travelers from all over the world, and the Tianguis in La Penita is well known. As the largest recurring outdoor market in the Riviera Nayarit, it’s the most popular open-air market in the region drawing locals and vacationers from the south beyond Nuevo Vallarta and the north beyond San Blas.

Tianguis Market Details

Along with the warm, friendly people of La Penita, the tianguis is an enjoyable few hours of shopping, socializing, snacking, and listening to live music.  Running from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.-ish to 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.-ish, the entrance of the market starts at the lovely, tree-lined town square (zócalo) extending south and paralleling the beach.  Vendors line both sides of the long cobblestone street with colorful umbrellas and tarps, offering much-welcome shade from the sunshine, while smiling at visitors who admire their wares.

With high season (November through April) right around the corner, the vendors are gearing up to provide all kinds of special traditional items, such as authentic handmade pottery, woven baskets and hammocks, wool rugs and blankets, leather and beaded items, painted woodcrafts, hand-embroidered clothes and purses, Huichol Indian art, organic Nayarit coffee, and even the basics like eyeglasses and sunglasses, vitamins and herbs, pots and pans, glassware, and cleaning supplies.

During the winter months, there are twice as many items available, so La Penita Tianguis is a great place to shop!

Shop at the La Penita Tianguis every Thursday morning in La Penita de Jaltemba along the beautiful Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 Posted by Cat at 11:27 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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