Celebrate Mexican Independence in Mexico

 News  2 Responses »
Aug 252011
 

Celebrating Mexican Independence

September is a special month in Mexico – el Mes de la Patria (month of the homeland) – because this year,  Mexicans celebrate 201 years of independence from Spanish rule and 101 years since the Mexican Revolution (November 20th, 1910). The entire month consists of festivities, although the official Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) is September 16th with official celebrations begining the evening of September 15th.

Starting in early September, the country’s cities and towns are adorned with Mexican flags and decorations in colors of green (symbolizing independence), white (symbolizing religion), and red (symbolizing union).  Restaurants serve traditional Mexican specialties (antojitos), such as Chiles en Nogada, ponche, and more.

On the eve of September 15th, across the country, Mexicans gather in town squares (zócalos) dressed in green, white, and red – colors of the Mexican flag – indigenous costume, or traditional Mexican garb: men as Charros and women as China Poblanas.

They await the official commencement of the holiday, indulging in cervezas, tequila, and Mexican food, which begins with a patriotic speech given by a local official, serving as a reenactment of Father Hidalgo’s El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores), also known as El Grito de la Independencia (Cry of Independence), addressing his followers in Dolores, Guanajuato to take action against Spain.

Brief History of Mexican Independence

Before present-day Mexico existed, pre-Columbian Mesoamerica was inhabited by Aztecs and other Indian civilizations until Spanish invaders conquered their land in 1521 and renamed it New Spain.  After 300 years of Spanish oppression and tyranny, and 10 years of revolutionary war, Mexico’s hard-earned independence was finally won on September 16, 1821.

On September 16th, 1810, a Catholic priest, Father Miguel Hidalgo, gave his famous “grito” (or shout), which started a revolt lasting one year, ultimately leading to the Mexican War of Independence, the most important observed national holiday in Mexico.  Unfortunately, Hidalgo was executed for his actions.

Another priest, Father Jose Maria Morelos, continued the fight for independence and helped to establish the first proclamation of separation from Spanish rule, granting equal rights to all Mexicans on November 1813, with the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America, but was also executed.  Today, Hidalgo is considered the father of Mexico and Morelos, a national hero.

At long last, in September 1821, the final document – the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire – pronouncing Mexico as an independent nation and was signed in Mexica (a former part of the Aztec empire).  The country’s present name originated from the Aztec Nahuatl word Mēxihco, which evolved into México in Spanish.  Officially named the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), this beautiful country honors its independence on September 16th each year.

Independence Day Festivities

As with most things Mexican, this occasion is celebrated with gusto. Each year, festivities begin the evening of September 15th at 11:00 p.m. in zócalos (town squares) across the country.  A local representative rings a symbolic liberty bell and gives a patriotic speech ending in a shout for Mexicans to unite, a reenactment of Father Hidalgo’s “grito,” to which the crowd responds: “Viva Mexico” and “Viva la independencia!” Fireworks and patriotic music fill the air as they sing their national anthem.

On September 16th, the official Independence Day, merriment continues with parades, carnivals, rodeos, bullfights, folk dances, mariachi music, and more traditional Mexican food and drinks.  In the Riviera Nayarit, each of the small towns will celebrate in their zócalos with their own unique flair. If you’ll be vacationing in Mexico on Mexican Independence Day, the holiday offers a festive occasion to honor national values that Mexico – and much of the world – holds in high regard:  liberty and unity. ¡Viva la libertad! (Long live freedom!)

Note: Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is not Mexican Independence Day, but there is a connection between the holidays. While Mexican Independence Day celebrates the country’s freedom from Spanish rule on September 16th, Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s national unity as an autonomous country after preventing a subsequent invasion by France in 1862. Since this event occurred at Fuerte de Loreto in Puebla, Mexico, it is known as The Battle of Puebla.

Join us in Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in one of the many delightful towns along the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

 Posted by Cat at 5:26 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eye View on Mexican Culture

 News  No Responses »
Aug 232011
 

A Foreigner’s Eye View on Mexican Culture

While recently taking leave from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit for a visit to the USA after a long absence, some interesting revelations came to light about our beloved Mexico.  It never ceases to amaze how similar and yet so different American and Mexican cultures can be.  Both countries share the same continent and enjoy similar establishments, such as restaurants, shopping, services, even  entertainment activities and cultural attractions, but both with their own distinctive flair.

Given the negative travel warnings issued over the last few years about Mexico travel, we’d like to share some positive observations about life in Mexico.  Why not share some of your positive experiences with us too?

Slower Pace of Life

One of our favorites, an easygoing pace of life is a major difference between America and Mexico.  People move to a much slower clip in Mexico, both socially and professionally, which is a refreshing change for visitors – although sometimes frustrating when trying to meet deadlines – especially those preferring an escape from the pressures of daily life for a relaxing vacation or a retirement home.

Indirect Communication

Another endearing part of the easygoing Mexican lifestyle is their friendly, cheerful, casual communication style.  In Mexico, talking is an art (Spanish is, after all, a romance language) and since Mexicans like people who enjoy their country, they want to speak with them.  Talking in circles is not uncommon since they don’t quickly get to the point, but be patient, since they usually, eventually do.

Can-Do Attitude

Mexicans really are Mexi-can-s. In Mexico, if something is broken, they will try to repair it and 90% of the time, they can.  As with many things, they put their heart and soul into it because they’re proud of their work; need to earn income; and like to make people happy.  Even if these resourceful people can’t find a replacement part, they may manufacture it using the original part as a pattern.

Punctuality & Attendance

While Mexicans are not generally known for being on time, some are punctual.  More frequently, they’ll schedule appointments and not arrive or agree to go somewhere and not attend.   They will say “yes” even if uncertain but will rarely call to cancel or reschedule, since this is considered rude.  Later, when addressing the issue, they commonly offer the sincerest apologies for their absence.

These are only a few of the obvious differences in Mexican culture.  While foreigners are often bewildered by their customs and norms, their ways are ingrained in their culture and are logical to them.  The driving motivation for much of their behavior is their firm belief in courteousness and obedience.  Mexico is still a hierarchical society based on centuries of Spanish rule when to be anything other than courteous and obedient could yield serious consequences.

Accepting the differences while vacationing or living in Mexico can make all the difference!

Get a foreign Eye View on Mexico from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit.

 

 Posted by Cat at 7:00 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

Mexcaltitan Island

 Attractions  No Responses »
Aug 172011
 

Legend of Mexcaltitán Island

Mexico exists in large part due to the Aztec civilization, and the Mexican state of Nayarit is Aztec country.  Even the great Maya of the Yucatan Peninsula were invaded by Aztec predecessors.  Long before the “Riviera Nayarit” was considered a tourist destination, it was part of the influential Aztec empire.  Credited for naming the country of Mexico, the Aztecs also authored the crest in the center of the Mexican flag, which became the Mexican National Emblem.

The image of the emblem comes from the Aztec legend, which identifies their new settlement as the place where a heron would be seen sitting on top of a cactus in the center of a lake capturing a snake in its beak.  On their pilgrimage from the island of Mexcaltitán in 1091 – considered the mythical Aztlán and birthplace of the Mexican identity – they searched for this new land, witnessing the snake-capturing heron in the region now known as Mexico City, and built Tenochtitlán in 1325, a significant site of ancient Aztec ruins today.

Arising out of this legend, historians believe the mythical name of the island, “Aztlán,” means “land of the herons” in the Aztec Nahuatl language, and its formal name “Mexcaltitán” derived from the Nahuatl “Metztli,” their moon goddess, which means “in the moon’s house.”  While the island may have multiple names, they do know the Aztecs eventually referred to themselves as the Mexicas after settling in the new region and calling it “Mexica,” which stems from the island name and later evolved into “Mexico.”

Tourist Attractions

Mexcaltitán’s historical significance makes it a truly magical place today. After receiving Historical Monument status in 1986, the island was designated by the Mexican government as a Pueblo Magico (magic town).  The Pueblos Magicos (magic towns) program began in 2001 to support the preservation of valuable historical areas which influenced Mexican culture and tradition. With about 40 Pueblos Magicos, it has increased tourism and income to towns that model Mexican culture, history, and architecture.

Built in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica by the Aztecs, this small island is only 400 meters (1,300 feet) in diameter, has no cars, and can be easily traversed by foot within an hour or two.  The island is accessible only by boat and is a 20-minute ride from La Batanga pier on the mainland near San Blas.  During rainy season, September through November, the roads are normally under water, making the only way around town by boat and earning it the nickname: “The Mexican Venice” (La Venecia Mexicana).

Surrounded by wetlands and endangered mangroves, conditions are ideal for shrimp fishing, the primary livelihood of island residents.  Mangrove marshes are natural shrimp habitats and also provide material to construct levees and make barcinas (special bags) for drying shrimp, the latter consisting of manta cloth and palm leaves.  Travelers who enjoy eating shrimp will find a variety of regional specialties with fresh shrimp, such as zarandeado, tamales, paté, and aguachiles (spicy lime shrimp).  It is also the place where dried, crunchy shrimp or “cockroach shrimp” were created, a delicious snack served with chilled cerveza (beer).

For such a small island, its rich history offers significant cultural attractions.  Dotting the natural landscape of this picturesque little island are traditional tile-roofed buildings and small unnamed stores that residents identify by memory.  Central to the island is the town square with a church and museum, Museo del Origen (Museum of Origin) which contains artifacts of Mesoamerican history and Aztec culture, including an archaeological stone engraving with that meaningful image of the heron capturing a snake, without which, Mexico may not be known as the cultural treasure it is today.

The island of Mexcaltitan is one of various tourist attractions worth visiting near the beach town of San Blas in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

 Posted by Cat at 9:55 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Playa Las Tortugas

 Attractions  No Responses »
Aug 112011
 

Play at Playa Las Tortugas

Protecting endangered sea turtles is an important part of Mexico’s various nature conservation programs.  In the township of Otates, southwest of San Blas and northwest of Chacala, lies a glistening gold beach in the Riviera Nayarit called Playa Las Tortugas (Beach of Turtles). Named for the sea turtles that nest here, this secluded beach extends across miles of pristine Pacific coastline bordered by hundreds of immense coconut palms on a working coconut plantation.

Although it’s not easy to find, it’s well worth the trip.  Heading northwest beyond the charming beach town of Chacala, Playa Las Tortugas is about a one-and-a-half hour drive from Bahia Jaltemba Bay which includes a 30-minute drive along a rocky dirt road that winds through the lush tropical countryside. There are only a few road signs spread wide apart, so just when uncertainty kicks in, “Ah ha!” Another sign points in the right direction.

Trusting the road and bouncing through rural Nayarit unveils this secluded beach, tucked away in a remote location – one of the reasons why it’s worth the visit.  There are virtually no people; the beach is empty and peaceful; and there are no vendor stands or shops.  If you plan to stay a while, bring plenty of drinks and snacks.  One thing you will find is a small community of brightly colored villas for vacation rentals or retirement homes surrounded by lush tropical gardens at the end of the road.

On the villa grounds at Playa Las Tortugas is a turtle rescue sanctuary for protecting the offspring of endangered sea turtles that nest on the golden sand.  Supported by donations and volunteers who scout the beaches looking for the turtles’ shallow nests, they save the eggs; bring them to the sanctuary for incubation; and then release ready young hatchlings into the ocean.  Visitors are welcome to observe and learn about sea turtles, and participate in turtle releases – a wonderful experience!

What else can you do at Playa Las Tortugas?  Plenty. Besides swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, this beach happens to be a secret spot for surfing and boogie boarding for its long, intense waves.  Other popular vacation activities include kayaking along the beach and canoeing through the coconut palm-lined estuary.  Surrounding tropical rainforests, marshes, and mangroves are natural habitats for hundreds of native and migratory birds making this an ideal spot for birding and bird watching.

Enjoy a true escape to Playa Las Tortugas northwest of Chacala and southwest of San Blas in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

 Posted by Cat at 8:43 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

La Penita Vacation

 Attractions, Jaltemba Bay  No Responses »
Aug 092011
 

A La Penita Vacation with Ghosts

- By Susan J. Cobb

La Penita Hilltop Ocean View

La Penita de Jaltemba is a charming beach town but not in the touristy sense. Its Pacific Ocean edge is marked by moss covered, wave-battered remains of large houses, victims of Hurricane Kenna, which in 2002, swept away a way of life, along with bricks and mortar. What remains are ghosts: a pair of seahorses atop two pedestals mark the entrance to what was once the malecon, a seaside walkway that residents are assured will be rebuilt “someday.” There is one, and only one, restaurant directly on the beach. The bright parasols of Las Brisas draw locals and tourists on Thursday morning market days. The food is good and they stay.

To walk south along this beach requires climbing up and over the ruins of spacious patios, skirting the footings of what were once walled gardens. Sand-smoothed fragments of tile, stone, and glass provide materials for local mixed media artists. Photographs are best taken at sunset, when light and shadow lend charm and intrigue to what may look harsh and shabby at midday. This is “the real Mexico,” travelers say. The boats drawn up on shore are not for excursions but for local fishermen.

La Penita Hilltop View North

To walk north on the beach is to end up in a place of more ghosts. El panteon viejo, the old graveyard, melts down to the shallow beach at the north end of town. Crypts and stones tilt at odd angles. What secrets are hidden in the sand? The graveyard sits at the foot of a cuesta, an outcropping of black lava rock, a solid base to four or five elegant vacation homes entrenched high above, escaping the waves but not escaping the ghosts. The inn at Casa de los Amigos welcomes paying corporeal guests. Could there be a better place to read a mystery novel or begin writing one?

On the north side there stretches at least 7 kilometers (4 miles) of unobstructed palm-fringed, golden sand beach. At the end, hard up against the base of el cocodrilo, the snout-nosed landmass that crouches at the northern end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, is Boca de Naranjo. Here there are more ghosts. The frayed and sun-bleached remains of a dozen or so beach palapa restaurants scatter this remote section of beach.  Once a nice place to sit for hours, drinking Pacifico beer and watching whales pirouette and play off shore, a development company evicted the restaurants with plans to build a resort there – someday.

Rincon de Guayabitos Ocean View

If you go by foot, take water, a hat, and sunscreen, since you can easily lose time when ghosts are involved. My teenaged nephew found that out several years ago.  His Sunday morning excursion from our home in Rincon de Guayabitos (I’ll-be-back-in-an-hour-or-so-Aunt-Susan) turned into a rite of passage. Was it ghosts that drew him on and on, enticing him to hike all the way to the base of el cocodrilo? He returned late in the afternoon, sunburned and dehydrated, but as he confided later, with a new perspective on life. Going and coming he had contemplated the ghosts of La Penita.

Things here today can vanish with a breaking wave. Nothing lasts forever except the memories.  Instead of returning to college the next semester, my nephew joined a carnival and traveled through the States for two years, living “full out,” gathering memories that would last a lifetime. Back into his studies now, he still counts that day on Bahia Jaltemba Bay as a pivotal time. Walking with ghosts can sometimes bring the living to life.

For a unique experience, take a La Penita Vacation on the reminiscent shores of Bahia Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

 Posted by Cat at 12:55 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

San Pancho

 Attractions, San Pancho  No Responses »
Aug 062011
 

A Song for San Pancho

San Pancho Beach

Maybe you haven’t heard of the Mexican town called San Francisco, Nayarit, affectionately nicknamed ‘San Pancho,’ but the popular Mexican rock band Café Tacuba feature a video about this lovely beach town accompanied by their song, “El Aparato” (on YouTube).

If it’s worthy of a professional video and song, it’s also worth a visit.  Located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the Riviera Nayarit, San Pancho is a quaint town with pristine beaches, tropical nature, and a tranquil lifestyle.

Just a 15-minute drive north of Sayulita, a popular surf spot, and 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, its charm and beauty will steal your heart away.

San Pancho Summary

San Pancho Sunset

Only 40 years ago, this town was just a sleepy fishing village consisting of four extended Mexican families totaling about 100 residents.  When it became an official town in 1975 by founding father and former Mexican President, Luis Echeverria, it began to grow, attracting nationals and foreigners to its shores, eventually reaching the current population of nearly 2,000, many who are relatives of the original families.

More than a few things make this town special:  its secluded location alongside the deep blue Pacific Ocean with sparkling gold beaches surrounded by tropical rainforests and fruit orchards in the peaks and valleys of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains; fresh fish and seafood caught by local fishermen; colorful sunsets melting into the ocean; and the friendly local characters telling fascinating stories about the town and their lives.

San Pancho’s hidden location in the tropics of Mexico and its natural lifestyle lend themselves best to nature activities both on land and by sea, such as hiking, mountain biking, four wheeling, and horseback riding across the rolling hills and lush jungles; and water activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and some of the best snorkeling, diving, and surfing at nearby beaches.

Multicultural Community

San Pancho Girl

Thanks to its diverse community and increasing foreign population, this little authentic Mexican town has some big entertainment of its own, such as a 9-hole golf course centered amid fruit orchards (Las Huertas Golf & Beach Club) and a polo field (La Patrona Polo Club) with an art gallery, restaurant and lounge with music and is the place where social events and equestrian shows are held.

Community is what defines this peaceful beach town, and with an increasingly growing international population of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans, this brings with it increased employment and education opportunities for the locals.

In addition to the opening of shops, restaurants, and bars in town, the EntreAmigos Community Center teaches new skills to local families so they can achieve success in their evolving town.

San Pancho deserves the attention of the tourism industry for its attributes and contributions to the splendor of the Riviera Nayarit and for creating new opportunities for its Mexican residents.  Over 200 Canadians and Americans have discovered its charm and tranquility for themselves by investing in second homes and vacation homes, while travelers are just starting to catch on.  Why not discover it for yourself?

You too can Sing About San Pancho after visiting the beach town of San Pancho (San Francisco), Mexico, in the Riviera Nayarit.

 Posted by Cat at 2:45 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Why the Riviera Nayarit?

 Attractions  No Responses »
Jul 292011
 

Reasons to Visit the Riviera Nayarit

Lo de Marcos Beach

The Riviera Nayarit is the place of fairytales – a natural wonderland on the Pacific Coast of Mexico spanning 200 miles (322 kilometers) of rolling jungle hills scattered with small beach towns lining the deep blue sea.  Although the region is not yet well-known, you may have heard of some of the more popular towns, such as Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and San Blas.

The region is just gaining recognition worldwide as a preferred tourist destination with many natural wonders, cultural attractions, land and water activities.  Recent statistics indicate there are over 12,840 hotel rooms in the region, 60% of which are 4-star rated and higher.  More vacation rentals are being developed, but most are smaller, traditional villa or cabana styles to complement the traditional architecture of the region instead of building high-rise mega resorts.

Attractions & Activities

One of the main attractions of the Riviera Nayarit is this part of the Pacific Ocean.  Forty-two miles (68 kilometers), from the state of Jalisco into Nayarit, is Bahia Banderas Bay, Mexico’s largest natural bay flourishing with fish and marine life, and is the primary breeding site for Humpback whales.  Water activities include whale watching (mid-December through mid-March), swimming with dolphins, and sport fishing year round, plus sailing, boating, kiteboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and diving.

There are also plenty of land activities offering nature tours and sightseeing opportunities,  such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, four wheeling, and zip lining through the jungle.  The tropical rainforests, lush jungles and valleys of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the thriving wetlands and mangroves have established Nayarit as an important ecological reserve.

Ecotourism & Wildlife

La Tovara Wetlands

Nature conservation makes this a wonderful place for sustainable tourism (ecotourism or environmentally friendly tourism) which provides options to help preserve the world’s precious ecosystems and maintain the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.  Nayarit is home to the historic Aztec Indians, such as the Cora and Huichol tribes, featuring a variety of cultural attractions such as archaeological sites like the Altavista Petroglyphs and Los Toriles (Ixtlán del Rio) Ruins, or tours like the Huichol Indian Encounter.

Another of Riviera Nayarit’s ecological contributions is its endangered sea turtle conservation programs.  The region is home to the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Green sea turtles which nest on its golden sand beaches certain times of the year. Their fragile eggs and hatchlings require protection from predators, which have resulted in turtle sanctuaries, farms, and rescue programs that provide opportunities for travelers to observe them in their natural habitat and participate in baby turtle release programs into the ocean.

Not only are the oceans flourishing with fish and marine life, but Nayarit’s rainforests, wetlands, and mangroves are also a refuge for wildlife, including 500 animal species and 200 plant species. The marshes and beaches of Bahia Banderas Bay and Bahia Jaltemba Bay, just north, are a natural habitat for migratory birds, making birding and bird watching another popular activity.  In fact, 80% of the migratory birds along the Pacific Coast make their homes in the towns of La Tovara, Singaita, Isla Isabel, and San Blas, the latter which is home to 300 bird species.

Beach at Punta de Mita

So the next time you begin vacation planning, consider visiting one of the lovely beach towns in the Riviera Nayarit:  Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos, Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Destiladeras, Punta de Mita, Litibu, Sayulita, San Pancho (San Francisco), Lo de Marcos, Punta Raza, Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, La Penita de Jaltemba, El Capomo, Chacala, Boca de Chila, Punta Custodia, Matanchen, and San Blas, although there are still more.

 

Vacation in Sayulita, Punta de Mita, or one of the many charming beach towns in this tropical paradise known as the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 Posted by Cat at 1:57 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kool Kiteboarding Bucerias Style

 Bucerias, Play  1 Response »
Jul 262011
 

Kiteboarding (Kitesurfing) in Bucerias

Sitting quietly on the sparkling gold sand of Bucerias Beach in Mexico, I’m mesmerized by two young men bouncing off and twisting above the water with a small board attached to their bobbing feet while gripping an apparatus connected to a sail above them.  The two young men, one fair and one dark, both speaking fluent Spanish, looked to be simultaneously challenging and instructing each other.

It was looked like dancing on water.  Graceful and powerful.  At the time, I didn’t know the name of the sport, but it was so captivating that I decided to investigate.  (Many of you probably already know what it is.)

The sport is called kiteboarding or kitesurfing and it’s an extreme water sport, not for the faint hearted.  Basically, this is how it works: A kitesurfer or kiteboarder slips his feet into the bindings or straps of a small surfboard while holding onto grips of a navigation bar attached to a large kite or sail that pushes and pulls the rider across the ocean surface.  Skilled kiteboarders do more than just propel across the water, demonstrating jumps and spins to show off their talent.

Kiteboarding Competition (Kitesurfing Race)

On May 21 – 22 2011, a kiteboarding competition was held in Bucerias, Mexico, where some of these talented young athletes were able to show off their techniques and maneuvers. The second annual Wind Festival 2011 (Festival Del Viento) is a freestyle race and tournament aimed to promote kiteboarding and the town of Bucerias as an ideal location for wind sports for its fantastic wind conditions.  In windy season, from January through June, it’s common to have excellent kiteboarding conditions up to 5 days a week.

Freestyle is the most common style of kiteboarding so the race and tournament highlights this form although there are a few others. Freestyle uses a standard kite and board, whereas wake-style uses a flatter board with bindings, and wave-riding uses a special board for riding the bigger waves.  Variations of these styles have evolved to include freeride, jumping, and cruising.

Kiteboarders – 132 – from across Mexico gathered for this event.  The tournament consisted of 3 freestyle categories so all skill levels could participate.  One category was called Open Class for intermediate level; another was identified as National Competition for advanced levels; and the third was the Women’s Division for female kiteboarders.  For those wanting to participate but not wanting to compete in the freestyle tournament, the event also included downwinder and long distance races.

As a leading kiteboarding destination in Mexico, if kiteboarding is your sport, consider entering next year’s Wind Festival on May 20-23, 2012 .  This fun event is a complete sports competition with food, drinks, and a celebratory party for kiteboarders on the last night, so even if you’re not a kiteboarder, this happens to be an exciting spectator sport surrounded by the beautiful beaches of Bucerias!

Ride the winds of Bucerias Kiteboarding in Bucerias, Mexico along the Riviera Nayarit.

 

 

 Posted by Cat at 1:17 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chacala Surprise

 Chacala  No Responses »
Jul 122011
 

Surprising Chacala, Mexico

Charming Chacala

You may not have heard of it yet, but the quaint beach town of Chacala is starting to catch on as an enjoyable vacation spot in the Riviera Nayarit on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.  Just a 45-minute drive north of Sayulita, Chacala is growing in popularity. This is largely due to the construction of a paved road in 1998, which made the town much easier to find.

Before the road was built, Chacala was just a sleepy fishing village, where fishing and selling fish were the locals’ only livelihood.  The town was especially known for the large shrimp caught to the north of town in Chacalilla Bay, although it has been suggested these were actually lobsters which were once abundant here.  In fact, the word ‘Chacala’ derives from the Náhuatl (pronounced “now what”) language, meaning “place of the shrimp” or “large shrimp.”

After the road was built, it attracted the growth of new tourism businesses, increasing work opportunities for its residents.  Now the town includes a few hotels, shops, restaurants and popular beach activities, such as sport fishing, snorkeling in Las Cuevas cove’s underwater volcanic caves, expert surfing on Caleta Bay, turtle watching year round, and Humpback whale watching between December and March.

Cultural Attractions

View of Chacala Beach

With 52 indigenous languages, Mexican culture is equally diverse.  Náhuatl, the language of a dominant ethnic group, the Nahuan, includes the Aztecs, Toltecs, and other indigenous cultures.  The nearby town of Altavista was inhabited by the Tecoxquin (Tequectequi) group, which includes the Cora and Huichol indians who still inhabit Nayarit. Containing 800 petroglyphs (rock engravings) dating back to 2300 BCE, this small archaeological site is still considered sacred by the Huicholes.

An interesting cultural and language twist is on the terms Chac Mool, Chac, and Chacala. The words sound similar but are not even related.  Chac Mool (meaning “thundering paw”) is a statue of Toltec origin, a Mesoamerican civilization who invaded the Maya, and the statue only received its Mayan name from the archaeologist who excavated it.  Chac (also Chaak or Chaahk) is the Mayan god of thunder, lightening, and rain.  Interestingly, the Maya were an empire in southern Mexico and Central America far from Nayarit.

Appropriately, Chacala is a native Náhuatl word of Aztec origin and is befitting of the delightful fishing village that carries its name.

Delight in the Chacala Surprise of Chacala, Mexico in the Riviera Nayarit.

 Posted by Cat at 2:19 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,

Find the Perfect Sayulita Rental

 Sayulita  No Responses »
Jun 302011
 

Beachfront Surf Shops & Restaurants in Sayulita

The spice of life is variety, and Sayulita is the ‘spice’ of Mexico life. A vacation in this hip beach town provides plenty of variety, whether you’re looking for a Sayulita rental, restaurant, bar, shop, or activity.  (The most popular activity is surfing.)  There are many charming small Mexican towns in the Riviera Nayarit, but Sayulita has a unique character all its own with plenty of options.

Selecting a Sayulita Rental

The most well-known rental is a hotel, and the town offers various options to suit traveler preferences.   Every tourist is unique and may travel to the same destination for different reasons.  Surfers may accept simple accommodations like a beach cabana, bungalow, or tent whereas a couple may prefer a finer room with modern amenities and excellent service.  This diverse town offers both.

Hotel La Casona in Sayulita

A lesser known Sayulita rental, but also a great option, is a house or condo that offers a choice of rooms – ideal for a group or family vacation. House and condo rentals provide one, two, three, four or more rooms; one, two, or more bathrooms; a kitchenette or full kitchen, including appliances, pots and pans, dishes, and silverware; one or more swimming pools and Jacuzzi; air conditioning; and housekeeping services.

Choosing a Rental Location

Once you decide on the type of Sayulita rental you prefer, you need to choose the rental location.  Although it is a beach town, not every hotel or house is on the beach, but being a small town, most vacation rentals are within easy walking distance of the beach. An ocean view room may be more your style than a beachfront unit or maybe a house surrounded by tropical gardens instead of the sound of Pacific Ocean waves lapping ashore.

Hillside Sayulita Rental

Since residents and travelers range in age from young to retired, different parts of town are better suited for differing lifestyles.  The younger crowd may prefer to stay in town or on the main beach where all the action is: restaurants, bars, and beach parties.  Couples, families, and retirees may rather stay in a more remote area on the hillside, outlying sections of the beach, or the outskirts of town, all of which are viable alternatives.

The choice is yours.

Consider a Sayulita Rental that’s right for you in Sayulita, Mexico, on the Riviera Nayarit.

 Posted by Cat at 4:36 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
 Newer Entries
© 2012 Riviera Nayarit Fun Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha