Quimixto continues to be the same…
after six years!
In May 2002 I finished an article envisaging I would soon return and six years later I did, only to discover that this little corner south of Puerto Vallarta continues to be the same! I can say it seems like it was yesterday that I was here.
Having paid the amount needed to take the usual water-taxi ride Boca de Tomatlán–Quimixto–Boca de Tomatlán, we embarked on the “panga” with some 20 other people. It was a sunny day and after about 20 minutes cruising along the southern coastline of the Bay of Banderas at good speed we arrived in Quimixto. Traveling by panga through this region of the bay is definitely a stimulating experience.
 After docking we crossed the wharf to finally set foot on the golden beach of Quimixto. It was about 12:30 and the town was very quiet. Walking up its only cobble-stoned street leading to the place where horses are rented for the ride to the waterfall, the first thing we found was a table with seeds and sweets under the shade of a luxuriant bougainvillea. While I took a picture a native strolled by us keeping his donkey in pace, we followed him to take his picture and found a child arranging dozens of seashells of different types in order to sell them to visitors. These are some of the typical images of this small and charming town.
Just one block before “La Puerta” (The Door) river, where the horses are kept, I heard someone, approaching us, and calling my name repeatedly. The person I least expected but indeed wanted to find, found me!... my good friend Nacho.
 The original plan called for walking for a while and then lying on the beach for maybe three hours, however, having found Nacho changed everything and the first thing we did was to pay a visit to his family. When we arrived, Angela (Nacho’s wife), as always greeted us with a smile inviting us to the table to have some delicious refried beans for breakfast! While we were updated on the local news Nacho went to saddle the horses to take us to the waterfall. From that moment on they took charge of making sure we had a trouble-free and happy stay.
Upon arriving at the waterfall we took a dip, this time I could not stay in the water for even three minutes! Although nacho declared it was my age, I really believe the water was very cold! Upon our return Cristina (Nacho’s daughter) joined us on our journey to the beach. After the horseback ride we came back to Nacho’s house where Angela had already prepared a fresh ceviche (lime-marinated raw fish cocktail) with tostadas (hard whole-tortilla chips). We ate and said goodbye and headed for the beach to sunbathe for a while before returning to the dock to catch our water-taxi at 4:30. The beach scenery is simply spectacular, ideal for sunning and snorkeling .
According to Nacho’s mother-in-law, Quimixto was founded approximately 140 years ago and is since then known as an exuberant paradise. The number of inhabitants seems to have remained the same as six years ago, the only change is now there is cell phone coverage. On my next visit I will try to talk to some of the local families descending from the town founders in order to corroborate the date of the town’s foundation and more about its origin and traditions.
Quimixto is still a peaceful place, thank God not invaded by stores and and/or tourist services commonly found on popular beaches. The main economic activity continues to depend on the tourists arriving there on the various daily boat excursions.
Quimixto is a place you cannot skip visiting and I recommend that you venture exploring on your own. Ask around for Nacho who also rents horses and is always ready to make sure those who visit his town enjoy some real quality time .
Remember that to get to Quimixto you have to take the water-taxi in the town of Boca de Tomatlán, a ride of approximately 25 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. The water-taxi operates from 9:00 am to 6pm (confirm the schedule in Boca de Tomatlán). Shared service on their pre-established schedule is $120.00 pesos per person round-trip; or you may charter a panga for approximately $350.00 pesos and set your own schedule.
The horseback ride to the waterfall is $150.00 pesos per person and the ride lasts about 50 minutes (round-trip, not including the time spent at the waterfall). At the waterfall there is a small stand where you can buy snacks and beverages. Email to a friend
We recommend for your excursion to Quimixto:
- Sun block
- Towel
- Tennis shoes
- Cash
- Camera
- Light and comfortable clothes
- Bathing suit
- If you find Nacho tell him to let you try some “Gondos”
Thank you so much Nacho, Angela and family for your hospitality.
See you soon and God bless you.
Jesús de Avila
Email: editor@pvmirror.com
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