Mataiza
 At the edge of the Riviera Nayarit, heading towards San Blas, you will be detouring at Las Varas to Zacualpan; just past it there is another detour taking you to Mataiza, you will be passing by some corn and tobacco fields and then some marshes, but not after long, you will see the telltale shape of a palm oasis breaking the horizon, Mataiza.
The road is full of birdsongs, the quietness and the fresh colors of the marshes set a stage that cleanses your senses, come what may, you are ready to take it all in.
Once you arrive, the sight of a quiet lagoon surrounded by greenery is quite welcoming; it is hard to believe this body of water is connected to the ocean. The locals have a nursery of tilapia fish and canoes to move about, there are herons and egrets and cormorants doing their own fishing.
 I imagine this is what heaven looks like in the minds of the indigenous people of both our coasts, those of the Caribbean, Hawaii and the South Seas.
There is also a turtle camp nearby under the custody of the Universidad de Guadalajara as this area is a favorite nesting site for the Pacific Ridley Turtle, known to locals as “golfina” for its lazy demeanor. By the way, golfinas need our help, from now until November we can all help the baby turtles take their first steps into the ocean sheltered from predators. Booking a Vallarta turtle camp tour you will not only physically and actively participate, also part of your tour fee goes to preservation funds.
Places like this can be enjoyed for many years to come sustainably, come visit and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch for a very fair price.
 The locals are the friendliest people and they are trying hard to survive and preserve their environment, that is, if they can withstand the great pressures of developers who are buying their way into protected areas.
Well this is part of what Mataiza is all about. In future articles I will be telling you about its sister communities, because Mataiza is part of the “Alianza de Hermandades de la Costa por la Conservación” (Alliance of Coastal Brotherhoods for Conservation), these are communities of farmers and indigenous people of the area who have formed a “Nomad’s Route” that offers, depending on your choice, great seafood, natural escapes, canoe rides, visits to crocodile farms, turtle camps and fish nurseries; birdwatching, guided tours, campgrounds, horseback and hiking treks to enjoy the flora and fauna, visits to archaeological sites and sanctuaries, visits to flowers’ nurseries, organic orchards, and more. Email to a friend
Eduardo Rincón-Gallardo
E-mail: toureps@prodigy.net.mx
Feedback about this article |
Previous Articles |
Current
Weather Report
