EXPLORING THE SOUTH
El Tuito, the gateway to beaches of
Mayto, Tehuamixtle and beyond
 Driving to El Tuito from Puerto Vallarta is a very pleasant drive of forty-five minutes to one hour. The Botanical Gardens are a worthwhile stop along the way. Just past that point, the road begins to climb into pine forests and you sense that you have left the tropical climate of Vallarta. El Tuito now has a couple of entrances; the first is the new one that is quite grand with a divided four-lane road. The other is further down the highway by the Pemex station that is not open - a story in itself. Gas up in Vallarta. Either one will take you to the plaza. The heart of Tuito.
I am always surprised by how many people do not know about El Tuito. I also, always enjoy seeing the reaction of first timers to Tuito. This is real Mexico. A charming town with a lot of history – going back over two hundred years. El Tuito is the municipality for Cabo Corrientes, and administrative offices are located here. It is in the heart of ranch country, with a climate that has pleasant warm days and cool nights. If you are staying overnight, bring a jacket or good warm sweater. It reminds me of a cross between the hill country of San Antonio, Texas and Bend, Oregon in the U.S. A very special place.
 El Tuito is known for its Panella cheese and Raicilla, a liquor made locally that is similar to Tequila. There are a couple of places just outside town that make Raicilla. Walking around is the best way to see Tuito. Park by the plaza. The plaza is ringed with original one-story adobe buildings dating to the late 1700’s. If you are hungry there are restaurants around the plaza. A personal favorite is el Patio de Mario located at the far corner near the municipal building. They have a very pleasant courtyard making it a good place to relax. Look for the green sign. Machi’s bar also is a good place for a drink. I like his décor.
The area is being discovered. Tour buses are starting to bring people, outsiders are making it home, and a new cell phone tower and internet service arrived a couple of years ago. You can even get a café latte. A small community of artists and creative people were the first to recognize Tuito as a special place. Check it out for yourself. It is a refreshing change from the usual popular places.
 From here you can head to the beaches of Mayto and Tehuamixtle. The road is partially paved, and the dirt sections can be a little rough in spots because of the unseasonable rains. However, these areas are spectacular and well worth the trip. Allow an hour for the drive. When this road is finished, the beaches will be only twenty-five minutes away, truly making El Tuito the gateway to the beach areas.
Email to a friend
Enjoy the month!
John Van Dyke
E-mail: mailbox@tehuamexico.com
Please visit: http://tehuabay.blogspot.com/ & http://maytobeach.blogspot.com/
Feedback about this Article
Previous Articles
Puerto Vallarta Photo Gallery
Riviera Nayarit Photo Gallery |
Current
Weather Report
