FROM THE SOUTH SHORE

EXPLORING THE SOUTH

Tehuamixtle, a hidden jewel south of Puerto Vallarta
By John Van Dyke • May 2010

Tehuamixtle is a small fishing village situated on a beautiful secluded bay along the south coast of Jalisco. Tehua as it is known by locals, has been a special place for both Mexicans and Foreigners for many years. It has a rich past, with stories of pirates, smuggling, and a Wild West frontier way of doing things. The community dates back to the Spanish, and you can see the ruins of a warehouse, used to store their spoils that they loaded onto ships anchored in Tehua Bay. The beauty of the area is seductive and the surrounding areas of Villa del Mar and Mayto are more so. This whole region will take your breath away with its unspoiled pristine beaches that stretch for miles on end.

Today, Tehuamixtle is a laid-back place and getaway from the crowds of Puerto Vallarta and the other better-known areas. Tourism has not yet fully discovered Tehua, making this even more special for the fortunate adventurers who come for the fresh fish, oysters and lobster. Besides the local seafood served at three restaurants, Tehua has absolutely the best swimming beach in the area. For boaters, Tehua Bay is an ideal anchorage for an overnight stay. After a few conversations with boaters, it was clear that some boating guides had mistakenly confused the nearby community of Ipala with Tehuamixtle. They actually thought they anchored at Ipala, which is not on the water. Hopefully this will be corrected in the future. Considering the sheltered bay, supplies and food items, fresh seafood, diving, snorkeling, and excellent swimming, this is a boater’s paradise. 

Tehua is the kind of place where you can just hang out and do nothing, or you can hire a panga for fishing, and water sports or just take a tour. There are also hiking trails, nearby horses for hire, and ATV rental.  At the moment, there is not any quality lodging in Tehua. A few rooms of varying quality are available and it is rumored that a small quality lodging may break ground this year. For now the best lodging is at nearby Mayto beach.

This area is being discovered and more people are making the two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta. This drive will be considerably less when the road paving project now underway, is completed.  From Vallarta, head south to El Tuito on highway 200. Turn into El Tuito and go to the end of the plaza and take a left. You will see some signs. Follow this road to Mayto.  Tehuamixtle is about ten minutes beyond Mayto.

If you like amazing oysters, fresh seafood and a setting that is reminiscent of what a little fishing village used to be, this is it!  Some say the setting reminds them of parts of the Italian coast. My impression as well. It is worth the drive. 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/

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