EXPLORING THE SOUTH

El Tuito, a Town to Discover
By John Van Dyke • February 2011

El Tuito is the municipal seat of Cabo Corrientes, a large area, just south of Puerto Vallarta, that includes some great beach areas, just now being discovered. The town plaza is ringed with adobe buildings that date back to the Spanish – a time when El Tuito also was an important administration center. There is a lot of history associated with this beautiful community in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, just a forty-five minute drive south of Puerto Vallarta on highway 200.

Today, El Tuito is a thriving town that is made up of cowboys, ranchers and farmers, producers of raicillia – a liquor, similar to tequila, makers of Panela Cheese, merchants, restaurants, and a small community of artists, and foreigners who make El Tuito home. The later are growing in number and are leading the way in the preservation and restoration of adobe structures in the town. El Tuito has a rich past, and that is part of what makes it special. It is also, the gateway to the beach areas of Cabo Corrientes and the Costalegre - some of the best beaches in the state of Jalisco. Many tour operators in Puerto Vallarta now offer a variety of day trips to El Tuito and the surrounding area. Some also offer tours beyond to the beach communities of Mayto and Tehuamixtle. A road-surfacing project now in progress, is making access to these beach areas an easy short drive and is certain to bring more visitors to El Tuito.

The rolling hills, and open space along with a pleasant climate make this area appealing for a lot of people who are tired of the crowds of the overdeveloped tourist areas. This has the feel of a future community for seasonal living and retirees. It would be ideal for those who like ranch country and a cooler climate, with great beaches soon to be just a half hour away and Vallarta nearby. The town has a number of good places to eat, however, do not plan on a late dinner out. Most places close around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. One of my favorites is el Patio de Mario. At the moment, lodging is limited and the unusually nice French Hotel seems to be closed. One of the raicilla producers, Hacienda el Divisadero, has some very nice rooms, located a little way out of town on the road to Chacala. Be sure and fill your gas tank in Vallarta before heading to Tuito. The Pemex station is still not open, however there is a rumor that it actually may be opening sometime soon. You can find gas at the hardware store near the plaza. If you do not want to drive, you can catch a bus from Puerto Vallarta. There are several buses a day. Drive or bus, it is a pleasant trip to make. 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/