Looking for an adventure that won’t take you too far out of Puerto Vallarta but still give you the feel of having a wee vacation? Here are four suggestions of destinations you can reach by bus or car. Aside from the usual trips to places like Sayulita and San Pancho, there are wonderful gems along the coast and inland that aren’t far and don’t take long to reach.

Punta Pérula, in our opinion, is one of the best beaches on the coastline. On Highway 200, that takes us from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo, Punta Pérula is located in the Chamela Bay in Pérula, Jalisco. There aren’t many places to stay here but it’s a well kept secret so shouldn’t be crowded. A quick walkabout and a small handful of questions will guide you to one of the small hotels or B&B’s that seem to sprout up as time goes by. The beach is pristine and a good comb for five miles or so, with the kind of seclusion not found in the above mentioned destinations. We own jars full of sea glass with many pretty pieces discovered at Punta Pérula.

Santa María del Oro is a small pueblo north of Tepic boasting a beautiful crater lake. That said, the lake is the main attraction of Santa María del Oro. The water, thought to be bottomless as with most crater lakes, is clear, clean and a perfect temperature for swimming. Cafés, restaurants, bungalows and campsites dot the shoreline. Fish tacos are not to be missed and we have nothing but raves for food served here. Santa María del Oro is close enough to Puerto Vallarta to make it a day only trip, but we heartedly recommend an overnight trip to experience the unspoiled atmosphere.

San Sebastián del Oeste was once a large and thriving mining village in the mountains about two hours east of Puerto Vallarta. Hundreds of years ago San Sebastián was a major source for gold, silver and lead but now it’s most popular exports are coffee and agave. There are several places to stay, including the Hacienda Jalisco, a usually quiet and romantic place where we dished on heavenly chile rellenos. A good walking tour around the settlement is full of history and fable for those interested in the culture.

Mayto (pronounced My-Toe), a couple short hours south of Puerto Vallarta is a well known nesting ground for turtles. A government program, established to protect and guarantee safe passage to the sea for the Olive-Ridley turtle, involves official biologists, as well as volunteers from all over the world. While chatting with the workers, late at night on the beach as they carry their torches in search of nests, we were informed that turtle egg poaching is a criminal offense in Mexico. Take the time to discover this beautiful haven for both turtles and tourists alike.

Safe travels and remember to not drive at night.

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Cooler Weather is on its Way

We get asked this question often throughout October and November in Puerto Vallarta. “When is cooler weather coming?” Some of us are conditioned to weather changes in the climates we have come from, and our expectations for Puerto Vallarta can often be confused with what we have been accustomed. Mid October has many crying for a letup in the heat and humidity. Snowbirds are returning from the north and often met with a wave of heat they aren’t totally prepared for. It just doesn’t happen that soon. In all our years in Puerto Vallarta, we have waited impatiently with everyone else and often dread the heat in the kitchen for roasting our Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not a huge issue to Canadians, since they celebrate Thanksgiving much earlier and most haven’t even arrived in the tropics quite yet.

November in Puerto Vallarta is when we begin to notice clouds beginning to dissipate. By mid-November, chances of a cloudy sky are about 50/50, as compared to August 30, when the skies are typically at their most overcast and the chance of rain is usually imminent. Sunsets are spectacular as the seasons begin to change and photographers get their best shots of outstanding horizons.

The probability of a good rainstorm decreases exponentially starting in October, though the heat index and dew point can still be high, causing complaints and expectations. “Where is the rain?” is another thing we hear from those who gaze at the wispy sky in hopes of something to cool off the day, but those clouds disappear slowly and for some, agonizingly. By November 30th, even a trace of precipitation is less than 5% and the temperature is something to rejoice. Natural Christmas trees begin to appear in stores like WalMart and Soriana, the streets are decked with bells and faux piñatas and children are getting antsy for the holidays. By December, it is normally clear overhead and we look forward to several months of balmy days, cool mornings and breezy evenings.

The sun is still intense during the winter months and precautions need to be made to protect skin, kids and pets from overexposure. Plants need to be tended and water bowls for kitties and pups must be monitored. Water evaporates rapidly during the months when there is a lack of rain. Keep in mind that your own body should be replenished, as well and that alcohol dehydrates.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Day of the Child

In Puerto Vallarta and all throughout Mexico we celebrated Dia del Niño on April 30^th. We’ve not visited any other place in the world where children are celebrated in the manner they are here. Any store carrying toys focuses on displays with overflowing aisles, bursting with color and amusing purchases for boys and girls.

No matter when their birthday is, for a child in Mexico, they are assured of some kind of special treatment on April 30^th, whether it be a trip, or a gift, a dinner out with the whole family or an extra visit to the ice cream shop. Schools are loud and raucous in Puerto Vallarta on this day, with children being made completely aware of how special they are! The celebrations begin early in the morning and continue all through the day, culminating with performances in the parks and plazas, piñatas bursting open, games, prizes and lots of music, singing and dancing. Restaurants make a big deal of this day in Puerto Vallarta and kids are treated like royalty.

The United Nations General Assembly assigned November 20^th as Universal Children’s day in 1954 but it’s not really caught on in many places, other than a few columns of cards in Hallmark stores. The original inspiration was meant to promote an exchange among the children themselves, as well as initiate action to benefit and promote their general welfare.  November 20^th wouldn’t work for Mexico, since it’s Revolution Day, which makes for a whole different kind of celebration in Puerto Vallarta. However, Dia del Niño actually began in Mexico in 1925, long before the UN decided that children should have their own Declaration of Rights. Keeping in mind that this is not an official holiday and schools stay open, there is no schoolwork done and only a very unpopular teacher would assign homework.

We wouldn’t miss this day, being out and about, since there’s nothing quite as joyful as a gathering of children in Puerto Vallarta. Boys and girls dress in bright colors, many in national costumes. Everywhere we go, we are reminded of how precious these little ones are, without forgetting the idea of a day like this is to recognize their vulnerability and how they rely on us and trust us for their wellbeing. This is something we should remember on a daily basis, not just one day of the year, when little ones are being left parentless, homeless and go hungry in war torn countries. April 30^th marks the day and we like to carry these sentimentalities in our hearts throughout the year.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

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Bicycles have become very popular over the past few years in Puerto Vallarta, a place that was until a very short time ago, much easier to navigate atop a donkey. We still love donkeys but bikes are a bit more fun, get you there faster and much less stubborn.

Up and down the coastal corridor on Highway 200, enthusiasts will find an abundance of shops willing to sell, rent, repair and suggest areas to explore. There’s no shortage of willing tour guides. Ask at any of the local stores and repair shops and you will be led to enthusiasts who not only know the terrain but are also very familiar with the flora and fauna, eagerly willing to share their knowledge.

Bikes can be rented at a number of shops around town; bike repair and accessories add to a growing commerce in Puerto Vallarta. Bike tours are all the rage but it’s no longer necessary to schlep one’s own equipment, sometimes adding phenomenal amounts to airfare. A common option for those traveling with a bike is to fly first class. For the cost of an upgrade, luggage (including bikes) check in for free. Depending on the airline, three or more pieces are accepted. Also good to know is when checking a bike on a flight involving more than one leg, your bike will travel with you all the way, so once you have checked in to first class on your initial flight, you can fly the rest of the way coach and the bike still goes.

Tips for bike riding in Puerto Vallarta are the same as anywhere in the tropics: Hydrate constantly. Don’t drink water just when you’re thirsty; that can get you in trouble. Eat; every hour is recommended to combat fatigue. Take corners slowly; you never know what’s around the curve…ride with caution and use your brakes. Wear comfortable but appropriate clothing; the sun is brutal and sunstroke is a real consequence of over exposure. Either apply sunscreen or cover your body with long pants, long-sleeved shirts. Helmet! Eye protection! Closed toe shoes! Make sure you have all necessary equipment for a breakdown (tools, tires, pump); great to divide this stuff up when riding with a group. ID! Be sure to carry your identification everywhere you go; a photocopy of your passport is an excellent idea.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.