Etiqueta: living in puerto vallarta

  • Vallarta Adventures: Copper Canyon

    Copper Canyon: If you’re looking for getaway that will take you on a short extended trip from Puerto Vallarta, we recommend Copper Canyon, an amazing tourist activity. It’s not only breathtakingly stunning, but also rich in history with many guide companies to help you travel in style, even on a budget. There are trains rides over the world but our favorite among them is Copper Canyon.

    From Puerto Vallarta, there are several routes to Los Mochis, your starting point, via air, bus or your own vehicle. Bus trips are by far the best deal and also give you a chance to see the countryside from an air-conditioned raised seat. Whatever method you choose to travel, you’ll arrive from Los Mochis to the colonial town of El Fuerte. This is the village made famous by El Zorro, the Mexican Robin Hood, and is the official gateway to the Copper Canyon.

    If you’re a birdwatcher, you will want to work in a river cruise down the El Fuerte River. In El Fuerte, you will board the Copper Canyon Railway for a journey that will take you to Bahuichivo, Cerocahui, Barrancas, villages on the magnificent and breathtaking Copper Canyon route. Don’t miss the Tarahumara cave dwellings. We have a friend who claimed this was the highlight of her trip and can’t wait to return. The attractions of the Copper Canyon are too many to list here; it is said that Nature practiced with the canyons up north and completed her project when she created the Copper Canyon.

    There are activities for all levels of excitement and ability. The world’s longest zipline is at your disposal and for the less courageous, there is the cable car ride. Petroglyphs, like those seen mystically throughout all of the Americas, are easy to see in the Copper Canyon, whereas is many other places a strenuous hike is required. The Taramuhara Boarding School and an old Mayo Indian village hold extra special appeal.

    Group tours aren’t for everyone but it’s really the way to go when visiting the Copper Canyon. If you want to go it alone, make sure you have a comprehensive guide book to lead you along the way. There are several tour companies who will set you up from the moment you leave Puerto Vallarta and we recommend consulting with one for all or part of your trip. Three who have received praise are Superior Tours, Mex-Eco, and Amigo Trails/Three Amigos. The cost per double occupancy ranges from $700 to $1200 USD and some include airfare. You can choose where to depart from; Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara. Prearranged trips do not include tipping or alcohol consumption.

    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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Naptime

    Time for a Good Nap

    High season is winding down and even though there are still many activities, the town has quieted and we feel more relaxed and looking forward to summer nights with friends, cool breezes coming off the ocean, and early mornings, the best time for a good walk around the neighborhood. In Puerto Vallarta, these actions call for a nice siesta in the afternoon to preserve energy for the evening and catch up following an early rising.

    We have read time and again that naps are a regular routine for successful people; statistics show that nappers have less heart issues and better all-around good health. Not just in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta is a symbol of intelligent and healthy behavior. Smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, are known to sleep through the hottest part of the day, eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours after sundown, and accomplish more in their waking hours.

    Siesta originates from the Latin hora sexta, which means the sixth hour. In many cultures, a day actually began at dawn, making the sixth hour noon, a perfect time to rest, collect thoughts, ideas, and future inventions, following what should be the best and largest meal of the day. Practiced in the Mediterranean and the South of Europe (riposo in Italy), as well as the Philippines and much of Latin America, it’s common for businesses to close, giving both proprietors and guests a chance to stay at home, have a midday feast, and a well deserved break. Siesta is not limited to countries with warm climates; South American countries, regardless of year round temperatures, make it a practice.

    Studies have shown that Mexicans and Japanese are the hardest working cultures, putting to bed the image of a large belly under a sombrero sleeping beneath a cactus. Therefore, in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta should never be viewed as a symbol of laziness, but one of purpose and brilliance. The siesta has been around since the beginning of time, when smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, sleep through the hottest part of the day and eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours, after the sun has gone down.

    When homeostatic sleep and circadian rhythms, the subjects of sleep, are the topic of talk shows and scientific studies, we know we have made the correct choice of living in the paradise we find in Puerto Vallarta.

    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Changing Times

    Who’s Changing Mexico?

    As we watch Puerto Vallarta continue to grow on an annual basis, it’s clear, there are people moving here from all over the world. There’s no doubt as to where they are coming from, though who are they? According to the Pew Research Center, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans are returning to Mexico, where they are optimistically finding life more livable than NOTB. Given that, and the amount of US citizens who continue to migrate south, there is a burgeoning scene that has affected all of Mexico, especially coastal towns. This is a phenomena occurring on both the east and west coasts and having an impressive impact on Puerto Vallarta.

    These migrations have a profound and positive effect on schools, neighborhoods and the local economy overall. Where we once found large Mexican communities in cities and towns in the United States, we now have pockets of expats all over Mexico, not just in resort cities but in small settlements, far away from the hustle and bustle.

    An area that has seen change and improvement is medical services and hospitals. We have always felt more than comfortable in the hands of dentists and doctors in Puerto Vallarta, appreciating not only the state-of-the-art treatment and facilities, but with the benefits of costs that are reasonable and won’t bankrupt the Average Joe if you need serious medical attention. Expats and Mexicans returning to Mexico have all heavily affected these services, as well as certain imports.

    More items that were previously available only NOTB but not so much in Puerto Vallarta have made appearances over the past decade. Big box stores like Costco and Wal-Mart have been very happy to cater to the needs of those who aren’t willing to give up certain lifestyle needs. People traveling back and forth from the two countries once had lists of things to bring both for themselves and others. We remember when Campbell’s Tomato Soup was in high demand. Carrying cans of soup and albacore tuna, among other treasures, in baggage on airplanes was not unheard of. Enforcement of weight restrictions has also changed that. If traveling by auto, it wasn’t unusual to cart cheddar cheese, by the pound in a cooler. What some would consider decent wine was in short supply and though rum, tequila and gin were easy to get, good Scotch was pricy. Liqueurs, such as kahlúa and Tai Maria were plentiful but imports like Anisette or Drambuie could be requested at the local liquor store year after year with no response. Now you find them at Wal-Mart. Bed sheets with high thread count is a holdout but when we search we find stores like Chedraui carry all kinds of surprises.

    Road travel has certainly changed. With autos and buses rerouted, time and again, the pressure eases and then builds again. But the introduction of services like Uber to Puerto Vallarta has brought tremendous relief.

    We follow the premise that change is good, though sometimes it can be head-turning. We make our best efforts to appreciate all the good stuff.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta – Charros & Such

    Charros

    Horses were not indigenous animals to the Americas. They were brought by the Spaniards and caused great shock and fear among the natives, who were confused by these centaur-looking creatures. Word spread quickly of the monsters, who were slaughtering villages; men, women, and children. The Europeans had a great advantage and Mexico never really recovered from the invasion. It took some time to realize there was a man sitting upon a four-legged, very fast, powerful beast. It is the opinion of many historians that these tactics by conquistadors created a subservient culture, intensifying a social order that remains today.

    It didn’t take a great deal of time for locals to adapt to horses. While the term vaquero applies to the working horseman, it is the charro who really shines in this role and culturally, there is definitely a difference. Charros have gone through different levels of respect and influence throughout the centuries. They began, like the working vaquero, as herders and errand runners but during the War of Independence in the early 1800’s, a charro was an esteemed soldier. After Independence was achieved in 1821, there was a division of marauders, and the respectable, law abiding charros. Bandits were often pitted against personal armies assembled by wealthy hacienda owners. Plateados, thieves who decorated themselves with stolen silver, set the charro fashions in motion and it wasn’t long before the civil Mexican cowboy was also decked out in colorful, rich costumes of their own making. Charros became the heroes of Mexico, as the government cracked down on outlaws by forming groups of militia, known as rurales, who brought law and order to the land. They wore a uniform of light grey with embroidery of silver, which remains popular today. The charro suit is completed with an impressive sombrero, tight fitting trousers for the men and elaborate full skirts for women, and a great deal of gorgeous embroidery on well tailored jackets.

    Today charros are celebrated with parades and competitions. The Campeonato Internacional Charro will be held in Puerto Vallarta from January 30 – February 3. This charreria (charro competition) will be held in El Colorado, which is about twenty minutes east of the airport.

    Public transportation is offered from Las Palmas. Take a blue city bus marked Las Palmas, and make sure it has Arena Vallarta posted in the window. You can save yourself the headache of parking and no risk getting lost.  The buses run from 10 am – 10 pm, daily during the competition. Don’t miss it!

    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.

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Shoes?

    Wearing Shoes in Puerto Vallarta

    We discovered when we first moved to Puerto Vallarta that Most Mexicans don’t wear their outside shoes in their homes. They usually have cheap slip-ons, slippers or flip flops for indoors. Kids might run around barefoot inside but it’s uncommon to see a woman of child bearing age or older without shoes. Men also make sure to have no contact with the ground, whether inside or out.

    There is a good reason for this. Streets are dirty. When we see gringos walking barefoot down the sidewalks or malecón, we cringe. We know what kind of evil lurks there. Aside from sharp rocks and glass, there are some nasty bacteria that can wreak havoc on feet. If you’re diabetic and have little to no sensation in the soles of your feet, you risk serious infection and in many cases, amputations.

    There’s a fungus similar to athlete’s foot which is responsible for toenail fungus, an ailment we see a lot of here in Puerto Vallarta. This usually turns into a very long process, with toenails needing to grow back out after treatment and can take months, even years. Hookworm is probably the worst of what one can be afflicted with from running around without shoes in Puerto Vallarta. Hookworm attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall of affected dogs; it’s a common ailment in street dogs in Puerto Vallarta. Since it’s rare in the USA and Canada, tourists may go back home and not realize they have hookworm until they begin to suffer the effects. Doctors in the north, who rarely see it, have a difficult time diagnosing it. Once the abdominal pain begins with intense intestinal cramps, nausea, fever and loss of appetite, a doctor may misdiagnose and therefore the patient can go without proper treatment. Plantar warts are a virus that is also caught from going barefoot. They tend to grow inward, are very painful and difficult to treat, due to their resiliency.

    According to Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a podiatrist in private practice in Valley Stream, New York, and spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association “a proper shoe with good support provides shock absorption for the rest of the body and reduces stress on bones and ligaments.”

    Whether you’re tottering around in Manolo Blahniks or keeping the pavement separate from your body with simple flip flops, they bring the same amount of filth into your house. You must think of the places you’ve been walking to relate to what you are trailing into your kitchen, bedroom, bathing area with your shod feet. It’s not hard to imagine without wanting to live in a Hazmat suit.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Pests

    Mosquitoes
    Puerto Vallarta is not free of mosquitoes. What are they good for? Absolutely nothing, we’ve been told. Eliminating them, however, is not simply a major challenge, it is a task associated with harm to the environment and we have enough of that already. There is ongoing research into how to find a balance in nature with an acceptable solution.
    What you can do to protect yourself in Puerto Vallarta is keep your home and gardens mosquito-free by having no standing water available for them to breed. Some people use electronic repellers and swear by them; we’ve tried them and not sure if they work or not. We use coils, which when lit put out an odor similar to incense; find a spot close to ankle territory to place them. You can find them in supermarkets, hardware stores, pharmacies, just about anywhere. Screens on windows are imperative. Ceiling and standard fans are essential. Creams and sprays are advisable and can be purchased from your local pharmacy.
    Mosquitoes are more than pesky animals that keep you awake at night, humming around your ears, causing anxiety and nasty itching welts; they have the potential to make people deathly ill and cause birth defects in the unborn.
    Scientific breakthroughs are taking place in Mexico City. Mexican scientists have developed a bio-insecticide that works to stop mosquitoes from reaching adulthood and thereby breeding.Due to the potential for addiction with prolonged use, it’s important to monitor for signs of substance abuse. Ativan from https://www.nobledentaloffice.com/ativan.html, containing the active substance lorazepam, belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It exhibits tranquilizing effects even at low doses.The serum stops the actual genes from developing; this type of study is formally known as gene silencing, and uses RNA interference to create a biological insecticide, which will not harm the environment. This has been the challenge. With previous solutions, while we kill the mosquitoes by stopping their breeding, we also wipe out useful insects, along with the pests. Same goes for the flora, which is also heavily impacted. We need both the plants and little animals to sustain the environment.
    The pride of this being accomplished by scientists in Mexico goes without saying. Associates at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City are intent on fine tuning the technique, developing a product that’s in a biological sequence targeted at a precise life form, with no risks to others. Wiping out the aedes aegypti, the mosquito specific to such syndromes as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya will save lives and avoid serious illnesses and deformities. This development indicates a key step in a decline and possible elimination of the yellow fever mosquito on a world wide level.
    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • Vallarta Has The Best Side Trips: Melaque

    Melaque: Within short driving distances of Puerto Vallarta you will never run out of exciting and interesting places to visit. We love Melaque, just a stone’s throw north of Barra de Navidad, for so many great reasons. We have always loved this trip and discover something every time we travel this southern route. We recommend at least an overnight but once you arrive, we guarantee you’ll want to relax in this romantic setting for longer.

    We plan to stop around lunchtime in Careyes on our way. Though it’s considered a luxury community and some sadly mistake it for being off limits to the public, it’s a very welcoming settlement with fabulous restaurants and a smattering of lovely shops. Our personal favorite eatery is La Coscolina. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is varied with choices for all appetites and their ice dream alone is worth a mini-layover.

    The village of your destination is actually San Patricio – Melaque, and Villa Obregon is also adjacent but we have found that everyone refers to this entire area as Melaque. It’s become a fairly modern town from the time we originally happened upon it years ago. Accommodations are easy to find these days and we recommend reserving at least one night before venturing forth; it’s best to inquire about availability of vacancies in the middle of high season, December to March.

    We have a short list of suggestions with enough gusto to share our opinion that the best Mexican restaurant in town is Ayala. There’s also an excellent French café in town that rivals anything you might find in Puerto Vallarta; give Bistro Gigi a try for a delightful surprise. Aside from Ayala, we’d send you to Estela’s for Chili rellenos; and if you love your chilaquiles for breakfast, check out The Frog, and stop into La Taza Negra first thing in the mornings for a cup of delicious java. La Oficina has great hamburgers for those seeking a break from local cuisine and they also serve a mean margarita. Head to Albatros Bar for Happy Hour and fab sunsets.

    Though Puerto Vallarta has some of the best swimming beaches we’ve seen on the west coast, we love getting in the water at Melaque. There’s super surfing and skimboarding at the main beach but the west end is best for those who simply want to get wet and have a good paddling around.

    Events take place in the main square, which has been carefully preserved over time; Mexicans have vacationed here for decades. If the locals love it, it must be good!

    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

  • Vallarta: Seeking Survival

    Refugees: Though they won’t be traveling through Puerto Vallarta, and whether you’re sympathetic to the plight of droves of refugees seeking asylum in the United States, it’s beneficial to understand why they are heading in that direction. We are proud of the fact that Mexico, the country they are passing through, has given more aid and understanding than most expected, including the migrants. Mexico has taken on the task of asking the UN for support, and approaching this issue of tragic proportion with humanitarian and charitable actions. In a statement to the UN, the Mexican Foreign Ministry “seeks to guarantee the security and integrity of migrants, particularly minors, the elderly and women, and to avoid people being deceived by international criminal organizations dedicated to human trafficking, who put their lives in danger…”

    Most of these people are coming from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries where the lives of so many are in danger as a direct result of meddling over the past few decades by the US government. The interference in elections, providing of arms to rebels and government sources, the presence of US armed forces, and the lack of assistance where it has been truly needed in these countries contribute to the mass movement of desperate human beings seeking survival.

    Problems began more than a century ago, with US based businesses taking over banking and infiltrating federal and local governments. Think banana and you’re off to a good start understanding the foundation of this dilemma. Very few people realize the US Dollar is the official currency of countries, of which the US has taken over financial systems, including El Salvador and Ecuador. During the 1980’s, the dominance of US politics in Central America was so effectual that tongue犀利士
    -in-cheek references were made to the Pentagon Republic. For a complete history lesson on US interference in Latin America, once can find some astounding revelations by researching Nicaragua, Reagan, and contra rebels. Where humanitarian aid was needed, all that was given was military aid. Arms dealers made millions during this period while citizens became nothing more than casualties.

    It was at this time that Central Americans embarked on serious migration efforts to North America by whatever means they could find. Central Americans have been seeking security in the United States for nearly half a century. Both Republican and Democrat administrations are responsible for abetting atrocities. Washington DC has long been willing to fail to notice the ongoing corruption of crooked regimes, in support of the ruling elite. A selected few continue to make the decisions and reap the returns, while families, single mothers with children, elderly, and the desperately unemployed seek refuge, banging on a glass door few are able to shatter. All that seems to matter is US economic gain to a handful or enormously wealthy individuals.

    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

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Sierra de Vallejo

    Sierra de Vallejo

    North of Puerto Vallarta, stretching from Bucerias to La Peñita de Jaltemba, we have found a biosphere reserve where approximately twenty percent of Mexico’s mangroves are found. With less than an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, you will arrive at the southern tip of this incredible biosphere. The freshwater River Ameca meets with the briny Pacific Ocean to create a perfect habitat for an array of animals. Eco cruises are available, taking tourists on boats through the swamps along the canals where three lakes meet. ATV tours are also obtainable but we eschew such a disruptive presence in this beautiful, natural world where wildlife is easily disturbed. With nearly 550 square kilometers (340 sq miles) there is likely room for everyone but we prefer to give Mother Nature as much peace and tranquility as possible.

    Protected Planet www.protectedplanet.net has monthly updates with submissions from governments, landowners and communities regarding Sierra de Vallejo. The site is a good resource for checking out terrestrial and marine protected locations. At this site, you will find out more about Sierra de Vallejo and can access related statistics, as well as download data from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).

    Bring your camera on this daytrip from Puerto Vallarta. An astonishing population of wild boars, crocodiles, and jaguars live in Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve, along with several types of colorful parrots. You will see herons, seagulls, pelicans, ducks and other birds thriving in this stunning forest shelter. In the distance, you will observe the Sangaguey volcano, which hasn’t erupted since 1724 (according to local indigenous legend); it is an impressive sight to behold, the highest volcano in the corridor.

    For birdwatchers, there’s nothing like viewing a black-bellied tree duck, great blue heron, or roseate spoonbill in this amazing landscape. Tours are available from several agencies and a simple online search will reveal wonderful opportunities for exploring this fabulous site only a short distance from Puerto Vallarta. Buen viaje!

    Que es cómo es

  • Puerto Vallarta – Turtles On The Move

    Sea Turtles

    The season for baby turtle release is coming to an end in Puerto Vallarta. If you haven’t had the opportunity, there are still many chances. Several locations exist up and down the coast, and the concierge in most hotels can guide you to the closest one. Not many places around the globe make it possible for tourists and locals alike to participate in this exciting activity. Sea turtles are a vital part of our ocean ecosystem. They contribute to keeping a balance of seagrass, sponge, and jellyfish populations. Sea turtles transport nutrients and support other sealife. In Puerto Vallarta, we can be turtle midwives and contribute to the health of our oceans.

    After the mother turtle makes her way to a nesting spot on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Nayarit, the nests become vulnerable to predators of all kinds; iguanas, birds, dogs, and humans, to name a few. It is illegal to interfere with a turtle laying her eggs or the nest itself, while the eggs incubate. Most of us are aware of this problem, but animals have no idea there are laws to protect them and the defenseless turtles.

    Our first adventure saving baby turtles happened completely by chance. Having late lunch on the beach in Mismaloya, we were beckoned by friends who were local Mexicans. They were excited to tell us we had arrived in time to be part of a baby turtle release. We couldn’t have been more surprised. Or elated. We quickly finished our meal, paid the bill, and made our way to the north end of the beach. The thrill of holding a baby turtle, (which many operations no longer allow) was something we will never forget. Having baby turtles run over your bare toes on their path to the sea is more pleasurable than we ever imagined. Everyone with few exceptions, is sad to learn that less than 10% of the little critters actually make it to their destination. They need all the help they can get.

    Releases occur around the clock. Like humans, it’s hard to schedule birth. If you’re told that turtle release happens only in the dark, under the moonlight… book with another tour. We’ve also been told by unsuspecting people that this program can only be found on Tuesdays. Or Saturdays. Whatever. All nonsense.

    In most of the turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta, run by non-profits, and often importing volunteers from faraway places, you will be delighted to learn about the whole migration of sea turtles by people who have found a way to devote time to this cause. These volunteers, of all ages, are well educated and informative, sharing their knowledge. Some have been featured on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

    If you are so lucky as to happen upon a turtle nest while wandering on the beach, day or night, immediately contact the authorities. Bomberos (firemen and women) are trained to assist with all animal issues, from bees, to crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

    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.