I went on a day hike last weekend to the nearby beach of Colomitos. Getting there involved taking a local bus from Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, then hiking a seaside trail to the beach. Since it was both 1) early in the morning and 2) relatively strenuous, I was the only visitor to Colomitos for awhile. And no matter how much uphill hiking was between me and a beach, nobody could be upset with this view next to them…
At least this sign seemed to think I was on the right path.
The uphill was brutal, but the reward was a beautiful private beach.
After some refreshing time at Colomitos, I eventually hiked on to Playa las Animas, passing yet more secluded beaches. If anybody is looking for beautiful shores away from the Vallarta crowds, head between Colomitos and Las Animas. Plenty of options and few people to be seen.
The hikes aren’t limited to out-of-town visits, either. There is a viewpoint here in town that is pretty accessible, about 20 minutes in from the water. Of course, lots of stair climbing…but that just makes the sunset so much more worth it, right?
Since arriving, I’ve also been compiling a list of all the crap I brought with me that I didn’t need. After years of preaching minimalism, I pulled a gringo move and brought so. much. extra. stuff.
The list includes:
- Anything with sleeves. I brought not one, not two, but THREE jackets. Why?! Since stepping off the plane and feeling that sweet, sweet humidity, I have yet to wear literally anything with sleeves. I just didn’t believe that anywhere in the world could ever be warm enough, after two fake springs in California….
- Jeans. See above. No need for long pants in this weather.
- Various odds and ends, like superglue. For some reason I thought this would be hard to find in town?! It is not.
Seriously, everything I could need is available here….there’s even supposedly a vegetarian restaurant in town that specializes in seitan (the best fake meat substitute in the world, and that’s the gospel truth).
Things I wish I’d brought instead:
- BOOKS oh man do I need to read slower. I’m out of books already and starting to look shifty eyed at the hotels around me, wondering if I can pass as a guest, peruse their free book selection, then sidle away with half a library comically hidden under my jacket. Oh wait….I’ll never be wearing a jacket again.
- Um, that’s about it so far. As I said, pretty much everything else I need can be bought here in town. A lot of things are more expensive (like sunscreen), but I haven’t had a problem yet with not being able to find something I really want. Mexico…it’s just like <<insert pretty much every country in the world>>!
Except actually Mexico excels at colors. Colorful parts of town, colorful sunsets…I can’t get over how vibrant everything is.
What gorgeous beaches!
You can always chop off the sleeves of your tops for a breezier style.
Wonder if hotel lobbies have a lending library?
a wonderful read….i can relate well to mispacking…how long will you be there?…an M>A> in germany? awesome, where abouts there? come visit me in oman, you would love it here guaranteed…enjoy n keep those posts coming in….sangeeta
Ahh Sangeeta besos from Vallarta to Oman…I’m sure you’re keeping it interesting there. Many you have many kitties to cuddle.