I think we’re also going to take a 4x4 tour in the “outback” as they call it of the Sierra Madre. I don’t want to do the driving (which you can on some of the tours), but I’d rather let someone else ford those mighty streams while we watch and take pictures. I’m not really big on shopping, but I’m guessing we’ll hit the town one of the days we’re here (probably while on a day trip) and take in the market. But none of this is why we’re here. We’re here for serious relaxation.
One thing you can do while simply relaxing is to birdwatch. This area is home to hundreds of bird species, and even sitting on a lounger by the pool, or on the terrace, it's easy to spot pelicans and other water birds soaring overhead. One of my first stops tomorrow will be to acquire a regional bird identification guide. Condors, frigate birds, colorful tropical specialties call this area home, and I hope to catch a few on film as the week goes on.
I understand that the best place to birdwatch is out in the Marietas Island group. I think I'll add a day in Las Marietas Biosphere Reserve to our list of activities for the week.
First stop: the beach
A short golf-cart ride to the Residences’ sister resort and we are on our way to the beach. My plan is to sit on a comfy lounge chair, sip Margaritas, and read all day beneath a large umbrella while slowly working on my tan (very slowly, considering the 45 SPF lotion I slathered on my chest).
I’ve got Kim Stanley Robinson’s epic global warming trilogy on my iPad and I’m determined to get through the first book by week’s end. I was wondering how my iPad would fare on the beach in the bright tropical sunlight of Nuevo Vallarta. I’d tested out my Kindle on early vacations, and it did quite well on the beach with its matte screen and e-ink display. But with the iPad’s shiny screen and computer display, I wondered just how well I’d be able to read. The iPad actually serves surprisingly well, despite some glare, although in the end, I probably spent more time gazing at the curl of the waves as they crashed onto shore, and watching with amusement the para-sailers taking off and landing a few feet in front of me.
Article comments
1 - Rick Helberg
Guayabitos, on the Riviera Nayarit an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, is a delightful and tranquil resort destination. [Edited]
The beach at Guayabitos, on Jaltemba Bay, is perfect for swimming. The waves are small and gentle and there are no issues with currents. Jaltemba Bay is called the "largest swimming pool in the world."
Other activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boat tours to Chacala and other villages, bicycling, tennis, and only a short distance to play golf.
Dining out is delightful, with some of the best restaurants to serve you. You'll find everything from excellent continental cuisine to the best Mexican food you'll ever have.
Prices for lodging and dining out are very reasonable, and guests from the USA and Canada are amazed at how far their dollars, or pesos, go.
There's every reason to visit the Riviera Nayarit, and Guayabitos is at the top of the list.