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costa azul, Mexico: Sayulita to Puerto Vallarta

Quintessential Costa Azul

The Blue Coast offers a look at the real, undiscovered Mexico. Once a surfer's hideaway, the beaches and surrounding jungles now provide exciting terrain for horseback trips, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.

Julie & Mark explore the cliffs and caves of the Marietas Islands, home of the rare Blue Footed Boobie birds, and meet a character who gives them a taste of the local surf culture.

The mystic Huichol tribe represents one of the most intact ancient cultures existing in the world today, and they live high in the mountains just beyond the Costa Azul. They create whimsical artwork that documents their spiritual traditions and has become a favorite of collectors around the world.

The Huichol Center For Cultural Survival And Traditional Arts has a lot of very interesting information about the Huichol culture and their interaction with the earth for the benefit of all.

To round out the Mexican vacation experience, Julie shares one of her old 'stomping grounds' - Puerto Vallarta, the picturesque, coastal town that attracts hordes of tourists each year, but still retains a piece of her simple, elegant past.

TIPS for TRAVELERS to THE PACIFIC COAST OF MEXICO

Check out the Costa Azul web site for all the info on this perfect resort! The Costa Azul lies about 45 minutes from the center of Puerto Vallarta. PV has changed a lot since I first went there in 1978, and some say it has been "ruined" by excessive tourism, but I still love it.

There are definitely prettier, more pristine beaches in other parts of Mexico, but the town is still one of the best - great shopping, dining, night life and beach or jungle excursions.

The northern end of town, near the airport, is the "new" part - huge, modern marina, large resort hotels and golf courses. South of the river (Rio Cuale) you'll find the older, more inexpensive hotels. More like my Mexico!

Porta Vallarta Shopping Tip:
The vendors on the beach can be annoying if you make the mistake of showing interest in them! Only acknowledge them if you really are interested in buying something. It's really a very pleasant way to shop! Where else can you get all of your Christmas shopping done while getting a tan and sipping a margarita!? Bargain and have fun with it! Just thinking about hot sun, warm sand, and tropical breezes makes me want to leave for PV today!

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