Activities

Walk Through a Page of Mexico’s Mysterious Cultural Past

2007-04-01T23:27:00Z

This self-guided excursion is a trip into Mexico’s mysterious cultural past to the Alta Vista Archaeological Sacred Site, still frequently used as a holy place by a group known as Chacalán’s by local people.

It’s best to use a higher-clearance vehicle such as a Jeep or truck, though a Nissan Tsuru may also work depending on the condition of the road as you near the site.

To get there follow the highway to Zacualpan, Las Varas, and then towards Puerto Vallarta to the Alta Vista turn off. It requires about an hour to reach this ancient site still used today for rituals by a native Indian group.

The turn off for the site is found about two miles, or just over 3 kilometers, north of the Hwy. 200 Boca El Naranjo/Lima de Abajo turnoff—- so if you pass the fruit stands at Boca El Naranjo/Lima de Abajo you’ve gone too far. The turn off is on the east side of the road (left from PLT or right from Boca El Naranjo/Lima de Abajo) and is the turn used to go to Alta Vista which is the municipality some eight miles east from the highway.

After turning off the highway and about a mile of winding uphill, you’ll turn into a tree-lined gravel road on your left. If you go too far you’ll come to a farmhouse, in which case you need to turn back because you went too far. Continue down a gradual slope for about half a mile (1 kilometer), and then turn onto another narrower road on the right. You may have to open a wire gate to go continue on the road. After about another kilometer (half-mile) of going downhill, the road may become too rough for a passenger car. If so, you might have to walk the last mile or two kilometers. Continue downhill bearing right along a stream bed, to the end of the road where the path crosses the stream. Go across the stream on foot and straight ahead, to the site.

At the site you will find a palapa shelter, normally a caretaker is present and should be offered a gratuity (about $2 to $3 USD per person). The half-mile self-guided trail runs along the edge of a stream bank surrounded by forest.

The bank and pools of the stream are dotted with dozens of petroglyphs that experts have estimated date back at least 2000 years.

These ancient rock carvings—including sun images and humanesque figures— are thought to have served as a means of communication between the people and their gods.

Signs in both English and Spanish interpret the history of the area and the origin and meaning of the petroglyphs. At some places along the path you can see flower-adorned shrines placed by the Chacalan natives.

Due to wet, often impassable roads during the rainy season, the petroglyphs are only accessible from about November to July.

Cruise Up a Jungle River to see the Crocodiles

2007-04-01T23:20:00Z

Less than an hour from Playa Las Tortugas you can enjoy the best of Mexican wilderness and culture in the same tour. After driving to La Tovara, board a jungle boat that will take you up the La Tovara River, which is crystal clear and flows through a subtropical forest that makes a canopy over much of the river’s length.

You’ll likely spot a variety of birds and probably crocodiles along the river banks!

Continue your trip with a visit to the historic 16th century Spanish fort in San Blas, where canons look out across Matanchen Bay. You may find Huichol Indians (who live in remote villages in the mountains east of San Blas) selling handmade beadwork and other crafts in the town’s main plaza. Follow your explorations with a meal at Garza Canela (Cinnamon Heron), one of the region’s best (yet reasonably-priced) restaurants, with possibly the world’s best ceviche.

The “Small Galapagos” Island of Nayarit

2007-04-01T21:52:00Z

The 3-million year old volcanic island “Isla Isabel” is known as the “small Galapagos” and is uninhabited except for thousands of marine birds and reptiles who nest there. During different parts of the year 92 species of birds can be found, including extensive colonies of frigatebirds that are always present in some numbers.

In addition to the large variety of bird life there are also 6 species of reptiles, among them the brown iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata) and the Mexican Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) which is known as a “false coral snake” for its black head with a post-ocular band that is orange, yellow, or white followed by a black band. Both reptiles are in danger of extinction. You’ll have a chance to see the famous green iguanas (Iguana iguana) too.

Isabel Island is one of the principal nesting sites of marine birds in the Pacific Ocean, a unique place with a plethora of life. There are many Frigates, Brown and Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Noddies, Bridled Terns, and Brown Pelicans. You have the opportunity to see numerous red-billed tropicbirds, with beautiful long white tails, along the tall cliffs surrounding Isabel. On the lee side of the island are blue and red footed boobies that are quite interesting to observe during their mating rituals.

This part of the island is also a prime place for snorkeling, one of very few in the Eastern Pacific where are found coral reefs, home for tropical fish. In some 3 feet of water you can see Surgeon Fish, Trumpet Fish Fish, Needle Fish, Eels, Sea Urchins and more. The water is normally clear and warm, offering an excellent visibility. You must bring your own snorkle gear.

It takes about 2 1/2 hours to cross the 42 nautical miles from San Blas to Isla Isabel, so it’s necessary to get an early start from San Blas. Optionally you can stay over night or longer if you bring your own camping gear and carry enough food and water. You must provide your own gear and food.

To set foot on the island requires an authorization issued by the National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP) and be accompanied by a duly authorized guide.

Yoga for Body and Spirit

2007-04-01T15:09:49Z

Stretch your limits and possibly your life span by participating in a yoga retreat at the hidden world of Playa Las Tortugas, nestled between the warm sand of Mexico’s Pacific coast and 1100 acres of mangrove-lined salt water estuary.

Our location has been a favorite for a myriad of peoples since well before Columbian times, as evidenced by the bits of pottery, arrowheads, and other pre-Columbian artifacts which come to light pushed up by roots of our coconut palms. For millenia this special place has drawn visitors to the opportunity of enjoying the natural warmth of the sun and ocean, as well as as the magical energy of the moon, sun, ocean, mountains and estuary where they come together.

Here you can experience peacefulness along quiet stretches of beach and coconut palm groves, tranquility that is difficult to acheive in more populated resort areas, and natural beauty unlike that of any place you may have traveled.

Whether your interest is to simply relax in the warmth of the sun, sand, and tropical Pacific water, or participate in a wide array of activities such as canoeing, wave or ocean kayaking, boogie boarding or surfing, horseback riding, excursions to waterfalls, or sea turtle conservation, a yoga retreat at Playa Las Tortugas offers it all.

For pricing and other information about a particular retreat please click on the menu item below that corresponds to that retreat.

To arrange a retreat at Playa Las Tortugas please contact: , and thank you for considering Playa Las Tortugas as the host for your retreat.

As a reminder, our peak occupancy is typically from Thanksgiving through Easter, and therefore we recommend that for these times you consider reserving your dates at least six to nine months prior to your retreat date.

Relaxing Therapeutic Massage

2007-04-01T15:06:48Z

Whether you spend your days at Playa Las Tortugas surfing, kayaking, taking walks on the beach, reading, birdwatching, or simply enjoying quiet time, a therapeutic massage will help you to relax even more deeply and slow your pace, or soothe your muscles. Our massage therapist provides a professional massage in the comfort of your own villa or on your private rooftop terrace.

Appointments are subject to therapist availability and should be booked in advance.

Please contact Gabriel gabriel@playalastortugas.com for pricing information and to arrange a massage during your stay.

Palm-filled Estuaries, and Pelicans Nesting in High Cliffs

2007-03-31T23:36:00Z

Join our knowledgeable, English speaking, and friendly guide for a part day or up to a full day of coastal sightseeing, whale watching, or pelagic bird watching.

Trips can be arranged to last from several hours up to a full day, depending on your wishes, as our guide can accommodate your schedule with adequate notice.

The coastal sightseeing boat tour takes passengers to the north around the point of Platanitos across clear blue waters past palm-filled estuaries, pelicans nesting in high, sheer cliffs, deserted beaches such as “Limoncito” at Jolotemba, and the small fishing and shrimping towns of Santa Cruz and Miramar.

Fishing in the Estuary

2007-03-31T14:04:00Z

Early mornings in the estuary provide a quiet respite for the fisherman, with only sounds of the distant surf, light breeze through mangrove leaves, and coastal birds as they nest or feed.

Go by canoe or small boat to fly fish or cast for snook, snapper, or white sea bass in the channels of the estuary. We appreciate your consideration in making it a “catch and release” experience in order to leave enough food for our feathered and other friends.

Ride the Wave of Your Future, or Kayak Around the Point

2007-03-30T15:34:01Z

A writer from the Washington Post called Playa Las Tortugas “the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. Not only is it wide and clean and white, the vistas around it gorgeous, but the bottom slopes gently, allowing you to walk out far enough to choose between two rows of breakers. The first row is gentle, the second, exciting.”

Wave Riding in the Ocean Kayak

Come ride the exciting waves of your particular future on an ocean kayak, just in front of your villa, or paddle to one of the many nearby beaches.

Nearby Ocean Kayak Outings

You can make a short trip of about one-hour from our beach around the double point to the fishing village of Platanitos and enjoy fresh seafood such as the mouth-watering “pescado sarandeado”.

Longer Ocean Kayak Day Trips

There are also opportunities to go on journeys of up to two hours to the Punta Gorda beach just north of Platanitos, a half-day to the Jolotemba beach, or three-quarters of a day south to Boca Chila or north towards Santa Cruz and Miramar.

A day spent in our warm, clean surf or ocean is the perfect way to work off that extra serving of flan from last night’s dinner.

Catch Sierra, Toro, or Even Sailfish

2006-06-05T21:07:00Z

Our half-day ocean reef fishing excursion takes 4 to 4 1/2 hours including round-trip travel time of about one hour. The best eating fish most commonly caught on this trip include skipjack tuna (2 to 7 lbs.), sierra mackerel or “Sierra” in Spanish (2 to 4 1/2 lbs.), and jack crevell or “Toro” (6 to 14 lbs.).

You may also opt for a deep sea fishing excursion that takes 7 to 8 hours including round-trip travel time of about 3 1/2 hours. You’ll have an opportunity to hook sailfish weighing up to 100 lbs. or more, mahi mahi “dorado” weighting up to 20 lbs., and various other fish.

Make sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking water and other beverages, breakfast or snacks, and a cooler if you want to bring some of your fish back to Playa Las Tortugas.

Here are some recipes for cooking your catch

Jack Crevell or “Toro” Machaca
—Filet and boil in lightly salted water until the skin begins to come free
—Pull and shred the meat
—Chop onion, garlic and tomato and saute in a pan with oil until soft
—Add oregano and cumin, and optionally, chile pepper to taste
—Add shredded meat and a small amount of water to create a consistency like tuna salad
—Use on tostadas, in tacos, or with tortillas as an appetizer

Sierra Ceviche
—Filet and boil in lightly salted water, then scrape the meat free of the skin
—Chop the meat finely and soak in lime juice for 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours
—Chop onion, tomato, chile and cucumber to mix with the fish just prior to serving
—Just prior to serving, put the fish in a strainer or colander, press out the lime juice and then mix the onion, tomato, and other ingredients
—Use on tostadas or in hard tacos as an appetizer

Reasonable Rates for Wonderful Experiences

2006-06-05T20:50:00Z

With the exception of massage and yoga retreats, please contact Gabriel gabriel@playalastortugas.com for pricing information and to arrange activities during your stay.

For Massage and Yoga Retreats only, please see Massage and Yoga in our BEACH RENTALS section for more information.

Help Save the Sea Turtle (or Find Out How It’s Done)

2006-06-05T20:27:01Z

Guests and owners at Playa Las Tortugas are blessed with the rare opportunity to work alongside veterinarians and biologists in protecting endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, which arrive on our beach between June and December to nest. Volunteers patrol the beach at night to harvest and protect turtle eggs and also release hatchlings, sometimes thousands at a time, back into the ocean. For many of our visitors, going on turtle patrol and releasing the newly-hatched baby turtles is the highlight of their stay.

Visit for an Educational Tour

Enjoy an educational tour of the Sea Turtle Conservation Camp, adjacent to our property, for the protection of the endangered sea turtles.

Participate in Turtle Patrol and Release of Hatchlings

From mid-late June through mid-late November you can participate in nighttime beach patrols, and from mid-August through mid-late December in the preparation of nests for release as wells as baby turtle release.

Turtle Camp Sponsors

The Sea Turtle Conservation Camp is regulated by the Mexican environmental department and sponsored in part by: the non-profit association “Selva Negra” of the musical group “Mana”; the property owners of “Playa Las Tortugas”; and, the developer of “Playa Las Tortugas”.

See Sea Turtle Conservation in our COMMUNITY section for more information.

Search for the Humpback Whales

2006-05-22T21:10:00Z

The acrobatic Humpback Whale is an endangered species, occurring in all the world’s oceans, that travels down past Playa Las Tortugas on its way to mate and give birth in the Bay of Banderas each fall. They reach lengths of 50 to 55 feet, are dark in color with distinctive nodules on their rostrum, and have pectoral flippers that are nearly a third of their body length.

From their feeding grounds along the coast of Alaska, they cross several thousand miles of ocean to reach their winter “resort” destination, which offers the promise of relaxation, adventure and “romance.”

Whales first appear along our coast in mid to late November and may be seen until the end of March when they return to their feeding grounds in northern waters. The best times are from mid-December through the end of March when you can join our knowledgeable, English-speaking, eminently entertaining guide for an opportunity to search for Humpback Whales, Whale Sharks, Bottle Nose Dolphins, and Pan-tropical Spotted Dolphins. Trips generally last four hours, and can include pelagic bird watching and coastal sightseeing, but our guide can accommodate your schedule.

There is really no way to adequately describe the excitement and mystery of witnessing the graceful playfullness and majesty of the Humpback whales that arrive each year from their arctic feeding grounds to inhabit the warm Pacific waters of the Bay of Banderas just to our south. Humpback whales are famous for their curiosity, and for swimming close to whale watching boats where they often roll their heads up to see their fellow mammals, the humans.

A whale watching adventure is not only astounding, but you will come away with knowledge about the whales, their behaviors and habitat, and the other creatures that share the same marine environment. Humpbacks are thought to be the most acrobatic and energetic of all the great whales, displaying a wide variety of leaping, rolling and breaching movements. Their impressive acrobatic displays can be visible from miles away as adult females teach their young to breach, and males compete with one another in sometimes fierce head-to-head battles. They’re also very vocal, “singing” a long series of repeated phrases. The underwater vocalizing of male humpback whales can be heard by divers, snorkelers and boaters.

There are numerous reports in recent years that Humpback Whales approach boats for “friendly” encounters. When engaging in this “friendly” behavior, a whale will often circle the boat, rub up against it, spyhop within several feet of the boat, roll on its side and extend its pectoral flipper toward the boat. Sometimes they even tilt their head with an eye open, appearing to look up at the boat and people on board. This phenomenon has been reportedly increasing each year, possibly because this new generation of whales that have never known whaling are becoming curious about boats. This contact is totally initiated by the whales.

Ocean Birds Soar Above the Pacific

2006-05-22T20:55:00Z

Pelagic bird watching tours may be combined with whale watching and coastal sightseeing, and can include sitings of the Northern Fulmar, Pink-footed Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Short-tailed Shearwater, Black-vented Shearwater, Townsend’s Shearwater, Black Storm-Petrel, Least Storm-Petrel, Red-footed Booby, Blue-footed Booby, Brown Booby, Red-billed Tropicbird, Pacific Loon, Promarine Jaeger, Red-necked Phalarope, Red Phalarope, Sabine’s Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake, Common Tern, Forster’s Tern, Least Tern, Bridled Tern, Sooty Tern, Black Tern, and Brown Noddy.

World-Class Surfing at Playa Las Tortugas

2006-05-22T20:31:01Z

A crisp offshore breeze rustles the palm fronds overhead and grooms A-frame beachbreak peaks—here is early morning perfection with nobody out.

This is the scene that will greet you each morning at Playa Las Tortugas—an impressively beautiful setting offering surf conditions that are unique in this region. A ring of mountains encircles the pristine estuary behind the deserted beach, protecting the beachfrom local onshore winds, while the mouth of the estuary running out along the nearby rocky point shapes the sandbars to produce those well-defined A-frame peaks.

Just imagine the possibility of perfect, solitary waves every day, and all this only steps away from the front door of your villa. Ocean swells from both the north (winter) and south (summer) peel along the sandbars at Playa Las Tortugas, making it an ideal surf destination year-round.

One of our more knowledgeable and frequently visiting surfers says:

“Right here where Playa Las Tortugas and Punta el Custodio meet you’ll find one of the more consistent breaks on this coast, there are almost always waves. The point catches most any swell with summertime being the biggest because of the south swells. It breaks both left & right. The wave is generally a little fast but there are sand bars which make for good long boarding and a softer wave. Overall this is an above average surf spot. There are 2 other world class spots within a one hour drive.”

Sandpipers, Spoonbills, and Great Blue Herons

2006-05-22T06:11:00Z

Explore on your own or paddle along with our knowledgeable birding guide through hundreds of acres of mangrove channels and mud flats which are home to a myriad of birds, fish, crabs, and other widlife. The low tides of early morning and late afternoon are best for seeing hundreds of feeding birds.

As seen in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, WI, March 6, 2005 (story by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch) ”.....at the mudflat greater yellowlegs, whimbrels, Caspian terns, willets, and black-necked stilts looked for crustaceans….....My favorite was a long-billed curlew, with a beak like a curving soda straw. Kayaking the watery lanes through the mangrove thickets turned up 37 species of birds in a little more than two hours.”

You can also see many birds, often different from those found in the main body of the estuary, along the road that skirts the estuary and passes through agricultural areas between Playa Las Tortugas and the highway.

For a partial list of the birds you may find around the estuary and the adjacent area, you can download or print the following file:

PLT_Birding_List.pdf