Bus To Oaxaca Pacific Coast Beaches

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012

Bus To Oaxaca Pacific Coast Beaches

Playa Cometa, Oaxaca Pacific Coast Beach near Mazunte

 Oaxaca Beaches:

· Huatulco

Huatulco is a relatively new resort area created by the government from the nine bays and 33 beaches in the area. The town of Crucicita is a tidy little place and offers an ADO bus terminal, a second class bus terminal, and lodging, clubs, restaurants and shopping around the small square. In the winter months, cruise ships visit and moor in  the harbor of Santa Cruz, a short distance away.

See Huatulco for more details on lodging, golf, beaches, hiring a cab by the hour.  

The small Huatulco ruin site called Copalita displays artifacts from the State of Oaxaca and from the site on the coast by the river.  A fee of 100 pesos is  charged for entry.  Other ruin sites such asMonte Alban and Teotihuacan are more representative of Mexico's ruins, they have splendid museums of local artifacts, and showcase the splendor of Mexico’s ancient cities. 

Reach Huatulco from Oaxaca City via OCC Bus , ADO with stops in Pochutla and Puerto Escondido.  Sur Buses run regular service to Escondido along with Futura buses and Alta Mar, divisions of Estrella Blanca that serve first class passengers along the Route 200 bus route between Huatulco and |Puerto Escondido. 

OCC buses also leave Pochutla for the 12 hour, 440 Peso trip toSan Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.

· Puerto Angel Beaches:

Reach Puerto Angel via taxi or collective taxi from the town of Pochutla. The collective taxi runs hourly from in front of the church, about two blocks east and three north of the bus station.  OCC buses, Sur Buses,  and local buses based in Huatulco stop in Pochutla as they run up and down the bus routes on coastal Route 200, the road between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.   Estrella Blanca Bus Line runs the bus route also with Futura Buses and Alta Mar Buses that run bus routes between Acapulco and Hualtulco  with stops in Puerto Escondido, Pochutla, and Huatulco.

• Taxis, Collectivos

The private taxi to the beach towns from Pochutla cost 100 pesos, Zipolite Beach, Colonia Roca Blanca for instance, half way between Puerto Angel and Mazunte. 

If you group with other travelers you can save; the taxis charge by the trip not by the number of people.  
The alternative transportation from Pochutla to the beach is the Colectivo Taxi, or the Camioneta.  These are the budget options.  The colectivo is a shared taxi costing 15 Pesos and leaving from the church and running down main street of Pochutla.   The camioneta is a pickup truck with a covered bed. It costs ten pesos per person, a budget but uncomfortable ride; an experience, however.  

• Puerto Angel

Puerto Angel is the first town you passs as you go northwest along the road at the coast from Pochutla.  Puerto Angel offers a beachside hotel at 400 peso per night and several other hotels nearby.  Snorkel, scuba, and sightseeing boat tours leave from Puerto Angel.  
Sightseeing tours leave from Playa Panteon, a calm water beach where you can swim and snorkel.  In front of the hotel, two tour agencies offer four hour whale watch, dolphin watch, boat tours with visits to four secluded bays along the coast.  See area dining Dining Zipolite   

Zipolite Beach, dawn

· Zipolite Beach

Zipolite beach is a nude optional beach a few miles west of Puerto Angel noted for its sunrises and sunsets. Nudism is not legal in Mexico but is allowed on Zipolite Beach.  Budget lodging, beachside posadas, beach camping, surfing, laundromat and good restaurants like La Providencia and Piedra del Fuego make Zipolite a good visit. See Zipolite pages

Next page Oaxaca Beaches Continues,  Mazunte

The history of mothers day and a tribute to activist mothers from the past and the present.

Viva Veracruz & Viva Puerto Escondido Musings from and about living in Mexico Cart Courtliness

Cart Courtliness

MAY07
201216 COMMENTS AND 0 REACTIONSWRITTEN BY JOHN CALYPSO

It has been a week since we have written from our recent arrival in Xico. We mentioned we were going to talk some gossip – which we will do.

But first an observation that was inspired from reading my Blogging amigo Steve Cotton’s entry today:

“Courtliness….And it is a trait I long ago associated with the Spanish. A trait that has been inherited — to one degree or other — in the Mexican culture.”

This baffled us as it most assuredly is NOT an inherited characteristic to any degree within the Mexican culture where we live – neither in Xico or Puerto.

Not to stereotype an entire country, but after living here seven years we feel we can write with some authority that rudeness is very much a way of life here. Much of it is thoughtless rather than premeditated, but rudeness it is. Take yesterday for instance.

We do not often venture to Xalapa as the traffic and lack of ease of getting around a very complicated street layout quite simply makes us want to avoid visiting. However there are things that plainly are otherwise unobtainable without heading into the BIG city.

We chose Sunday as the traffic is a bit less; however the shoppers are probably in greater force; which brings me to the point. In spite of visiting U.S. origin outlets like Home Depot, Sam’s Club and Superama (a higher end Walmart, owned by Walmart), where you might expect to encounter a higher-end group of shoppers, the rudeness and inability to manage what we will call proper shopper decorum permeated yesterday’s shopping experience.

Cart management quite simply does not exist in the Mexican lexicon. It is not just that they leave their carts blocking isles; it is as if they setup their carts in blockade fashion with full intent. Most often the operators of these offending carts are nowhere to be found. Of course this allows us a greater freedom to re-park their wayward carts, but it remains oh so frustrating and bewildering as to why they cannot figure out that others might need to pass? Or how simply maneuvering their cart in an orderly manner might help move things along for the collective shoppers.

Then there is the incredible gall of interrupting a conversation with a salesperson. More often than not while in mid conversation the Mexican shopper will simply angle his way in front of you and begin a dialogue with the salesperson as if you simply do not exist – huh?

They cut in line with the clever posture of avoiding eye contact as a means of not taking responsibility for such rudeness. To add to that irony other Mexicans in line do not complain. Apparently this is left up to the very frustrated gringo. We should add that they also use eye contact avoidance to do very stupid car tricks – we have filed that complaint herein several times.

The bottom line is proper shopping decorum left the building or never existed since way before the Calypsos invaded Mexican turf. You will get used to it or deal with bulging veins, most assuredly. This is not to say fighting back a little without much anger hasn’t satisfaction. Yesterday we moved an offending cart straddled across an isle in Sam’s Club noticing approval and a shared frustration from a fellow shopper (a Mexican national at that). Chalk one up for international relations.

Our aforementioned amigo Steve is on a world cruise; something the very green Calypsos would never do – or could we afford – would that be an inclination. We live this cruise vicariously through Steve’s wonderfully written Blog.

We commented back relating to his comment about Mexican courtliness: “Our differing parts of Mexico must be showing. We find the Mexican people particularly rude relating to letting the other guy go, giving way and courtesy in lines etc. Our experience is an ‘every man for himself’ and harsher conduct here in our parts of Mexico; virtually no refined behavior.
Oh and the way they operate their shopping carts! I’ll stop now.”

Now to the gossip which could very well deserve an entry on its own, but we do not like gossip much so it will get a dishonorable mention here: A lot has been written about Mexico cleaning up its baby act. They have improved their population increase numbers dramatically in the last ten years – this is well documented.

But we have to say here in Poor Man’s Shangri-La, in the Hood, the baby production is quite astounding and has to be skewing those numbers. Upon arrival we learned that a large number of the very young ladies are pregnant or sporting a new child – here we are talking children having children in a BIG way.

To really bring it home our very close friends here have a 16 year old son who we have known since he was 9. We well remember the little tag-along chimaco that our now 21 year old son played with early on upon moving here more than 7 years ago.

The boy now has a baby due in July. His new ‘wife’ is living with our friends (his parents) – one and a half more mouths to feed in a small casa supported by one hard working adult. The parents of the expected child are still attending the equivalent of U.S. high school.

Another of our son’s young friends is expecting, another already has a 4 year old. The cute little girl right across the street from us is now living with her ‘husband’; and is currently dealing with a nervous breakdown that has distorted her formerly pretty face. Her mouth has skewed to one-side. She went blind for a time and remains on heavy tranquilizers. We celebrated her 15th birthday just before we headed to Puerto six months ago.

Everywhere we look there are new babies. Mexico has reduced child production from seven something to less than two and a half.

Our friend’s son’s new baby will enter the world with a living great-great grandmother. An all too common circumstance here – do the math – children having children – four generations often living under the same roof. This saddens us. Stay Tuned!

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“A week in San Agustinillo @ Banbu”

A week in San Agustinillo @ Banbu - Bambu, San Agustinillo ...
Bambu: A week in San Agustinillo @ Banbu - See traveler reviews, 27 candid photos, and great deals for San Agustinillo, Mexico, at TripAdvisor.
www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g674764-d1548575-r1...

“A week in San Agustinillo @ Banbu”

Reviewed 9 May 2012 NEW

My wife and I spent 6 Nights at Bambu. Loved it! We had the room upstairs with a great view of the ocean a large deck (surrounding a Coconut tree) and sliding door / walls that open for a open air feel. The room had a second level loft with another double bed. all of this under a natural thatched roof or palapa. We were ablr to use skype with free Wi Fi.


We ate out, but there is a communal kitchen with pots. pans,dishes, silverware, gadgets, cook-top, refrigerators (we did keep our beer cold) and bottled water and spices. Small Grocery store (family owned) across street has everything you need. Big Farm table, Perfect for a group.


Beach front pergola provides filtered light over 4 hammocks and three double chaise lounges, It was perfect to lay back read a book and drink a beer.


"Memo" was great host and explain things about the pueblo we never would have known. How the Life Guards for water safety are organized, how taxi work Exclusive or Collectivos, etc.


Very laid back place, indicative of the area,


Kurt and Barb,
Milwaukee, Wi


USA

Room Tip: Cleanliness was great but this is the tropics.

“The place to stay near Mazunte”

Reviewed 2 May 2012

For the perfect balance of a comfortable and laid back beach holiday you can't beat hotel Bambu in San Augustinillo. The rooms are all thatched in traditional fashion with high ceilings open to the ocean, not twenty metres from your door. You couldn't get closer to the beach! There are four poster style beds with sprawling mosquito nets at night and while you're close to the the sound of the sea, you're far from the insects! Miguel is a great guy, very chilled. I've stayed twice and can't wait to make it three in a row. The prices are very competitive for the area and Miguel likes to look after repeat guests. All rooms are en suite and some have terraces open to the ocean. You won't be disappointed.
Tim UK, 29.

• Stayed April 2012, travelled as a couple
  
  
  
  “A wonderful place to sleep well and be relaxed”
  Reviewed 10 April 2012
  I definately agree with all the opinions below. My two cents would be that more than a hotel this is Memo's place that he shares with his guests. The kitchen is there to be used and people come by daily selling fruits, vegetables and fish so you can cook there or go to any of the local good restaurants nearby. Memo very nicely fills you in on the sea, the locals, gets you a taxi, whatever you need. San Augustinillo is a calmer and more relaxed place than neighboring Mazunte or Zipolite. The walk to Punta Cometa is definately worth it to see the sun set over the sea-- Memo will fill you in.
  • Stayed April 2012, travelled with family

• 
  

Iconic Puerto Escondido by Scott Ross

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2012

Iconic Puerto Escondido by Scott Ross

Scott Ross returns as an artist in our 12th Annual Art Gala with this iconic image from Puerto Escondido.  This digital print is framed and signed.

Scott's journey behind the lens started as he began documenting his travels from around the globe.  He's been lucky enough to have visited over 20 countries and experienced their cultures and customs.  His friends and family began to encourage his "natural talent" after viewing photojournalistic travel and people portraits.  He decided to get serious about it when friends began buying his photos.  Scott is currently refining his skills by taking photography classes at UCSD.

The experience he aims to convey is relaxed and casual.  It is at these moments when the subject forgets about the camera and their pure personality comes out.  These are special moments to treasure for a lifetime.  His clients can pick a favorite location or he can suggest a few for the style they want.  He trys to customize each photo shoot to compliment the personality. 

For more information, check out Scott's website www.scottrossphotography.com.

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LIQEN – BRUSHCODILE IN SAN PEDRO POCHUTLA, MEXICO

Liqen – Brushcodile in San Pedro Pochutla, Mexico « SIXAND5 ...
Spanish street artist Liqen recently stopped by San Pedro Pochutla, Mexico where he painted this new mural in Playa Zapolite, a beach community located on ...
sixand5.com/.../liqen-brushcodile-in-san-pedro-pochutla-mexi...

LIQEN – BRUSHCODILE IN SAN PEDRO POCHUTLA, MEXICO

Posted by aecho on May 8, 2012 · 1 Comment 

Spanish street artist Liqen recently stopped by San Pedro Pochutla, Mexico where he painted this new mural in Playa Zapolite, a beach community located on the southern coast of Oaxaca state in Mexico.

“Brushcodile”, a mural mixed the brushes with this two animals, which unify then genetically conform the cyclic past of dinosaurs. Brush over wall, say thanks to Enrique and his family!

- Liqen

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MEX- Playa Zipolite, Southern Oaxaca, Mexico, On The Pacific (playlist)

About Puerto Escondido

The town of Puerto Escondido was established in 1928 as a port for shipping coffee, although the area has been inhabited by indigenous populations for centuries. In the 1960′s it was connected to other coastal towns by Highway 200. Tourists began to discover the town and surfers found its beaches. Its importance as a port diminished as coffee shipments began going by truck instead of boat. The port does continue to support commercial fishing activity.

Today, Puerto Escondido is a home for fishermen, surfers, vacationers, and an ecletic expatriot community. The large waves of Zicatela beach put it into the top ten surfing destinations. It does not cater to the high end tourist as much as Huatulco to the east. Its sprawling beaches host numerous small to mid-size hotels and restaurants.

There are three main beaches, Playa Principal, Playa Marinero, and Zicatela, close to the main part of town, as well as several other smaller beaches. Avenida Perez Gasga is a pedestrian only street known as the Adoquín that parallels Playa Principal, where you will find the Information Goddess. The Andador Escénico Sea Walk begins at Playa Principal and winds along rocky oceanside cliffs. Up the hill from the Adoquín is the coastal highway 200 and on the other side of that is the downtown business district where you can find banks, the mercado, etc. Playa Zicatela is a long straight beach on the east side of the bay and can be seen from Playa Principal. Zicatela is where the strong waves are that make Puerto Escondido a world class surfing destination.

Playa Principal is the main beach in town and runs parallel with the adoquín or pedestrian area of town. Restaurants, boating, swimming, snorkeling.

West of the lighthouse is a small cove with beaches Playa Manzanillo and Puerto Angelito. Very calm for swimming and snorkeling but watch out for boats that come and go. There is a restaurant with restrooms at Puerto Angelito. You can get there from Playa Principal by boat or go northwest on highway 200 for 1/2 mile and turn left on Calle Miguel Hidalgo at the old airport. At the billboard turn left again and go down the dirt road to the beach.

Also northwest of town is a pair of small beaches called Playa Carrizalillo. A small stream enters the ocean at the smaller beach and locals wash their clothes here. Good swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, lots of coral and fish. To get to these beaches, take highway 200 northwest for 1/2 mile, turn left at Avenida Miguel Hidalgo. The area is under development, so it would be best to stop at one of the shops or restaurants and ask directions from here. There are now steps (167 of them) leading down the cliff to the beach.

One of the world’s best surfing beaches is Playa Zicatela. The 2-mile long beach has several restaurants and hotels. Not good for swimming, extremely dangerous. To get there, walk southeast along Playa Principal or take highway 200 southeast and turn right at Bungalows Villa Marinero onto a paved road which leads to Hotel Santa Fé and continues south along the beach.

Past Zicatela to the east is Playa Barra de Colotepec extending 1-1/4 mile to Río Colotepec. Heavy surf, dangerous for swimmers. Turtles lay their eggs at this long beach and volunteers from the Campamento Tortugas aid in their survival. Turtles, which had been fished to the brink of extinction, are making a comeback.

Playa Bacocho is northwest of town past Playa Carrizalillo. Take highway 200 northwest toward the airport and follow the signs to the Best Western Posada Real. This is one of the longest beaches in the area. There is a restaurant. Swimming may be dangerous due to heavy surf and undertow.

Just past the lagoon at the southeast end of Playa Principal is Playa Marinero. Restaurants, swimming, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling, but watch out for currents at the southern end of the beach. To get there, walk down Playa Principal to the southeast or walk down past the end of Avenida Alfonso Pérez Gasga.