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A little about Playa Zipolite, The Beach of the Dead . . .

Playa Zipolite, Oaxaca, Southern Mexico, on the Pacific Ocean. A little bit about my favorite little get-away on this small world of ours.

Zipolite, a sweaty 30-minute walk west from Puerto Angel, brings you to Playa Zipolite and another world. The feeling here is 1970's - Led Zep, Marley, and scruffy gringos.

A long, long time ago, Zipolite beach was usually visited by the Zapotecans...who made it a magical place. They came to visit Zipolite to meditate, or just to rest.

Recently, this beach has begun to receive day-trippers from Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido, giving it a more TOURISTY feel than before.

Most people come here for the novelty of the nude beach, yoga, turtles, seafood, surf, meditation, vegetarians, discos, party, to get burnt by the sun, or to see how long they can stretch their skinny budget.

I post WWW Oaxaca, Mexico, Zipolite and areas nearby information. Also general budget, backpacker, surfer, off the beaten path, Mexico and beyond, information.

REMEMBER: Everyone is welcome at Zipolite.

ivan

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort



Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort







7A Oriente S N 1A Sur Col
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
Total Rooms: 185
Rates: $127-$215 (USD)
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Puerto Escondido Hotels: Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort

Web: http://www.caracolplazahotel.com
Phone:  +52 954-582-3814
Fax:  +52 954-582-3883
E-mail:  plazacaracol@yahoo.com.mx
Year Built:  2002
Year Renovated:  2010
Check in Time:  2:00 PM
Check out Time:  12:00 PM
Number of Floors:  6
Total Number of Rooms:  185

Global Distribution System (GDS) Hotel Reservation Codes

Amadeus GDS:  UV PXM297
Galileo/Apollo GDS:  UV 23089
Sabre GDS:  UV 108216
WorldSpan GDS:  UV 7297

Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort Rates, Amenities, Facilities, & Rooms

Rates & Policies

Location

Room Amenities

Recreation

Hotel Services & Facilities

 

Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort Rates & Policies

Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort rates are Daily in USD
Standard: $127
Suite: $215
Credit Cards Are Accepted
Reservations must be guaranteed with a credit card
Meals: Full Breakfast Included
Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort - Room
Guest Room

San Bernado to Puerto Escondido 16/5/2012



16/5/2012

San Bernado to Puerto Escondido

D63.5, T4.5, Av13.3, Total 9795

A days rest was needed. Not feeling comfortable with this set up the decision was made to head to  Puerto Escondido.

My departure saw the owners wanting money for what easily could have been tap water. It was time to vacate.

The road was a pleasure to Moñitos, asphalt and flat, with an ever present rural vista, that of coconut palms and cattle. It was often partially blocked due to farmers moving their herd.

Arriving at Moñitos, a few good coffees were enjoyed as was a chat for sometime with a bunch of guys at the food stall. There was a bank in town so some funds were removed and a cruise about the centre was enjoyed. The town is right on the beach.

Dropping my bike at the ATM was a sign that a rest day is needed. It was also a sign to stay focused.

Interestingly, over a coke people told me land crabs sell for un mill each (50c) and a farm worker gets about $6.00/day. This is ok when you can get a good meal for $2.00. This conversation was terminated early due to sandflies eating me alive.

Leaving town the locals told me there was much lodo (mud) on this untarred road.

Almost immediately on leaving the inhabited part of town the road became rough, with rocks protruding above the hard pack. Everyone of these was felt.

Areas that trapped water when it rained were imprinted with 300mm deep wheel tracks. Then the hills started.

Being a secondary road meant during its consruction cutting was kept to a minimum, cosequently following the terrain, parts were steep and short.

Arriving at Rio Cedro, asking distances, conditions and times, everyone had a different answer.

From here conditions deteriorated further, the road was now just a series of up steep short hills back down and again repeated.

It had become nothing more than a banana track. Coming down hills with wash outs and loose rocks everywhere with a combined weight of 300lbs on a bike was all concentration.

The back wheel had to be kept from locked up, the front brakes were working very hard.

Any moment out of full control would have been a disaster.

By now I was totally worn out walking up every hill and resting every few 20 minutes or so.

Even walking the bike up the hills was hard with loose stones often causing me to slip. Riding up was not practical as it was to slow for such a narrow line one had to keep to stay out of wash outs. At slow speed it is very hard to ride straight. The steepness was of some small inclines was instrumental in the decision making process.

As was the fact that there was never going to be a guy at the top with a cold bottle of water to congratulate you for your efforts.

One fortunate ocurrence was that of people selling things from houses.

A lunch of beef, platano and rice with salad was enjoyed. With this meal 5 glasses of the best juice tried  for a long time were enjoyed.

It was called Jugo de Cereza from a small tomato like fruit. An enjoyable chat was had with a guy and his wife, Miguel and Leidy Gonzales. ( her real name)

Moving on, the thought of camping now crossed my mind. The problem is that every inch of the road side is fenced, though primitive by our standards, with 4 strands of barb and in many cases living fence posts. They were more than capable of containing cattle and impeding trespassers.

The only traffic passed was motorbikes, often with a husband and wife who had been to town. Believe it or not there was a bus service on this road. It was a medium size unit, the likes of which I never seen, it tracked amazingly well up the hills, myself well off the road.

On one occassion a guy came off his motorbike, though no harm was incurred to either man or machine.

This journey to Puerto Escondido was becoming an endurance test for me. The heat was unreal, the humidity was repressive. My body temp was right up there, unable to cool down, but knowing to keep going.

Falling off again almost at a standstill, unable to get a foot out of the “Power Grip” foot holders, again told me to how easily things could go wrong.

At  one time it ocurred to me what am I doing this for. The thought was fleeting. The positives far out weighed any short term reprieve from the present conditions.

This was the Colombia I had dreamt about cycling in. It was hard going, though with it came the awareness of being outside the circle of life where things are comfortable and predictable. For me it was real time. Time aside from being comfortably numb.

The coast could be seen from the high points on the road. Finally the road started descending. Arriving in the small seaside village of Christo Rey, a new face flannel was bought as was 2 Pepsis.

Sitting in the shop chatting and still with an elevated body temp,struggling with composure, fun was had with a small boy and his cousins. Juan was such a cute kid. I explained we have a term for kids, that of rat bags.

In Español I translated it to bolsas de raton, it was classic, we all had a laugh except Juan who started crying, some quick comforting chat solved the problem.

Having said this some people encountered here are very shy and dont respond. They do not see many foreigners, especially middle aged, balding men on pushbikes. Whilst others are everso friendly, especially teenagers.

There was 8 ks between me and hopefully a hotel in Puerto.

The road followed the coast with cattle, coconut palms and bananas growing almost to the shore on sloping land.

All the small farms encountered on passage grew bananas,yams and all had some animals.

Nearing the end of this 8k. Exhaustion had set in, knowing the town was close, my spare water was poured over my head in an effort to cool down.

One last hill into town was beyond even walking up. A farm worker was wandering along the road in my direction. He could see my distress, my conversation reinforced the situation.

He everso kindly pushed the bike from behind for me. Not wanting to let him have all the weight, energy was mustered to contribute more than just to steer. Respect and pride had a bit to do with it. Really, my help with the weight was minimal.

Thanking him, a beautiful site beheld me, one of a town on the beach and smooth concrete roads.

In hindsight I had been very lucky to had got over this road, even the smallest shower of rain would have rendered it treacherous and impassable on a pushbike. In dry conditions with rests it took 9 hours to cover 40k.

A hotel was found.

The day had been tough, it was rewarding and my body was now recovering. Tomorrow will be a rest day.
Typical scenery, coast in the background
Even walking up these inclines got to much, shoes off and a total regroup. Panniers were also checked at mounting points and chain oiled, with perspiration and dust 60k sees the chain dry.
Stopping in shade, a puddle nearby, a couple of mangos savoured and another rest. The puddle was the hand basin. Earlier on in the day, still smiling.
These fences line all roads in Costa Rica, Panama and now here. They make camping difficult
A family of four, just browsin' about.
Journeys end, Puerto Escondido






Saturday, May 19, 2012

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico Area Hotels Filter Hotels in the Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico Area



  • lote 18, manzana 6 Residencial Conejos, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-581-0265
    This 6 room property, renovated in 2011......
    Commission: 15%
    6 Rooms
    $89-$139 (USD)
    65.5 miles 
     See on Map
  • Barcelo Huatulco Beach
    Paseo Benito Juarez s/n, Tangolunda, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-581-0055
    Mediterranean-style six-story resort wraps in a U around its vast two-pool complex. located 3 miles from downtown....
    Superior First Class
    Commission: 10%
    351 Rooms
    $142-$580 (USD)
    64.2 miles 
     See on Map
  • Best Western Posada Chahue
    Mixie y Mixteco, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-587-0945
    This 20 room property, renovated in 2004......
    Moderate First Class
    Commission: 10%
    20 Rooms
    $105-$145 (USD)
    62.2 miles 
     See on Map
  • Camino Real Zaashila Huatulco
    Blvd B Juarez, 5 Bahia de Tangolunda, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-583-0300
    Contemporary Mediterranean-style hotel with 20 acres of gardens and fountains - Situated at Tangolunda Bay....
    Superior First Class
    Commission: 10%
    148 Rooms
    $2,050-$2,200 (USD)
    64.5 miles 
     See on Map
  • Caracol Plaza Hotel and Resort
    7A Oriente S N 1A Sur Col, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
    Phone: 954-582-3814
    This 185 room property, renovated in 2010......
    185 Rooms
    $121-$205 (USD)
  • hotel
    Bahia de Tangolunda Lot 13, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-581-0203
    Colonial - Overlooking the bay....
    Moderate First Class
    Commission: 10%
    25 Rooms
    $122 (USD)
    64.7 miles 
     See on Map
  • Castillo Huatulco Hotel
    Blvd Santa Cruz 303 Bahia de Santa Cruz, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-587-0144
    Colonial-style hotel situated downtown at Santa Cruz Bay in front of the marina, 25 minutes from airport....
    Moderate First Class
    Commission: 10%
    112 Rooms
    $51-$143 (USD)
    62 miles 
     See on Map
  • Celeste Beach Residences & Spa
    Lote 1, Manzana 12, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-525-4000
    65.6 miles  See on Map
  • Crown Pacific Huatulco
    Blvd Benito Juarez 8 Bahia Tangolunda, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-581-0044
    Mid-rise all-inclusive all-suite hotel reflecting a Mediterranean style, situated on 6 acres overlooking Bay of Tangolunda....
    Superior First Class
    Commission: 10%
    134 Rooms
    $120-$138 (USD)
    64.1 miles 
     See on Map
  • Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa
    Blvd. Benito Juarez #4 Bahia de Tangolunda, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-583-0400
    Located facing the beautiful Bay of Tangolunda, 20 minutes from the airport and a short distance from Puerto Escondido....
    Moderate Deluxe
    Commission: 10%
    421 Rooms
    64.4 miles 
     See on Map
  • Gran Hotel Huatulco
    Carrizal 1406 Fracc La Crucecita, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-587-0115
    This 32 room property, built in 1990......
    Commission: 10%
    32 Rooms
    $62 (USD)
    62.2 miles 
     See on Map
  • La Laguna
    Car Costera De Puerto Escondido Km 124, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
    Phone: 954-588-7280
    Commission: 10%
    18 Rooms
  • La Provincia Hotel & Restaurant
    Calle Porfirio Diaz 108, Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico 68000
    Phone: 951-514-0999
    This 15 room property, renovated in 2007......
    Commission: 5%
    15 Rooms
    $116-$203 (USD)
    31.4 miles 
     See on Map
  • Las Brisas Huatulco
    Agent Rating:
    Bahia de Tangolunda Lote 1 Zona Hotelera, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-583-0200
    This 484 room property, renovated in 2006......
    Superior Tourist Class
    Commission: 10%
    484 Rooms
    $142-$181 (USD)
    64.1 miles 
     See on Map
  • Hotel Marina Resort
    Tehuantepec 112, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-587-0963
    This 67 room property, renovated in 2001......
    Commission: 10%
    67 Rooms
    $780-$1,020 (USD)
    62.1 miles 
     See on Map
  • Posada Real Puerto Escondido
    Blvd Benito Juarez s/n, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
    Phone: 954-582-0133
    Low-rise Hotel situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by beaches and tropical gardens....
    Moderate First Class
    Commission: 15%
    100 Rooms
    $11-$20 (USD)
    7.5 miles 
     See on Map
  • Quinta Real Huatulco
    Blvd Benito Juarez, Lote 2 Bahias, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989
    Phone: 958-581-0428
    Mediterranean style hotel - 25 minutes to Bahia de Huatulco Airport - 2 kilometers to La Crucecita....
    Superior First Class
    Commission: 10%
    28 Rooms
    $297-$333 (USD)
    64.2 miles 
     See on Map
  • Hotel Santa Fe
    Calle Pel 6 Morro Numero, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
    Phone: 954-582-0170
    Moderate First Class
    Commission: 10%
    62 Rooms
    $69-$294 (USD)
    7.5 miles 
     See on Map
  • Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa
    Secc. Hotelera Bahia de Conejos Lote 8 Bahia de Conejos, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico 70989All suite beachfront hotel on the Pacific Coast - Ocean views from every room - Adults only, all inclusive....
    Commission: 10%
    399 Rooms
    63.6 miles 
     See on Map
  • hotel
    Loma Bonita 2, Fraccionamiento Bacocho, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico 71980
    Phone: 954-582-0382
    Modern Villa Hotel located in residential area, 1 mile from beach....

Fire - Piu Pro Angel Vs Hugo Veracruz Puerto