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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

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Oaxaca, Mazunte, the Zapatista village Oventic, Campeche and ... Hello dear readers. Here we come to the last but one post. The journey is in fact almost to the end. I am in Cancun, a very touristy town, where tomorrow I'll fly to ... www.dekaro.com/.../oaxaca-mazunte-the-zapatista-village-ove...

Oaxaca, Mazunte, the Zapatista village Oventic, Campeche and ...
Hello dear readers. Here we come to the last but one post. The journey is in fact almost to the end. I am in Cancun, a very touristy town, where tomorrow I'll fly to ...
www.dekaro.com/.../oaxaca-mazunte-the-zapatista-village-ove...



Oaxaca, Mazunte, the Zapatista village Oventic, Campeche and Cancun

Hello dear readers. Here we come to the last but one post. The journey is in fact almost to the end. I am in Cancun, a very touristy town, where tomorrow I’ll fly to the legendary Cuba!
Let’s recap the last few days. From San Cristobal I went to Oaxaca, a beautiful city, where I met with Ketty, a friend from my city (Benevento), and her boyfriend Gianluca. We visited Monte Alban where there are the ruins of the most important city of the Toltecs. Then we went to sea in Mazunte, a bit ‘south of Puerto Escondido. We didn’t do many baths because the Pacific, as always, was angry, but the idleness of the village wrapped up nicely.
In the next village, San Agustin, there were waves even higher (whatever Lonely Planet says), spectacular, about 3 meters, while on the beach of Zipolite seemed as if just happened a tsunami. In fact, in earlier days, the storms made big damage.
I went back to San Cristobal with Ketty and Giuanluca, and we visited Oventic, a village about an hour by road,under control of the Zapatistas. Small, there was not much to see except beautiful murals on wooden houses praising the EZLN and the revolution.
After, I left Ketty and Gianluca, and to break the journey from Chiapas to the Yucatan I stopped one day in Campeche, a tidy city, with colorful houses, a beautiful promenade, and walls and bastions built after countless pirate attacks.
And finally in Cancun, I’ve already been here fifteen years ago and walking I can’t figure out if I remember it or if I confuse with other tourist cities made ​​with the same stencil, perhaps in a another continent or planet. Of nice there is only the sea, even the beaches are almost all fake, the sand brought from elsewhere. Another problem: to get to the beach often I had to pass through luxurious hotels full of rich gringos(*).
(*) ”Gringos” is the way in Mexico and Central America the U.S.A citizens are called. Comes from “green go” addressed to the marines.

The church of Chamula, near San Cristobal, one of the most evocative places visited during this trip. Inside, the syncretism between the Catholic religion and the ancient Mayan traditions is evident. Unfortunately it was forbidden to take pictures.
Dark, bare of decorations – the only are large flakes of colored cloth hanging from the ceiling. The floor is covered with pine needles and candles, around which sit and pray the faithful, some with chickens to be sacrificed. All around, tables with candles and statues of saints, often dressed in bright colors. There isn’t the altar and the place of honor, top center, is occupied by St. John, because the city is San Juan de Chamula. Even Jesus is in a position less visible, on the left.
Then, just before leaving San Cristobal, I saw in the museum of Mayan medicine that these rituals have very specific rules, such as the number and color of candles to light depending on whether it is to cast the evil eye, the envy, some disease or illness, etc… Rituals that have been handed down orally for thousands of years.

The entrance to the church.

Storm.

Natives.

Oaxaca street.

Fruit.

Inside Oaxaca market.

Oaxaca market.

Monte Alban, near Oaxaca. For over a millennium was the most important city of the Toltecs. Founded around 500 BC, reached in the early centuries AD a population between 15,000 and 30,000 inhabitants. It was abandoned around 750 A.D.

Ketty on the south steps of Monte Alban.

The monastery of Apostle Santiago, near Oaxaca. Beautiful, but unfortunately without roof, they never finished it!

The Mazunte beach, near Puerto Escondido. The wave almost to my room.

Better another beer with friends, there’s always time for swimming.

Again in San Cristobal. Three old ladies.

The sign in front of Oventic, the village under Zapatista control.

At the entrance the Zapatistas ask general information. Sometimes they take the passport during the visit and ask questions to see what is known of the EZLN. To me, Ketty and Gianluca asked only name, nationality and profession, and few minutes later we were in.

The Zapatistas take their name from Emiliano Zapata, a leader of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

Woman and child.

Zapatist primary school.

A little girl of the village.

Another little girl.

Happiness does not come by itself, let’s walk to it!

Sculpture in front of Campeche cathedral.

Campeche street.

Cloud, Campeche.

See you next time for the last episode!



Lluvia Drops Keep Falling


Lluvia Drops Keep Falling

Lluvia (JU-VEE-AH) is the Spanish word for rain – something you will learn quickly in Veracruz.

Former Hurricane Ernesto is now Tropical Storm Ernesto. Here 45 miles inland from the coast we usually get little wind from the tropical storms – but lots of rain.
Most of the east side of Mexico is covered by Ernesto.  Puerto Escondido too – mucho lluvia!
We have had some power failures. To Megacables credit the Internet has been available after each ‘event’ for the most part.
Movies to watch and popcorn in bed interspersed with some Olympic events.
Tomorrow morning come rain or shine Mexico versus Brazil for the futbol final.
GO MEXICO!
Shine or Rain – Stay Tuned!


Puerto Escondido - Biiiiggggggggg !!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

MAP OAXACA


Training in Puerto Escondido: Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums I'll be living down in Puerto Escondido January/February/a bit of March to do some medical work, and having never been there before, I have no idea what the ... forum.slowtwitch.com/.../Training_in_Puerto_Escondido_P41...

Training in Puerto Escondido: Triathlon Forum: Slowtwitch Forums
I'll be living down in Puerto Escondido January/February/a bit of March to do some medical work, and having never been there before, I have no idea what the ...
forum.slowtwitch.com/.../Training_in_Puerto_Escondido_P41...




Dr.TriRunner 

Aug 12, 12 15:50

Post #1 of 6 (134 views) 
Training in Puerto EscondidoQuote | Reply

Hola!

I'll be living down in Puerto Escondido January/February/a bit of March to do some medical work, and having never been there before, I have no idea what the city and training there is like. A quick google search tells me the gym situation consists of about 2 options, neither of which are very extensive. In the past this whole "what am I going to do to workout" issue has never even crossed my mind, as I have always been able to just run. Unfortunately, a few surguries and a 9 inch plate (plus a mini hardware store of screws) has taken running out of the cards.

SO, that being the case I was wondering if anyone has:

- been down there for vacation
- is a snow bird and lives down there during the winter
- knows any triathletes down there who would be up for training?

I'm really curious as to what the roads are like... considering I'll be down there for a long enough time, shipping a bike down is an option. I know that the beach of Zicatela is famous for surfing and they hold an international competition every year. I'm hoping I'll find a beach quiet enough for some solid OWS? Other than that I thought of maybe trying to contact a hotel and see if they'd let me pay to use their pool for the 2+ months? (I'm staying with a local family.)

Any other ideas?

-Erika
_____

Find your limits and exceed them.
http://www.drtrirunner.com
Sponsored by http://www.gearandtraining.com - use code "ES32" for 20% off + free shipping on orders over $150

monty 

Aug 12, 12 18:23

Post #2 of 6 (116 views) 
Re: Training in Puerto Escondido [Dr.TriRunner] [In reply to]Quote | Reply

Learn how to surf as fast as you can. Some of the knarliest barrels on the planet there. Running will be ok, but cycling will be very dangerous. I would take a mountain bike if i were you, and maybe a trainer for your tri bike. 

kathy_caribe 

Aug 12, 12 18:45

Post #3 of 6 (108 views) 
Re: Training in Puerto Escondido [Dr.TriRunner] [In reply to]Quote | Reply

I know a guy who lives there and if you ever head over to QRoo I'll show you around but I don't think I'd have to go very far out on a limb to say your best bet for finding a triathlete would be when you change planes in DF (assuming). I highly doubt you'll find any triathletes there. Aca definitely, DF for certain. I'm also guessing you're not going to find much in the way of roads. Down here you have the libre and the cuota and that's about it. Even over here in QRoo we have just the carretera so all the rides are the same - just depends how far down the carretera you go.
http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com 

(This post was edited by kathy_caribe on Aug 13, 12 7:36)

Longboarder 

Aug 12, 12 19:05

Post #4 of 6 (100 views) 
Re: Training in Puerto Escondido [Dr.TriRunner] [In reply to]Quote | Reply

Like Monty the first thing I thought of was great waves and surfing. I don't know about training down there but good luck.

Might want to take up surfing. Check this.

http://www.google.com/...biw=1024&bih=672

Train safe & smart
Bob

Dr.TriRunner 

Aug 13, 12 13:45

Post #5 of 6 (62 views) 
Re: Training in Puerto Escondido [monty] [In reply to]Quote | Reply

Thanks for the advice guys. Sounds like I'm going to surfing school! :)

Now I just have to hope that my host family has a hot son to teach me how.........

:D
_____

Find your limits and exceed them.
http://www.drtrirunner.com
Sponsored by http://www.gearandtraining.com - use code "ES32" for 20% off + free shipping on orders over $150

craigj532 

Aug 13, 12 14:18

Post #6 of 6 (50 views) 
Re: Training in Puerto Escondido [Dr.TriRunner] [In reply to]Quote | Reply

Zicatela is a south swell spot, so there probably won't be any real big surf in January, February, or early March. 

Pescado Asado. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.


Pescado Asado. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. 
ZoomInfo
Pescado Asado. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. 

PUERTO ESCONDIDO OAXACA, INFORMATION IN ENGLISH, PART 1.

PUERTO ESCONDIDO OAXACA, INFORMATION IN ENGLISH, PART 2

Campaign urged to clean up Puerto Escondido lagoon By Tony Richards on August 10, 2012 Updated August 12, 2012


Campaign urged to clean up Puerto Escondido lagoon

Updated August 12, 2012
Water in the lagoon has been dirtier than normal recently.
Water in the lagoon has been dirtier than normal recently.Ken Hawes | El Sol de la Costa
A campaign is getting under way in Puerto Escondido to clean up the lagoon between Playa Principal and Playa Marinero. Local lawyer Adolfo Martínez Cárdenas told El Sol de la Costa that a story that appeared in last month’s edition of the magazine was the motivation needed to address improvements to an important part of the city.
In the story that described the friendship between a woman who lives near the lagoon and a crocodile she named Alcatraz writer Ken Hawes also told how the lagoon is known by several names: Hepatitis Hole, Shit Creek and Botulism Bay. According to Google Maps, the lagoon is named, or perhaps misnamed, Laguna de Agua Dulce.
Martinez Cárdenas said he has been in contact with state authorities and they have indicated that there are funds available to conduct an ecological study. But first there needs to be a show of support from the community.
In spite of the condition of the lagoon it is home to various species of wildlife, such as cranes, egrets and other birds, as well as fish and crocodiles.
When advised that there is interest in mounting a campaign to clean up the lagoon, Hawes offered his support in communicating what needs to be done. He also noted that the neighbors of the lagoon, referred to in his story, have already lobbied local officials to prohibit the disposal of wastewater upstream.

Pacific Coast Mexico / Puerto Escondido Date taken - Thu 16th Aug '12 (9:00am)






Keegan Gibbs – Blog Right At Dawn


Keegan Gibbs – Blog

Right At Dawn

Posted in Beach CulturefriendsPhotographypublishedPublished WorkSurfingTravel by Keegan on August 20, 2012
Almost a year ago, a good friend of mine had just finished writing his novel called “It’s Really A Story of The Weather,” a story of a young man, leaving behind his life in Los Angeles for the chase of big waves, adventure, love and solidarity deep into the heart of Mainland Mexico. I read the story, and instantly felt attached, personally as a surfer who has felt the need for big barrels, but more so, the yearn for adventure and finding the unknown.
After some discussion, we came up with an idea to visualize the story. We would work together in breaking down the novel and shoot a photographic interpretation of his book, allowing the words and photos to walk the audience through the story together as separate elements, each with their own power but with the same goal.
We are releasing the book in 21 chapters online, at  www.RightAtDawn.com each week a new chapter will be released and the story further told.
Please, check out the site, read along, check out our instagram where we are also posting a single photo and excerpt every morning, and let us know what you think.
Thank you
Keegan  -   Right At Dawn

Sequence of Greg Long on a monster left in Puerto Escondido Photos: Caca Neves

SURF WIRE
August 16, 2012


Sequence of Greg Long on a monster left in Puerto Escondido

  Photos: Caca Neves
Check out the sequence online.

Puerto Escondido serves up a large-scale encore for Wave of the Summer

SURF WIRE
August 20, 2012


Puerto Escondido serves up a large-scale encore for Wave of the Summer


By: Mike Cianciulli
Two months of not-a-whole-lot quickly turned around into two weeks of giant beachbreak. After early August's bombing swell, those chargers stationed at Playa Zicatela - both local and visitors - got a second helping of some serious South Pacific juice.

"I thought the swell was gonna be smaller than the last one but I was fully surprised on Wednesday morning when it was already 10-foot," Puerto resident photographer Edwin Morales admitted. "Right then, we knew the bombs were on their way. The level of performance was crazy during the first swell, but this last one was ever crazier."

And just like that a slew of Wave of the Summer entries washed in. Enjoy the highlights.

Want U Back - Cher Lloyd

el chale pochutla oaxaca

Panama Sportfishing, Property of Paradise and Addictive Angler

Taking the plunge in Huatulco, Mexico Posted by Michele on Aug 20, 2012 in Destinations, Eco-travel, Travel Tips | 0 comments


Taking the plunge in Huatulco, Mexico

Posted by  on Aug 20, 2012 in Destinations
Taking the plunge in Huatulco, Mexico
Compared to swimming with dolphins, swimming with sardines probably doesn’t rank high on the lifetime bucket list for most people. But, as I plunged headfirst into a school of thousands of the graceful acrobats, I realized the tiny silver fish had its own special charms. They shape-shifted from a shadowy cloud into a shimmering ribbon of silver that swirled around my body like a wisp of fine silk. Then, moving in unison, they morphed again – this time into a blanket that blocked out the sunlight and threw the coral reef into darkness.

Secluded Chachacual Bay, accessible only by boat, is considered one of the most beautiful bays
An 18-km coastline with 36 beaches, a wealth of dive sites and  a varied underwater scene are just a few of the outdoor experiences Huatulco offers. Our group of eight snorkellers and three crew members of Hurricane Divers, were anchored offshore at San Agustin Beach, a western bay in the Bahías de Huatulco area on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Located an hour by boat and a $15 cab ride from the luxury hotel zone of Tangolunda Beach, San Agustín Beach is relatively deserted, apart from a few seafood palapas (thatched huts).  It flanks Huatulco National Park, a 119 sq. km. ecological reserve  at the base of the Sierra Madre Sur.
With calm waters and underwater visibility of up to 18 metres, even novices can spot florescent damsel fish, spiny black sea urchins and eels ducking through the crevasses of the coral reef.

A trio of snorkellers readies to jump into the waters at San Agustin Bay
“We saw humpbacks here last week,” said Ken Gray, our tattooed, platinum-haired dive master.
Even more untouched than San Agustín, our next stop Chachacual Bay , is accessible only by boat. Upon arrival, the crew laid out an al fresco lunch while we floated in shallow waters bursting with blue-spotted coronet fish and yellow-tailed sturgeon. Refreshed by the clear waters, we planted ourselves on the white sand to enjoy grilled steak arranchera, spicy adobo chicken and fresh papaya salad.

Snorkellers enjoy the enticing offshore reef that lies just below water’s surface at Cacaluta Bay
Next up  was Cacaluta Islandwhere a coral plate stretches for 300m at depths of between 2 to 12 metres. The marine life is so abundant and the coral so colourful, it’s known as Las Jardines or the gardens.
“Watch for strings of gas bubbles escaping from between the rocks on the bottom” said Gray, as we anchored in open water. “You may find sea turtles and Nurse Sharks resting in the gaps in the coral.”
Deciding to drip-dry for a few stops, I soaked up the panorama of sun and sea. Manta rays leaped above the water’s surface and plumes of crystal spray shot out of a nearby blowhole. No other boats were in sight.
“Where is everybody?” I asked.
“Huatulco is out of the way for many people,” shrugged Gray.
Located in the southern state of Oaxaca, it’s 185 km south of Acapulco and closer to Guatemala than major Mexican cities. Yet its isolation doesn’t mean roughing it. Much like Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, Huatulco was identified as a prime site for tourism development by Fonatur, the Mexican government agency. A massive injection of cash created an impressive infrastructure of wide boulevards, luxury marinas, golf courses and a modern sewage treatment system. Yet it remains surrounded by stretches of unchecked wilderness.
“They learned from earlier overbuilding mistakes and imposed development restrictions,” said Gray.
With flights to Huatulco increasing, the region’s peaceful seclusion may not last long. But for now, the beaches and clear blue waters are free of crowds.
Unless you count the sardines.
If You Go
Hurricane Divers is located in Santa Cruz harbour and offers deep-sea fishing in addition to dive and snorkel excursions for half and full days.
The snorkelling tour is offered from Tuesdays through Friday. Book at least two or three days in advance.
Download the Puerto Escondido Travel Essentials mobile app for more tips on day trips from Puerto Escondido