First Coffee Fiesta in Cuzalapa 2016

Primer festival del café Cuzalapa 2016

Color de la Tierra. Cuzalapa.

By: Rafael Luna  

14 / Jan / 2016 Cuautitlan, Jalisco. (LF) The  20 and 21 February is when Cuzalapa indigenous community in the municipality of Cuautitlan, will have it's First Coffee Festival. Coordinator, Zuleima Hernández Rodríguez said the main objective is to show the work of the organization "Color de la Tierra", comprised of mainly indigenous women since 2001 when it was organized to process and market the coffee. This association is directly involved in supporting and planning the event.

He added that at the regional level is still much unknown potential of the collective and its products, which are purchased mainly by foreigners, while the local population seems to be little interested in buying them, which is why it is intended to disseminate it to increase its marketing.

Hernández Rodríguez said they are only missing some details but said that the program is expected to be cultural with Nahuatl activities. There will be guided tours by the coffee zones and other areas where hiking is interesting.

Also included in the First Coffee Festival in Cuzalapa, an exhibition sale of gastronomic and craft products made by the same organization sustainably exploiting natural resources. Added to this will be the participation of local merchants selling products typical of the area.

Lectures and demonstrations of coffee processing in its various derivatives will also be provided, as well as an artistic event with local talents among other activities that will be announced shortly with the publication of the official program.

Currently the organization " The Color of the Earth"  not only produces coffee, among its products are raw from Manantlán, derived from corn, cactus, the scores of Mojote food,  Chaya and different fruits is, besides clothes to wear among other products.

This organization keeps the purpose for which it emerged that is to address the socio-economic crisis and improve environmental situations, working in the preservation of biodiversity.

Development of Louis Vuitton in Tomatlan

Development of Louis Vuitton in Tomatlan, ready in 2017

Denisse Covarrubias UN1ÓN   03/01/2015

A complex of three hotels, a golf course and marina, the integrated tourism development that currently being built by Louis Vuitton on the beaches of Tomatlan, Jalisco, and will be completed in 2017.

The construction of the development of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, the luxury Cheval Blanc, was the first to start operations in January in the area of Costalegre, and in the end of it, will do the Four Seasons and One & Only the Rasaland group, in the first and second half of the year, as revealed by the head of the State Tourism Secretariat, Enrique Ramos Flores.

In its first stage, will be $ 150 million which the brand Louis Vuitton invest in the project Tomatlan, that amount to be added corresponding to the other two tourist developments not yet been revealed.

Along with these works of private initiative, the road from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo is being expanded, in addition to the Government of Jalisco and is in negotiations with its federal namesake for enabling and equipping of the airstrip Chalacatepec.

Development of Louis Vuitton in Tomatlan

Free trips to the Costalegre to promote tourism

22 / Dec / 2015 Costalegre, Jalisco. (LF)  The Tourism Ministry will implement the program Free Tours, an initiative that seeks to bring the tourist destinations outside the metropolitan area of Guadalajara Jalisco who wish to know the state. Therefore, from this Friday until December 29, 14 routes to 10 different destinations in the State will be made. Among the destinations is the Costalegre.

The Ministry of Tourism regarded as tourist destinations, areas  Costalegre , Ciudad Guzman, Talpa de Allende, among other things. In addition, it is anticipated that this program an economic impact in the places visited is generated and thus to support the tourism service providers and community visited.

SECTURJAL REALIZA RECORRIDOS GRATUITOS A LA COSTALEGRE PARA FOMENTAR EL TURISMO

ARROYO SECO: A PARADISE FOR SURFERS

A cool article with fotos and a video. It's in Spanish but translates pretty well with Google.

Then what are we going? -a red truck loaded with surfboards, kiteboards, tents and photographic equipment should not leave much doubt, but either way was right answer. Mau is one of the national champions of kiteboarding, and also very good surfer. As we said we were headed to Arroyo Seco we were above the car, but never explained anything.

We just buy the housing and we are trying to photograph the sea strength from within, what we seek is a wave. It is not what is, but what can have- replied explaining the plan, or what we would do in the absence of this. A tide was coming and could bring big waves with her. Arroyo Seco is a secret gem of the surfer community of Jalisco and was a good place to try to find her.

ARROYO SECO: UN PARAÍSO PARA LOS AMANTES DEL SURF EN JALISCO

Hotelito Desconocido is Narco money laundry

The Attorney General's Office (PGR) said one hotel in the town of  La Cruz de Loreto , municipality of Tomatlan, Jalisco is listed in the Treasury of the United States as one of the companies the criminal organization  Los Cuinis uses to launder money and have their meetings.

The Hotelito is identified as a boutique hotel located in Tomatlan, Jalisco which is marketed to wealthy tourists seeking seclusion in a pristine environment. It also uses the front of being a turtle sanctuary which it may be. 

EN TOMATLÁN, PGR ASEGURÓ EL “HOTELITO DESCONOCIDO”

Los Cuinis: The Wealthiest Narcos You Never Heard Of

MEXICO CITY – A hotel in Jalisco, a state in western Mexico, used to launder money and as a meeting place for drug traffickers has been seized, the Attorney General’s Office said.

The Hotelito Desconocido was being used as a business enterprise to move funds through the financial system, the AG’s office said.

The hotel is in La Cruz de Loreto, a town outside the city of Tomatlan.

Hotelito Desconocido offered temporary housing, food and other services.


The property was seized in response to a request from the Finance and Public Credit Secretariat, and as part of an intelligence-sharing operation with the United States, the AG’s office said.

Authorities Seize Hotel in Mexican Money Laundering Case

La playa de Corrales

Translated from a tourism article so it's a little corny but some very nice pictures. I've only been as far as Tehuamixtle and would like to go to Corrales some day. This whole area may be new to some of you.

In the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco, 58 kilometers from El Tuito, Corrales Beach is located.

Los Naranjitos, Mayto, Tehuamixtle and other beaches are located on the coast. Corrales is the last beach that can be reached by land.

Nearly an hour from El Tuito, this beach Corrales receiving visitors who make their way between the mountains to reach its spectacular bay. The sandy beach is ideal for camping in tents. Visitors are advised not to leave garbage at the site.

In the village, where President Porfirio Diaz early last century ordered the construction of a maritime lighthouse, fishermen will offer fresh live seafood.

Undoubtedly, in the gentle ocean waves walkers can enjoy a experience unparalleled wrapped by the natural beauty that surrounds the beach. Visit Corrales and its beach is a ecotourism experience that offers the tourist area of Costalegre.

La playa de Corrales

Professional Papaya growing

Papayas in El Tule - Tomatlan

You don't often see papaya trees loaded like this. We had a huge papaya orchard a few blocks away a few years ago but there were never half as many fruits per tree. Ours has since been cut down and has grown peppers and tomatoes ever since. Kids would steal a few and sell them .... yum.

The papaya production of Jalisco has benefited from the export of this fruit, albeit indirectly, as sales abroad is carried out through a Monterrey marketer who also it distributes in domestic market. 

Mexico, as a country, is the world leader in exports of papaya, taking the United States as the main destination of sales. 

The Jalisco coast, especially in the Municipality of Tomatlan, the largest harvest of this fruit in great demand in the Mexican diet is registered, and has adapted well to the tropical climate of this region, especially the variety known as Maradol. In addition, it has been very favorable seed of high genetic quality that, on average, pays off 100 tons per hectare.

Semana Santa Warnings from Civil Protection

With unusually large surf for the last few days and the festivities of Semana Santa -- Civil Protection recommends that people take their precautions before entering into any body of water, watch the children and not swimming after eating food or alcoholic beverages.

Warnings come after a drowning in Arroyo Seco and a rescue in Perula and a rescue in Melaque

Arroyo Seco beach

Civil Protection Lifeguard

Surfing Calechosa

Also known as Ranchito Beach, Costalegre Jalisco

Surf was large here in Melaque and I thought I'd take a chance on going to Ranchito beach to see what was up and check out the new development called Calechosa Bay.  The road has been improved a bit and three buildings on the property have been started but have a long way to go.  Roy's house is looking good beyond the development and I remember when he was just living in a trailer waiting for the Ejido to let him build.

The surf was pretty good but the wind was starting to come up from offshore around noon.  Probably better in the mornings.  This is the first time I've seen any surfers there.  The beach is rocky and difficult to exit and enter.  That's why the one guy shown is entering off the rocks on the point.   Took him quite awhile to decide when to jump.

Getting ready to jump

Cuastecomate in the background

Another try for Chalacapetec

The New Cancun on the Costalegre failed

Here comes another rape of the coast

Louis Vuitton seeks to build super luxury hotel in Jalisco

The French brand Louis Vuitton is eyeing to build a tourist development in Jalisco .

If approved its construction would be in the Costalegre region with an investment of $ 150 million in its first stage and have one requirement: Chalacapetec airport is completed.

"The company Louis Vuitton has within its consortium a section of hotels and will be signing in the coming weeks an agreement", said Enrique Ramos, Secretary of Tourism of Jalisco.

AIRPORT

The Tourism Ministry recognizes that Chalacatepec Airport - is located between Punta Careyes and Pérula in Costalegre-, has become a priority to concluding in a timely manner and thereby increase tourism.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

The hotel would be super luxury, including a golf course and villas. His previous hotels are built on a concept of elegance, comfort and refinement.

Louis Vuitton busca edificar hotel de súper lujo en Jalisco

Viveros de la Costa - Emiliano Zapata

We went up to the beach in Arroyo Seco which is not far from Emiliano Zapata.  We combined the two last Sunday along with a stop at the Asi Azul restaurant across the street. I've passed by a number of times but never really noticed it but have heard of it. It's about the last place on the north side of town

A great old guy that seems to run it and he'll talk to you about ideas you may have; size, speed of growth, fertilizer, soil, etc. They also have a great garden soil for sale that looks to be mostly shredded coco shells.

I came back with a Carambola (star fruit), a Chico Zapote (Sapote) and an avocado that is supposed to do well on the coast. Also two Sisus vines that are like Ivy. Prices aren't much cheaper than I find in the Melaque area but the place is so large you have a much better selection. There were two pickup trucks filling up with like 40-50 of the same plants making me think they supply the local hotels.

VIVEROS DE LA COSTA Tel: (315) 351 0711
Km 41, Carretera Federal 200, Emiliano Zapata, Jalisco

What you see from the highway

It goes on

... and on

... and on

Young Buganvilla

Conagua unfinished works on the Marabasco

Conagua works could cause the river Marabasco to overflow

Marabasco, Manzanillo, Colima, June 8.

The National Water Commission (Conagua) left unfinished works of dredging and construction of containment walls of the Marabasco river on the border between Jalisco and Colima. That leaving a potential overflow condition. Also an unannounced section was narrowed by more than 80 meters of the channel walls causing a bottleneck.

The Natural Disaster Fund (Fonden)(Hurricane Jova related) allocated the amount of 265 million pesos for an estimated duration of six months work. However, the machinery stopped operating a little over three weeks ago.

On a tour of the area, we can see that in a stretch of river work was not announced, which adds to the unjustified reduction of the channel width.  While the start of the work respected its 125 meter wide channel, four miles downstream it is reduced to 20 meters with curved sand walls.

"This risk is a result of the lack of state coordination of a single unit, which is Conagua. This is a clear case of how a government work endangers the inhabitants of the area, it's ridiculous what they did, with the 125 meters wide runway reduced to 20 meters, such stupid things are not necessary and not the first", said Alfredo Cuarón, incharge of the area.

Protesters have delivered a letter to the governor of Colima, Mario Anguiano Moreno, to make arrangements with the Conagua to finish the work and redo the work of the curve of the river, to better protect the land on Colima and Jalisco sides.

So far they have received no response to the letter that was delivered just over a week ago.

Obras de Conagua podrían provocar el desbordamiento del río Marabasco

Rodolfo Paz - Tenacatita Visionary

El Amarillo

by Carlos Tello Diaz

In the fifties, Rodolfo Paz Vizcaino had a dream: to found a city in the middle of nowhere which would become the tourist destination that the country needed. This is the tale of his dream, the story of a person who had everything and ended up with nothing. 

“I remember him in a dark grey suit and with gold teeth.” This is how a reporter described El Amarillo when he met him in jail, where he lived full of illusions. He told the reporter, “You are the man that my masterpiece needs. Do you know what it is? It’s the most extraordinary, the largest, and the most unique work that a single man has undertaken. I want to create a city! A marvelous city, where there’s no room for sadness or worries, the most beautiful in the world.” In the winter of 1960, Rodolfo Paz Vizcaino waited in cell 83 at the L block in the federal prison in Mexico City. It was Christmas Eve and he was depressed. He was lamenting that the bathrooms were “excessively dirty and the prisoner’s uniforms were old and tattered.” Paz had just been detained for writing bad checks in Guadalajara. He was still the owner of one of the most beautiful properties on the coast of Jalisco; but he didn’t want to sell his land, not even to get out of jail, because he was still blinded by the vision which had struck him decades ago, of building the most beautiful city in the world on Tenacatita bay. The people called him El Amarillo after the character from Augustín Yañez’s novel La Tierra Prodiga, a character Paz inspired and claimed as his own. In prison he wrote to the judge: “I’m attaching the book, or novel, La Tierra Prodiga, so that you, the judge, see part of my life.” This is how reality imitates fiction. 

Rodolfo Paz Vizcaino was a native of southern Jalisco. He was born in the municipality of Tonaya, one of the poorest in the state.“He was a campesino,” affirmed José Rogelio Alvarez, who headed the colonization of the coast of Jalisco during the government of Yañez. “I knew him in 1953 when he would have been about forty years old. He had to have been born around 1910 or 1915.” El Amarillo hardly began as a colonizer; he had been a rancher since his youth, but he had made his money selling goods between the coast and the highlands. He lived between Sayula and Purificación, in southern Jalisco. 

The rest of the Rodolfo Paz story

Summer drive down Highway 200

Just a few pleasant pictures of the drive down Highway 200 along the Costalegre. It's really beautiful when it's green like this and should stay this way until November and maybe even December. It just depends on the rains.

Be advised that the rain bring green to the countryside but also pot-holes and occasional rock slides in the roadway. It's a sane 3.5 hours from Puerto Vallarta to Melaque if you don't spend too much time looking at all that's available.

Highway 200 on the Costalegre, Jalisco Mexico

Melaque Skim 2010

2010 skimboard contest in Melaque, Jalisco, Mexico Video

Privatization of Jalisco beaches

Despite federal regulations against privatization of beaches in Mexico more and more are being closed for private resort developments. This is not only happening in Jalisco but all up and down the west coast.

Here is one persons response to a private property sign posted in El Tecuan

Sea turtle comes ashore

Sea turtle comes ashore to lay eggs in Arroyo Seco, Jalisco Mexico - Costalegre

A sea turtle crawled up the beach into the middle of a large group of Easter Week vacationers in Arroyo Seco

Walking Tour of El Tuito

El Tuito, Costalegre, Jalisco Mexico

El Tuito

Located south of Puerto Vallarta lies the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, marking the southernmost point of Banderas Bay. El Tuito, its capital, is a small town (population less than 4,000) located approximately 1,085 meters above sea level. Its name derives from the ancient Náhuatla language spoken by the Aztecs and means “little beautiful valley.” As you drive into town, you will be immediately taken by the uniformity of its buildings, painted with a mixture of local clays that gives their walls a unique orange tinge. Cottage industries abound, from organic coffee and artisan cheese to raicilla, the local moonshine, not available legally until very recently.

Just barely considered part of the Costalegre, this inland town near Tomatlan lies along Highway 200. It's easy to miss and one that I have missed until our trip to Tehuamixtle out on the coast. I will definately make time for a few hours in El Tuito on my next Vallarta trip.

Buildings around the plaza

Buildings around the plaza

Activities on the Plaza

A building on the plaza

El Tuito, Jalisco, Costalegre, Mexico

Agua Caliente

We went up the coast yesterday looking for the SPA I've heard advertised and we did and didn't find it. Agua Caliente is located just beyond the Tenacatita turnoff along Highway 200. Infact if you use the back road out of the town you towards the coast you will come out on the Tenacatita road. We went East under the bridge to the public area, found the hot springs and noticed a tent and a few people up the river. I thought they were camping so didn't bother with a foto - but it turns out that was the SPA. It was confirmed when I found another travel-log website with pictures.

The public area would work just as well (and save you $60) but you need a shovel to dig out a hole you can sit or lie in. Some spots are hot enough to burn and there is a strong sulphur smell.

Link to the SPA website (notice no fotos but some Info)
Puresa Spa

The river with hot springs along the bank

Looking up the river towards the Spa

Some of the discoloration from the sulfur waters

Agua Caliente, Costalegre, Jalisco