by vagabondette on May 17, 2009
When I rolled up to Jose’s Campground I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t a party. Jose (Joe) a Canadian who has lived in the area for about 30 years was hosting a retirement party for a friend of his and the joint was jumping.
After showing me to my cabin (150 MXN/night with 1 queen bed and 1 twin along with a private porch) I was invited to join the party and it was a night to remember. With live music, more cerveza than I knew what to do with and some darn good food, there wasn’t much to complain about.
The guests were very welcoming of the random American dropped into their midst and made me very welcome even giving me lessons on how to eat like a Mexican. The guest of honor - a rather tipsey man in his late 50s - seemed to take a particular shine to me and invited me to dance several times which, by the end of the night was more stumble than salsa.
The rest of my nights were much more quiet but if you happen to be there when Jose is throwing a party, hold on to your hat because it’ll be quite a ride.
Jose’s might not be the most convenient hotel since it’s not right on the beach (it’s 2 blocks away) and it’s about a 10 minute walk from town but the price is definitely right and it was nice having a private cabin. Their showers were also some of the best I’ve had since I’ve been in Mexico with actual real water pressure. You also can’t beat being able to walk out your front door and pick a fresh mango for breakfast.
by vagabondette on May 16, 2009
After weeks upon weeks in cities I decided it was time to get off the beaten track a bit. While at the party in Tuxtla I was told about the tiny coastal town of Puerto Arista and I decided it sounded like just the ticket.
Puerto Arista, is located on the Pacific coast and is ideal if you’re looking to just get away. While I was there, I had the beach to myself during the day - aside from the occasional fisherman - and in the evenings would be joined by a few families who would come out and play in the waves during sunset.
Fresh seafood is the main cuisine in town and is served at a variety of similar looking palapa topped restaurants all facing the beach. Slide your feet into the sand while downing a cold corona, some fresh shrimp and watching the sunset - it’s not a bad way to spend the evening.
However, if you’re looking for nightlife, this is not the place to be. I was the only person in most of the restaurants I visited and I would rarely see others when walking to/from my hotel. It picks up a bit on the weekends and during Mexican holidays but I imagine it’s pretty much always a sleepy little town.
If you need modern conveniences like TV, Internet, shopping, etc. it’s also probably not for you as there is a single place to access the internet and I didn’t see a TV. There are also not really any markets, just stalls along the side of the road that sell incidentals.
If you’re looking for a spot for swimming, PA is not the place. While the water is warm and clean and shallow, there is a wicked rip tide that can make standing, much less swimming, treacherous.
Getting there: You can take a first or 2nd class bus and then you grab a shared taxi (mine held 6 adults and 2 kids) for 15 MXN to the coast. They’ll drop you either in the center of “town” or for an extra 10 MXN will drop you at your hotel.
