Visitors' Comments Archive
Puerto Angel, Oaxaca
January 2001 to January 2003

Hi, we are a family from Toronto, Canada. We are trying to make contact with Polo and Mari at Restaurant Los Arrecifes. We have tried contacting them through e-mail and post but have had no response. Can anyone help? Thanks.

December 2000

December 2000

December 2000

Most of the larger places on Zipolite have rooms of sorts, though shared showers and baths are still the rule. I especially enjoyed the room above the kitchen at La Choza over in the Roca Blanco area - a great view of the beach. But since you can't make a reservation - no phones, email, etc - you have to hope for an empty room when you get there. Just remember that the walls are flimsy and may not go all the way to the roof - privacy is NOT a Zipolite tradition! But between Zipolite and Mazunte you should be able to find something more substantial than a hamaca.

John

Reply with location, rate and picture file as email attachment.

Tom

20 american a night may be up 3 or 5 dollars.

luke

ps.

the make a mean pina coloda also.

Is Posada Cañon Devata taking any reservation now? How much do they charge for a good double room? Anyone has pictures of Posada Cañon Devata? We are looking for something nice. Something like the Las Bugambilias in Oaxaca.

Suggestions for good B&B, condo or house for 4 person are appreciated.

Edward

You mention two rooms, it is for 4 persons, is it two couples ? What rates were you thinking about? you can call me at 958 4 3087 or 4 3088 for more details. or use the e mail.

Looking forward to hearing from you. the suites I rent are private, there is no sign on the property but I am located on the Panteon beach with a private access to the beach from my property.

best regards Paola Verbeek

I've read you message in your web page, and I congratulate you on the fine work you are doing. I live in Nevada US. I

have search the local databases for the son's of Mr. Sucar but I was not able to find anyone with that name (Wehby).

[http://tomzap.com/ang-cmt2.html#sons]

I decided to write you and share with you a particular site you might find helpful for your efforts, the url is as follows:

http://www.switchboard.com/ This is a site I had a great success in helping acquaintances find their lost relatives.

On another note I was born in Guanajuato which is located Next to Jellico , in a little town named San Francisco Del Rincon well not so little anymore. In any case lots of people ask me to help them find their lost relatives sometimes their son's or loved ones emigrate to the US. and they never hear from them again, as a hobby when I have time I help by searching databases locally and sometimes I get lucky and do find somebody.

Sincerely

John-Michael Mendoza

jmendoza@lockwoodmoore.com

I once tried to photograph the place once but it was impossible at the time since it was engulfed in trees.

Tom

Thanks for reply to tomzip.com. Yes we are 2 Canadian couples (4 persons). Mature adults no kids. Non Smoking. We come to this part of Mexico every year. And we are actually looking for a good place to spend some time each year in P.A. Do you have any picture of the house that you can send to me as attached files on email. Is it air conditioned? Is there any parking? How old is the house? How much do you charge? Hope to be able to see some pictures. You can reply directly to my email if you wish.

Thanks

Edward

The 19 teachers who stayed a week in Oaxaca de Juarez and a week in Puerto Angel carry with us fond memories of the hospitality, humor and "cariño´ of our Mexican hosts at Casón LLano (Oaxaca de Juarez) and Hotel Buena Vista, Puerto Ángel.. My friend and art teacher, Barbara Sneary captured the warmth of Mexico in fotos I have posted in an album found in the links at the right side of my personal page,

http://www.geocities.com/ahtaer/MI_PAPEL.html

With the easy walk to town, & 30 pesos taxi back with all our fresh chicken, tuna, snapper, camarones, chiles, papayas, fresh tortillas all from the market right in puerto angel. I went to the market a few times (mon.&wed.fresca days) in Pochutla, and bank [http://www.tomzap.com/pochutla.html]. Easy access to Zipolite via trail, (not after dark, too many dogs) went out in Byron's boat from Playa Panteón and came eyeball to eyeball with a mother orca and her baby. A few trips to San Augustinillo, great beach for swimming, safe, quiet, friends were staying in palapas very reasonable. One trip only to Manzute. Christmas Eve dinner at hard time pizza (no comment). Wonderful dinner New years Eve, at Beto's, lobster and camarones, watched the fireworks, great atmosphere and family feel. Beto came and sat with us and brought in the new year and told us many interesting stories; his mother is an angel.

We spent many an evening with our neighbours Pedro and Paulina at Casa el Faro, they have accomodations, ideal for students and budget travelers. They don't advertise as it is there home not a hotel. There is one community room for 8 people 35 pesos per person/includes, 4 double beds, bedding mosquito nets over beds, fans, and hot water. Or 8 Hammocks with mosquito nets. 30 pesos. Weekly package deals available, includes breakfast, and dinner (great meals) order what you want ahead of time, international cuisine (including vegatarian), 4hrs. Spanish classes. 2hrs morning, 2hrs afternoon. (Paulina is an excellent teacher) also laundry done, leave it in morning, ready in eve. All this for 7 days, 1,650 pesos.

Or if you are just renting daily hammock or bed, breakfast 15 to 25 pesos, dinner 30 to 50 pesos. Satellite TV, 5 lanquages spoken, Spanish, French, German, Dutch and English. Very much a relaxed environment, safe and secure, If you are allergic to cats forget it, they have a few for pest control, great hunters. Read their guest book, everything from Rasta's to Professors. They can be reached at

Pedro and Paulina Schegg

Apartado Postal 46

70902 PTO Angle Oax.

or take a taxi from puerto angle 30 or 40 pesos.

Very tragic dissaster in San Salvidor, was wondering if anyone felt any shocks in Puerto Angel.?

Over the past 30 years I have traveled extensively in Mexico. I love the Costa Esmeralda above all other places. I've been fortunate enough to live in Mexico for two stretches of two years each. I have had one good pizza in all that time and maybe two others that were marginally edible.

Charlie Diver in Huatulco reports no shock waves there from the El Salvador quake. I was in Huatulco (underwater!) for a 7 a few years ago. The Costa Esmeralda handles terremotos better than the Costa Alegre (Colima, Jalisco).

John

I was wondering what water activities there are in Puerto Angel, such as snorkeling, fishing etc. Does anyone know any links to this information ( pictures would be nice )? Thanks in advance...

I'm planning to visit Puerto Angel and maybe also Puerto Escondido in February. We will be driving from Oaxaca, taking our time, so i don't know the exact arrival date and therefore don't want to reserve. Any favorite good cheap places? And do you think we'll have a problem w/o reservations?

would appreciate availability and rates for 2 persons. thnx

Hello everyone!

I have noticed while reading through the 'Visitors comments' section that some people are interested in buying a piece of land in Puerto Angel.

I own a 'terreno'- piece of land that I would like to sell. Its size is of 50 meters per 50 meters. 2500 m2. with nice view over the sea. It is located in a residencial part of town with direct access by car from a main street. It is only a piece of land with nice vegetation so that the buyer will be able to build the kind of house he or she likes. It is located near the University of the sea (Universidad del Mar) and in between Puerto Angel and Zipolite. Price to discuss.

If you are interested you can write to me (in English, French or Spanish) to my hotmail address listed below, and I am always available to answer any further questions you might have.

gabe_mar@hotmail.com

Thanks - Juuli

Mike and Kate Kelley

Mike and Kate Kelley

Mike and Kate Kelley

Norm

I've just been faxing with Mario and Marion. They are now charging $60 US for two for a night with two meals (breakfast and dinner) included. The place looks fantastic, with some new additions, very sound construction, and as always, beautiful everywhere. We will be heading there in March.

Louise

How mush are you asking?

If you cannot respond to this E Mail address please respond to

bauman@spersaoaxaca.com.mx

Jodi Bauman

I'm lucky that way; when I finish a lousy book, I don't feel that I've wasted my time. Perhaps mine isn't quite as precious as other's. And I'm sure those kids at that local school really get a kick out of Grisham..............how's that for taste, Bill?

Karl

Forget reservations in February. I doubt anyone will be full. Try El Almendro Posada next to Villa Florencia downtown. The Buena Vista or Hotel Puesta del Sol might be alternatives. La Posada Canon Devata is nice but a step up in price. And bring your apetite for seafood!

John

Watersports is a bit "roll-your-own" most of the time. Sometimes there is a dive shop in Hotel La Cabana, sometimes not. There's always plenty of panga and scads of people willing to take you out for fishing, snorkeling, picnicing, etc. And they need the currency, will do it very reasonably.

For sure, take your own masks, fins, and snorkel. Anyone who has to depend on a rental mask can also depend on a lot of salt water in their eyes.

If you really want to fish, go to a pawn shop and find the heaviest tackle you can lay your hands on. Go to a sporting goods store and buy the heaviest line and leaders that rod and reel can handle. Get a handful of huge hooks. You should now have about $50.00 or less invested. Take this gear with you. Negotiate with the panga owner, letting him know that the gear is his when you leave. This should get the boat price down a bit. Restaurante Cordelias in Playa Panteon may be a good place to negotiate. I've seen a local fisherman pull in a 100kg sailfish on a hand line, as amazing as that seems. He would not have been useing a handline if appropriate gear were available to him!

If you'll go to Puerto Angel in the main index and follow the watersports links, you'll find fotos and facts. But remember: this is a fishing village, not a resort.

John

I was wondering if anybody know Byron Luna, the guy who takes out people to fish and to see dolfins etc.. in Puerto Angel.. Well, I´m very anguish to have his email address. So if anybody know how to reach him, please let me know! ( He "always" hang out at "Villa Florencia" at night....

Try the Posada Rincon Sabroso.They are very reasonable and have great views of the bay..I think they have a web site. www.rinconsabroso.com

when I was in Puerto Angel (one month ago) I stayed at Gundi y Tomas, a little place where you can rent rooms or hammocks.It´s a charmy, nice and cosy place with view over the bay. It´s cheap, safe and the people are very friendly. If you go there you won`t regret it!

I forgot to tell you that "Gundi y Tomas" has a web site: www.reisen-mexiko.de

( They also have an E-mail address: gundtoma@hotmail.com )

Good luck!

Your personal safety in Puerto Angel is probably greater than in any US city. Zipolite can be a bit dicey, especially at night; especially if you are an unescorted female. But I used to walk the streets of Puerto Angel alone at 3am and never worried a bit.

Personal property security is another thing all together. Some people get mad because all Mexico considers us to be rich gringos. Hey, I've got news for you. Laws of Relativity: We ARE all rich gringos - we even own personal computers! Where "haves" meet "have nots", there will always be major league hustling and usually some theivery. Take nothing you can't live without or afoard to lose. Leave everything in hotel security. Don't leave your camera and boombox unattended on the beach while everybody gets wet. They will be gone when you return. Keep your daughters away from the professional gigolos on Playas Panteon and Zipolite. And enjoy!

John

Hey Becca, I have been a friend of Byron's for years.

They call me Chicago because that is my home. I am certain

I will see him when I go to Angel this Saturday.

Email me @ GreggK@avenew.com if you want to contact him.

I do not believe he is into email. choi choi for now

Many thanks

-Pete

I saw your email response to Culprit. We will be in Puerta Angel April 2 through 5-6 I do think we should have reservations then, don't you? We would like to be flexible but so close to Easter??? What are your thoughts? Thanks for time in responding. Patti Bess

There's no surfing right at Puerto Angel. The closest place would be Zipolite which is only about 4 miles away. The surfing at Zip. is not the best and is considered somewhat dangerous. For the best surfing in Mexico you would need to go to Puerto Escondito, which is only about an hour to the northwest of Puerto Angel and very accessable by public transportation. Surf boards are available for rent. I hope this information is of help to you.

Rich

Thanks!

I think that the last time I was in Pto Angel was around 1987, so that would be 14 years ,I think. I am now a single parent of an almost 9 year old daughter. It turns out that I will be finally returning to the Oaxaca state over spring break in March, sin mi hija. HOWEVER, I would like to return again with her. I am going to Huatulco and feel somewhat like I am bastardising things, because when I was last there I had a native fella take me when it was the tiny village of Sta Cruz, on it's last fishing legs before the development. I am going with a girlfriend and we hope to spend some time in Angel, where I really spent a lot of time.

Sometime ago I really think that I saw Suzanne's place advertised in a recent Mexico guide book, with fax, address and all. In fact I am trying to locate her myself and will try to write back. She has the- tree entwined place, right?

Buena Suerte with your sons and Mexico.

Life is a lot more like it is now then it was then, eh?

If I find Suzanne's I'll write. Will you if you do?

Jena

I wanted to get in touch with him because I was thinking of going back to P.A. later this year, and thought it would be nice to have contact with someone who lives there. I really liked Byron, so I thought this person would be him... But know I`ve decided not to go back, well not for a long time anyway, so I don`t need it anymore... Perhaps you could just tell him hello...

Haven't stayed at the Tourist Yu'us, but if you're looking for the best hotel in Oaxaca city, it's called Hotel Cazomalli. It's on the outskirts of the city at El Salto No.104 esquina Aldama, Barrio de Jalatlaco.

If you're looking to stay at Hierve el Agua, the Yu'u will be your only option. If not, at that point you're within an hour of the city.

Say HI to Mari and her family.

Our schedule is flexible! We are flexible! We are a couple travelling with a 15 month old child. Thanks

i've been to puerto angel last year, and it is very small...and cude...you can make "snorkeling", but there aren't water sports, it's very calm.But it's great if you don't want to do anything....There are no newspaper too...so imagine, but peaple are very nice, and you can make good friends.Go to the hotel Soraya, the woman there is sympathic and the hotel has fot good views.

bye.

I wish you luck and hope to see you there.

I will post an annoucement.

GreggK

I was there. The place is being run by Mateo and operated by

a caucasian named Steve. The place is clean, secure and quiet.

The meals are not macro biotic anymore(standard fair) and they

miss a meal at times. The Posada's phone # is 011.52.958.4.3137.

The rooms run from 150 to 400 pesos.

Mateo's wife(Chelli) has opened the "Galeria Cafe" below the

grade school by Mateo's house in town. The chef is a Swiss

gentleman by the name of Peter. The food is European, Seafood,

and vegetarian. The meals run from 20 to 60 pesos. I ate there

and the food was high grade but not spicey.

In Jalisco we'd often go from Barra to Melaque...or Tenacatita so that the kids wouldn't get pounded by big surf. We'd enjoy visiting different spots...and like bus rides....but in order to avoid having to 'bus-to-swim' where would you recommend ?

a) are there any suggestions on catching a bus from Acapulco to P. Angel?

b) is there a public internet access site in P. Angel?

Thanks in Advance...

-Pete

Have fun. a) yes, there is a internet place just off the pier

b) take a first class bus (Cristobol Colon) to

Pochutla(about 6 - 7 hours) then a cab.

c) the best long range swimming(by far) is in the

Bay of Puerto Angel(you will see).

d) do not miss a tour of La Posada Canon Devata

and the art work of Mateo Lopez

e) keep your passports, money, etc. in the safe

wherever you stay.

Insect Repellent

Drink bottled(2 liter or less) water ONLY.

Tums.

"La Posada Canon Devata would like to express its gratitude for so much concern from its loyal freinds and guests past and present. We apologize for any inconvenience at the time. Here is some new information and rates on the Inn. We serve good healthful food, vegetarian and traditional Oaxaquema meals: breakfast $4 and dinners $5-7 US. A double room is approximately $25US and the bungalows approximately $35-45 US. At this time reservations are only accepted one week in advance (011-52-958-4-3137). WE WILL REMAIN OPEN MAY and JUNE. The old family round house where the Lopez family once lived while building the posada now houses Mateo's studio and gallery where he displays many of his works. In the center of the pueblo his personal home is filled with more beautiful paintings. Mateo invits you to come and see and share his feelings on his works.There is a direct Mexicana Airlines flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido and the Bahias de Huatulco, either international airport being an hour north and the other an hour south of Puerto Angel by taxi. The Mexican subsidiary Aero Carribe flies the short distance over the mountain range that separates the capital city of Oaxaca from the coast. La Posada Canon Devata and Puerto Angel is a wonderful place to get away from the busy world and rest. We hope we can serve you and your friends sometime in the near future. Once again, Thank You. - Mateo and the management of Posada Canon Devata"

Take the walk from town to Estacahuite for a great snorkel.

Feel free to grab the micros to Zipolite, San Augustinillo (a great swimming spot),

Mazunte (see the turtle museum) and back.

Things do sometimes walk away on the beach. Don't carry anything with you that

you can't affoard to lose. Remember that by comparison, you ARE un rico

Americano. Make sure any cameras, boom boxes, etc. are covered by your

homeowners or renters policies!

Wanna fish? Take some tackle and negotiate with the locals for a boat ride.

When cash gets low at the end of the trip, don't forget Tio Chilos up past the post

office for bargain eats!

Thanks,

Wes

Thank you,

David

cristin

The public school system is such that the children are only able to attend half day sessions. Since Mexican public schools require parents to buy uniforms and books, and since the average income in Puerto Angel is LESS than the Mexican minimum wage of $5.00 usd per DAY, many families cannot send all of their children to school in spite of government mandates. I have one very dear friend in PA with 5 children; she sends them to school two at a time. I can garauntee none of them will ever graduate.

Much vocational instruction is done by the cooperatives. PA's fishing cooperatives tend to be a rather coarse environment.

Your skills as a teacher are needed. The money to pay you is not there. As I've said before, for every 1,000 gringos wanting to live on the Oaxacan Pacific, maybe one has made it. The other 999 of us are back in the US or Canada trying to establish a flow from the dollar economy to support us in the peso economy.

Good luck.

John

So it is a very nice gesture of you to want to protect future buyers but I would like to add that respect must come from both sides. The people who asked us info, after receiving it never even wrote back to let us know if they were still interested or not.

Anyone in Puerto Angel could tell you who we are and that we are never been or NEVER WILL BE people with bad intentions of selling something that is not fair and square. But that again is the american mentality... to think that mexicans are always out there to get you. It was, FOR ME, very deceiving to read your letter. I don't know you and frankly ... never want to.

I am Canadian and Gabriel is mexican. I personally bought a piece of land four years ago in Puerto Angel, on my own, without Gabriel and so I know the mexican laws and the risks better than you most probably. Who ever made you an expert on the subject ... would be very interesting to know!

Sincerely, to you and all other readers, Anne-Marie & Gabriel

Erin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILL Who? Noone knows. And by the way, this Bill uses someone else's internet address to write his vindictive little funny remarks! Kate Kelley, the person whose address Bill is using is not happy about Bill's little fraud! Caveat Emptor ... what the hell is that !

Whoever wrote to us at gabe_mar.com got the price. So stop bullshitting, ... Bill no last name! Everybody that wrote before you got the info that they asked for. As I recall you didn't answer the question about whoever made you an expert on buying land in Mexico?!

If you wish to extend on the subject of laws, which is an important issue here, PLEASE GO AHEAD and inform people. It will save me the time of explaining it to everybody that writes to us. MAKE YOURSELF USEFULL instead of nourishing more "chisme". And tell everybody where you get this valueable information from, how you became so knowlegeable on the subject. That is the key idea here!!! Impress us Bill !!! Go ahead!

We left our address for people to write to us and not to the whole world. The people that were really interested didn't publish their letter in this site either and that's what I respect. The internet is not in this case a sensational press as you seem to think Sir "Bill The Enquirering mind wants to know"! But obviously you don't GET IT ... and never will. So don't expect us to lose anymore time on this subject with you BILL without a last name. We will not give you the pleasure of posting the price on the net. The people who are interested can always write to us and we will tell them the price and all the info they ask for exactly as we did in the past. Don't humor us anymore. You will be losing you time and energy. But I think you like that, right?

For the rest of the readers: Letters about Puerto Angel and or the piece of land are always welcome, as before!

Anne-Marie Beauchamp & Gabriel Martinez Reyes.

surf cam) and let us know if we can be of service to you.

Thanks,

David Crews

dave@puertoconnection.com

www.puertoconnection.com

surf cam) and let us know if we can be of service to you.

Thanks,

David Crews

dave@puertoconnection.com

www.puertoconnection.com

In the original post, Ann-Marie posted an advertisement for the sale of a piece of land in PA. A number of people posted questions asking for further information, including the price. Ann-Marie chose not to respond to the posted questions, at least not on this message board. I offered the following as part of my comments, "Beware of persons seeking to sell land over the internet who refuse to provide important details, such as prices." (the balance of the comments are posted above for all to read). I also urged potential purchasers to have all documents translated from Spanish into English, prior to signing anything. Both pieces of advice are prudent and seem to only be common sense. Fraudulent sales of land and other merchandise in Mexico over the internet is not uncommon (nor is it in most other countries). I made no accusations against Ann-Marie in the comments. The term "Caveat Emptor" is well known and commonly used, the meaning ascribed to it today is "Buyer Beware."

I'd suggest that tranquilizers are the order of the day here. Ann-Marie posted, "BILL Who? Noone knows. And by the way, this Bill uses someone else's internet address to write his vindictive little funny remarks! Kate Kelley, the person whose address Bill is using is not happy about Bill's little fraud! Caveat Emptor ... what the hell is that !"

Whatever this girl is smoking, I want some! For, my e-mail address is correct (not that of someone else, it includes my last name, and is certainly not a "fraud") and she knows it, because she sent me the following e-mail (a copy of which also appears above, as a separate post):

_________________________________________________________________

"From: "Gabriel Martinez Reyes" gabe_mar@hotmail.com

To: wlmasterson@yahoo.com

Subject: selling property in Mexico !

Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 15:39:23 -0400

This is an interesting letter you wrote in the web site of Puerto Angel! There are always two sides to a story. Yes, we tried the internet to reach more people and ...for your information ... we DID GIVE the price to anyone who wrote back to ask for more info. We actually gave a whole lot of informations to everybody that wrote to us. We even went to Puerto Angel to meet with someone that was interested ... A person that never showed up. Thank you very much!

So it is a very nice gesture of you to want to protect future buyers but I would like to add that respect must come from both sides. The people who asked us info, after receiving it never even wrote back to let us know if they were still interested or not.

Anyone in Puerto Angel could tell you who we are and that we are never been or NEVER WILL BE people with bad intentions of selling something that is not fair and square. But that again is the american mentality... to think that mexicans are always out there to get you. It was, FOR ME, very deceiving to read your letter. I don't know you and frankly ... never want to.

I am Canadian and Gabriel is mexican. I personally bought a piece of land four years ago in Puerto Angel, on my own, without Gabriel and so I know the mexican laws and the risks better than you most probably. Who ever made you an expert on the subject ... would be very interesting to know!

Sincerely, to you and all other readers, Anne-Marie & Gabriel"

___________________________________________________________________

Persons seeking to use a site such as this to sell real estate should be forthcoming, and not play games by withholding price information (especially when repeated asked for it). What's the fear of letting people know the price, permitting them the opportunity to compare the price, and to independently verify the price of comparable property in PA? Secrecy is very often reason for concern. And, when the seller further states, "We will not give you the pleasure of posting the price on the net.", such a belligerent statement should cause alarm bells to ring in the heads of anyone even remotely interested in such a purchase.

Posters aren't required to post a resume or present qualifications before commenting on issues, but if it's important to Ann-Marie, my background in Mexico (in addition to considerable experience living and traveling in Mexico) is as a consultant to major Mexican accounting and law firms, large multi-national corporations, and agencies of the Mexican government. My background in the United States includes the purchase, sale, and development of real estate, and in the regulation of government oversight agencies. The value of this site is the free exchange of ideas without one person shouting down another with whom they disagree, be the contributor an street vendor or the C.E.O. of a corporation. My commenting further on the emotional attacks upon me will serve no constructive purpose, I trust the ability of people to "read between the lines."

In legitimate real estate transactions, it's in the seller's interest to be forthcoming with information, and it's in the interest of the prospective buyer to do his/her due diligence to investigate the transaction. It's the illegitimate transactions that can't survive the light of day. There may be nothing wrong with this transaction, but, based upon what I've read in this discussion thread, I would recommend people proceed with extreme caution. I think that there's more here than meets the eyes.

I apologize to the webmaster for the length of this post, but, in light of the emotional and personal attack upon me I think that I should have the opportunity to provide a response. Thanks.

Fecha: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 13:02:07 -0500

Why do I keep getting these e-mails about property in Puerto Angel? I did

not write any letter nor do I know what anyone is talking about. Thanks,

Kate Kelley

????????????????????????????????????????

I just decided to plan a trip down there and found this website. I don't know the questions to ask yet, but am enjoying reading all the posts. I lived in Cholula in the state of Puebla in 1972 and since then have travelled through Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Yucatan Penninsula a bit.

For my next trip (it's been five years..sigh) I decided not to spend so much time on long distance buses and running here and there but just find an area and hang out there. This post and other things I've read make the Puerto Angel area sound like THE place. If anyone knows of good charters from the Bay Area or even Los Angeles, CA area, in August or September I'd love to know. I'll be coming for 3-4 weeks so I don't know if that is too long for charters.

Only question I can think of now is I read there was a hot springs nearby named San Jose Manialtepec I think..anyone know anything about it..how far, etc. I adore hot springs.

Thanks!

Zoe

I'm excitedly planning a trip to Puerto Angel in August or September. I lived in Cholula in the state of Puebla for a bit many, many years ago and coming back to Mexico is like coming home. This time, instead of taking buses all over creation I decided to come to one place and pretty much stay put. From all I'm reading Puerto Angel sounds ideal..beaches and slacker paradise, but also not over-touristy so the real Mexico is missing.

Two questions: anyone know of any good charters from the Bay Area or even Los Angeles, CA? And I read somewhere about some hot springs named San Jose Manialtepec. I'm a big hot springs fan and wondered if anyone knows more about those.

Thanks,

Zoe

Your trip to San Jose Manialtepec looks like a rather complicated proposition. Check this link:

http://sites.netscape.net/pheuts/puertotodo1

or perhaps this one:

http://www.oaxaca.gob.mx/sedetur/guia/lagunas/english-lagunas-manialtepec.html

If you want to do it without a guide, you'll take the Acapulco bus about 10 miles past Puerto Escondido to the turnoff for the village. Hop off the bus there. You should find a taxi sitio at the bus stop to run you on up to the village. From there , like they say, two miles by horse or by foot up the canyon...

Good luck.

Zoe

And whenever I am able to spend a couple of weeks down there, I act like a hyperactive hummingbird (quite a trick at 6'3" 275 lbs!) and end up going back to work to recuperate!

Anyhow, we'll be down July 21 for 10 days or so. Should our paths intersect, see you there!

I keep reading about "high and low seasons". Is August considered high season for Puerto Angel? Is there a significant difference between August and September in terms of price and in terms of crowdedness? (fore instance a lot of college students in August who then are gone in September)

Zoe

I am so fickle. I have been reading about Puerto Angel and falling in love and now I have read about Mazunte and think it sounds even more lovely!

Is Mazunte more unspoiled, less crowded and cheaper?

Anyone recommend anyplace to stay there?

I'm sure I could wait till I get there in August or September and find out for myself, or spend some time in each place, but it's almost as much fun hearing about these wonderful places as going!....well, almost!

Thanks so much for this wonderful website and all you wonderful people sharing your experiences and knowledge!

Zoe

Zoe

Bus Across Mexico

Bus Across Mexico

Please check out our new web site at www.puertoconnection.com (with live

surf cam) and let us know if we can be of service to you.

Thanks,

David Crews

dave@puertoconnection.com

www.puertoconnection.com

What is the Price Gabriel?

Just a friendly warning to those entertaining the romantic notion that we have all enjoyed while captured by the magical sunsets, hypnotised by the relentless surf and pained by the memories upon our return to our homes. Of the thousands of visitors I,ve encountered over the years, VERY few have stayed and ever truly felt at home.

Good luck to all,

Karl.........you don't need my last name, but thanks for the interest.

To my knowledge, the laws on foreign ownership of land along the coast and borders of Mexico has not changed, foreigners are permitted to purchase land in these zones only so long as the transaction is placed in a fideicomiso at a local bank. Outright land purchases in the interior of the country are perfectly legal and commonly occur. If anyone has news to the contrary, I'd like to hear it.

The Huatulco airport is actually about halfway between the Bahias Huatulco resort and Pochutla/Puerto Angel. The taxi drivers have to pay a small fortune to get a license to pick up passengers at the airport. The price of the license and associated bribes is passed on to the passenger. However, the road from the airport terminal to the highway is only a half a km - quarter of a mile. Travel light, walk to the highway, turn right, and wait for the first bus. It'll get you into Pochutla for less than a couple of dollars. In Pochutla, you'll take the "micro" (small bus) into Puerto Angel for about a buck. If you take a taxi from the airport terminal to Puerto Angel, you may well spend $35.00 one way! This quarter mile walk is the easiest way to introduce you to the First Law of Mexican Travel - always take half the clothes and twice the money that you think you'll need!

Between now and December, it is the deadest part of the low season. You need no reservations. You need make no advanced purchases. Do NOT send anybody a deposit. But it's a great time to be there - you may not find many English speaking people this time of year, but as that rare bird - off-season travelor - you will get the highest possible level of service!

Tell everybody about it when you get home. And eat at least one lunch at Luncheria Tio Chilo, telling them John sent you!

Kathy

I've travelled alone on buses throughout Mexico without problems other than typical macho come-ons that were easy enough to fend off. But I think the key factor is your comfort level and if you will be anxious or uncomfortable and can afford to fly...why not?

One thing I experienced on my last trip to Mexico is that, as a woman travelling alone it was fun to hook up with others..Mexican, american and European tourists to have company. There are always people to do this with if you either feel uncomfortable alone or just want/like company.

I'm coming to Puerto Angel in August and I plan to fly straight to Huatulco(from San Francisco) simply because I feel lazy and want comfort

zoe

I'm planning my first trip down there in August. (it's been five years since my last trip to Mexico..last trip was Mexico City south to Chiapas and Yucatan). Now that I've planned to go, I CAN'T WAIT!!! (Sorry, didn't mean to get loud on you!).

I peep into this site regularly to see if there are any new posts and they are few and far between. If anyone went down to Puerto Angel over Easter or goes in the coming weeks, it would be great if they could post a traveler's tale for us to lust over!

And anyone going to be there between August 12th and September 7th I'd love to chat via e-mail ahead of time and maybe have people to meet when I go.

Zoe

I have a question. I'm coming to Puerto Angel in August for four weeks. I'm a compulsive reader, especially when I'm on vacation and away from TV and computer! I'm kind of loathe to carry enough books to keep myself happy for four weeks. Is there anywhere I can buy books in English? Perhaps Pochutla? I'll probably have to go their for an atm periodically. If not, I guess I can always beg passing English speakers to exchange old books. I did that once in Mexico and it worked ok.

Zoe

You can usually find someone on Zipolite with some books, too. Just let some folks know that you're looking, and they will come your way.

Sorry if I strayed from your topic......I was tasting that chicken.

Sorry if I strayed from your topic......I was tasting that chicken.

When your done, walk East past the other shops, the Plaza del Parque hotel, the Maria Sabina restaurant and at the end you'll find a paleta shop. Skip that one. Cross the street. Turn left and cross the street again. You will find yourself next to an exQUISit Mexican bakery. If you're ther at the right time, they'll have a row of homemade ice creams in the bucket. Ask for the Mamey. Trust me.

And as long as you're there, hang around 'til the action gets good at Bar La Crema. Meet the local folk and dance a little to that reggae beat.

I'll be there in July. Shall I tell Lalo to expect you?

Huatulco doesn't sound like my kind of place at all. Everytime I return to Mexico I have to look a little bit harder to find Mexico. I resent the heck out of tourists and their disregard for the culture and the land. There have times I've been so ashamed of my country. I know that's unfair. I know there are others who travel with respect, and still...I wish we could travel without destroying the very things we go to see!

But I'm flying into and out of Huatulco and will also pass that way on a side trip I plan to see my sponsor child in Guatamala, so I will certainly make the little suggested tour. I love to dance, and I love raggae. Is Lalo the owner of the bar? Yes, tell him a middle aged gringa with bleached spiky hair will be there in August!!

Zoe

(You do have a sense of humor, I hope - aw, ya gotta if you lived in Mexico in the '70's and have a daughter in Guatamala!)

When in Huatulco, stay out of Tangolunda - unless you just have to have an Argentine-style steak, in which case a trip to La Pampa Argentina would be acceptable. As long as you keep clear of the golden tourist cages on Tangolunda, I think you'll find the rest of Huatulco to be a pleasant surprise. Even Santa Cruz is usually a pretty cool place to be, outside of high season. Most of the really obnoxious tourists go to Tangolunda, stay All-Inclusive and stay drunk, and rarely get out and in the way. La Crucecita is mostly infrastructure for Tangolunda with a few little hotels catering more to travelors than to tourists. I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised. Especially in the off-season!

And going the other way up the coast, make sure you hit a Sunday by the river in Tonemeca. It's a great weekly fiesta!

I will add one other thing for the benefit of other women traveling alone in Mexico. I know that you don't need this advice, Zoe, since you've lived there. But the indigenous American proves his relation to Asian peoples in his lack of the gene to properly metabolize alcohol. Like the Japanese, Mexican men - especially those with predominantly Indian heritage - tend to be rather ugly drunks. A table of men with a mostly empty bottle of El Presidente is probably in a room you want to exit soon. I hope that I phrased that in a mostly inoffensive manner, but girls - Zoe can vouch for the truth in what I've said, right?

John

To be real honest, Huatulco doesn't sound like my thing all that much, but maybe someone else will benefit from the suggestions. I'll check out Tonemeca, and still plan on searching out the hot springs west of Puerto Escondido.

I absolutely second John's cautions about drinking and bars. Things can get quite out of hand pretty quickly, and can combine with stereotypes about American women to create a pretty sticky situation. Actually this can happen to women there with a partner as well, because the men will start showing off for the woman's benefit and try and out-macho her partner. When I lived there my boyfriend got into a drinking contest with some guys and they ended up pulling a knife when he told them he didn't like how they were speaking to me.

Oh, I don't have a daughter in guatamala..just a sponsor child with Childreach.

Don't sweat going alone. I'm in your demographic and go by myself all the time. You'll meet tons of people. Just smile and say hi, and before you know it you'll be sharing adventures with other interesting travelers.

There are often orphan books at hotel/restaurants. Try the restaurant at San Cristobal on Zipolite for books; not many quality ones, but I did find something readable. Canon De Vata in Puerto Angel sometimes has really good books too. Eat at Dona Sol in San Augustinillo; have a delicious meal and ask Ana, the owner, where to find books...she knows everything!

Have fun.

Joan

Actually a girlfriend of mine has decided to go with me for two out of my four weeks, and I'm having pangs of "oh no!".

Thanks for your suggestions about books and restaurants. I'm writing all this stuff down..only three months to wait..sigh

Zoe

We're taking a trip starting this Friday (CAN'T WAIT) to Oaxaca and then the coast -- can anyone please tell us about buses... i.e., where to get one to P.Angel, how much it costs, and how long it takes. Thanks!

Tamar

In Oaxaca, ask for El Terminal del autobuses del Sur.

Cristobol Colon goes through Salina Cruz and is easier on the motion sickness front.

ADO goes through San Jose del Pacifico to Pochutla. More scenic. Can be scarier.

From Pochutla you'll be on a micro - small bus. Ask anyone A Puerto Angel? and they'll point out the bus stop. Should you be offered a taxi ride, ask Collectivo? They'll stuff up to four other people in with you, but it'll only run a buck.

Oaxaca to Pochutla should only run you about $20.

Should you take the Oaxaca-Salina Cruz-Huatulco-Pochutla routing, spend a night in one of the cheap hotels around the zocalo in La Crucecita and at leasr take a look at the Huatulco development.

Take a day off a some point to see Santa Maria Huatulco.

Enjoy Zipolite.

Not to put down anyone who wants to go to these or any other places in Mexico, but I've always been a bit puzzled by people who travel to Mexico and then hide out in American tourist enclaves. When I lived in Cholula in 1972, while my boyfriend went to school at Universidad de las Americas, I noticed students there who never left the campus. The got some feeling of Mexico as do the tourists...but..ah well, we all have different needs and interest.

I just know what when my heart is called, I respond.

Zoe

Zoe

I once felt the same as you about the relative merits of Huatulco vs Puerto Angel. After all, I first saw Puerto Angel in the early '70's, when the difference between PA and paradise were too few to mention. I saw Santa Cruz Huatulco in the late '70's, before the first bulldozer blade was applied to the earth. So I do have a long background of loving Puerto Angel.

Now, my old partner in PA was a native of Santa Maria Huatulco. And you've gotta admit, Carlos, that if it weren't so far from the beach, Santa Maria has it over Puerto Angel about nine ways from Sunday. A larger, more complete market. A much lovlier 17th century church. A zocalo with beautiful fountains. And so clean!

Then we have La Crucecita. This was built to be the infrastructure for the resort. This is where the people who service the tourists live. And until you've spent some time there, you really can't understand what flavor it has picked up. This is not the Huatulco of the mega-resorts. There are some hotels around the Zocalo. And you can walk home from Bar La Crema at 4:00 am and not have to worry about getting confronted by someone with larceny in their hearts. Can you say that about the discos in Zipolite? And if you need something from Mercado Tanguis, it shows up on Sundays - and is a lot more pleasant an experience than the day it hits Pochutla, I assure you! (Of course, it by-passes Puerto Angel-Zipolite-Mazunte entirely as it rotates from town to town.)

Now, I love dearly sleeping in a hammock under a palapa with a gentle sea breeze drying the sweat off my body. But MY significant other MUST have air-conditioning, especially in the more humid summer time. The air conditioners in the hotels around the zocalo in La Crucecita work far better than those few air conditioned rooms at Hotel Soraya! Not to mention cheaper...

OK, Tangolunda is abhorent. But it furnishes a place to keep tourists away from the travelors! And current density can be handled with minimal destruction - except that DAMNED cruise ship pier, destroying one of the best stands of coral in the Mexican Pacific!

But Carlos - the nine bays really need to be seen. Cacaluta and San Augustin ARE better snorkeling than Estachuite. And by spending one night in La Crucecita, it's possible to catch one of the early boats from the marina in Santa Cruz and be back in time to go back to PA for the next night, if that is your desire.

And it smells better.

Contrary opinions? Get on with it! And in detail!

They were offerring KRAFT DINNER to the youngsters at lunch. From the box. I approached that with respect, not scorn. How else can young parents enjoy the sun unless it offers the necessary accoutrements that their kids are accustomed to? The activities were second to none. As an adult, I don't require the entertainment I once needed. Sun, beach, books, hammock, good food and drinks, and an occassional smoke. That's enough for me.

The Huatulco you speak of, admittedly sounds much more interesting than my experiences. The safety factor is an important one. When I had a bar on the beach in Zipolite a couple of years back, we would arrange to have every guest (when at all possible) escorted home along the beach. Not just women. Walking home alone was an invitation to be robbed. If I was the one to close the bar at night, it wasn't always possible to walk home with another. I would have to send my $, my i.d., my C.D.'s, and anything else of value ahead with others, knowing that I was a target for theft. People were robbed on a nightly basis. Be fore-warned, Zoe. That beach is NOT safe at night.

And now I, too, have a wife who requires comforts beyond the hammock culture.

P. Angel, Mazunte and even P. Escondido have become our places of compromise. I can still evacuate my worries and cozy up to my hammock for lengthy periods and she can evacuate her's on a toilet with a seat.

I enjoy these discussions.

Now, I have very dear friends - family, almost - in Puerto Angel. I will be spending time there, and Mazunte, during any visit. But I do recommend that you try Santa Maria sometime, and just a little tasste of La Crucecita. Even if you're just picking up supplies for a friend, it is a more pleasant experience than Pochutla.

Or maybe I'm a little hard on Pochutla. After all, the luncharias in the market are quite good. And the street food near the bus stations is among the best in Mexico. But if you can get a really good feeling about being in Pochutla, you may have me beat. One of the worst towns to drive through on the Pacific coast - maybe that's the source of the bad vibes, I don't know.

Hey, if economics hadn't forced me to move my dive operation from Puerto Angel to Huatulco, I'd probably still have the same feelings about the place that you do. (The move prolonged, but did not salvage my business. If I'd started in Huatulco when I still had all my start-up bucks and equipment, I might be living there still.) And I never will love Tangolunda (I'm sorry, Raffa and Suzanne!). But Tangolunda is the symbiotic growth that supports La Crucecita, and that IS a good thing!

Zoe-

I was having a conversation with my friend about travelling in Mexico. We were talking about how third world travel works best when you can let go and surrender to the fact that there are no rules, and things change from one minute to the next. (Is Mexico technically considered Third World?). I thought about it and decided that in some ways it's more than lack of consistency..it's that the U.S. is very unbalanced in favor of the left brain, and Mexico is more right brain. I like having that right brain side of me(heart rather than head, fluid, intuitive, etc) invoked!

Forgive my philosophical ramblings..it's a beautiful spring/summer day in Northern California (though fire season has started way too early), and....I'M GOING, I'M REALLY GOING...lol.

Zoe