Mexico

El Tuito, Jalisco, Mexico

Article and photography by Steve Gillick

Venturing out to explore the State of Jalisco’s smaller towns is a great way to enhance a holiday experience while in the Puerto Vallarta area. About one hour south is El Tuito, a name that means “beautiful small valley”. We were drawn to the town primarily because of its reputation as a mecca for birding enthusiasts, particularly at Rancho Primavera, located 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the town square.

After the one-hour ride from Puerto Vallarta, we barely got out of the taxi before the unofficial Rancho Primavera welcome committee was upon us. Iñaki, the resident Military McCaw immediately landed on the taxi roof to nibble on the rubber stripping. Meanwhile, Nimodo and Bella, both rescue dogs, affectionately pressed their noses and bodies against us in a competition for our attention. It was then that we met Bonnie Jauregui, the co-owner, who told us about this amazing 200 acre property.

The family purchased the mango and cattle ranch in 1996 and completely transformed it by planting over 5000 native trees. Pat, Bonnie’s late mom, was a birder. She contacted the Audubon Society who began to study some of the 256+ bird species on the property. Birding companies soon learned about this paradise that now includes three rental houses, hiking trails, nature appreciation, and row-boating on the pond where Real, the horse, sometimes stands shoulder deep to cool off. On our visit we spent some time by the bird feeder and walking on several of the birding trails. We were rewarded with sightings of Golden-cheeked Woodpeckers, Magpie Jays, Cinnamon Hummingbirds and many more colorful birds!

Later on near El Tuito’s town square, we spent some time in Galeria Coppelia. Maria Santander, the owner, described how the 130 year old Adobe building, with its thick walls and cool interior, was the perfect venue for showcasing the multi-media works of 26 local artists.

Then after a stroll that included the colorful murals in El Tuito’s Cultural Centre and the 200 year old San Pedro Apostal Parish, we headed to ‘el Patio de Mario’ to enjoy the cool shade, cold beer, deliciously-thick Guacamole, and tasty Enchiladas with cheese and chile. Mario Humberto Rodriguez Romero, the friendly owner, greeted us and proudly noted that the town people were very kind (we discovered that on our own!) and that this was a very safe community: “You can leave your computer next to an open window and it will still be there when you return”.

Some people visit El Tuito to see the folkloric dances and presentations in the town square. Others come to taste the local cheeses (Panela and Oaxaca) or to sample Raicilla (similar to Tequila but a tad stronger). And for hundreds of bird watchers and photographers this is pretty much the gold standard.

El Tuito is ideal for travelers who are looking to connect with a bit more local Mexican atmosphere than some of the big cities are able to offer. It’s definitely worth a visit.

www.vallartainfo.com/el-tuito