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Sun, Sea And Sand At Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit

By Sue Carpenter


Few things are better for recharging your batteries than a beach holiday. Unfortunately going to many beach destinations can be just as exhausting as dealing with the crazy traffic and noise of life in the urban jungle, especially if everyone else has the same idea and go to the beach at the same time as you do. Those destinations that are secluded and undiscovered by the tourist masses unfortunately often reveal all too soon why they aren't tourist hot spots: Basic accommodation, bad weather or a dangerous undertow can put a real damper on your beach break. Luckily with destinations like Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit offers the best of both worlds.

Nayarit state lies on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Small fishing communities dot the coastline to the north of Puerto Vallarta. About 70 miles from this coastal city you'll find the small village of Platanitos and across the river mouth from here lies Playa Las Tortugas.

The climate is subtropical with hot and humid days and warm nights. This means that the days are perfect for swimming, sunbathing or lazing in a hammock. Rainy season is generally from June to September and is characterized by thunderstorms and heavy, subtropical showers late in the afternoon while the days remain sunny.

The English translation of 'Playa Las Tortugas' is 'turtle beach'. Olive Ridley sea turtles return to this spot every year to lay their eggs on the beach where they themselves were hatched. To help conserve these endangered animals, a volunteer-based project educates visitors, monitors the nests, patrols the beaches and releases hatchlings into the sea.

The estuary formed by the river consists of mudflats, swamps and mangroves. This is the ideal habitat for fish, frogs and small crustaceans and for the birds that feed on them. If you're interested in bird watching, you shouldn't forget your binoculars, a camera and a guide book since you'll be able to see a wide variety of bird species.

There is a lot of other things to do to pass the days during your holiday too. Naturally you'll want to dip your toes into the cool blue water of the ocean but the surfing is good as well. You can kayak or explore the estuary in a canoe or you can rent a horse for the day and go riding. There are even yoga retreat packages for those who want to salute the sun in a different way.

Since there aren't any high-rise hotels providing accommodation for thousands of visitors, Playa Las Tortugas is relatively secluded. There are houses and beautiful villas for rent, guaranteeing a measure of privacy. This is not only better for your peace of mind, but for the environment too, since large hotel developments wreak havoc on sensitive ecosystems.

Playa Las Tortugas Nayarit is not the place to go to if you want to party the night away, downing tequila shots. However, it is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy nature or spend the day on the beach or in a hammock, reading a book. The pristine white sand and coconut palms waving in the breeze guarantee a relaxing getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle life again.




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