Canadian World Traveller Summer 2019 Issue

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