We go to Two places in El Tuito, Mexico, El Patio de Mario Restaurant and and Interview with Owner Mario Rodriguez Romero
Then We Go Camping in El Tuito with El Agua Fria Camping Tours and talk with Biologist, Nature Guide, Tane Escalante. It’s Glamping in Mexico
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Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant on the famous Los Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with our toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
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This week we are going we are going to the town of El Tuito, South East of Puerto Vallarta up in the mountains, and we are going to visit two places one is a restaurant called El Patio de Mario, we will talk with the very interesting owner Mario, then you will meet Tane Escalante of El Agua Fria Camping Tours who has a cool place for those that might be interested in doing some “glamping” in El Tuito, Glamorous Camping that is, but before we get to Mario and Tane, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 29th of July 2019.
Tequila Rush Takes Their Led Zeppelin cover show, to Act II
When I was in Vallarta in May I caught Steven Tenney and his band Tequilla Rush at the Roxy doing a tribute to the Rolling Stones and they were rocking the house. Really good covers of all the hits, high energy, great sounds, well, they are doing a tribute to Lead Zeppelin at Act II.
Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 8 PM – 10:30
Act II Entertainment Stages
Insurgentes 330, 48380 Puerto Vallarta
I have a link to the event on Facebook in the show-notes. And by the way, remember to like the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show on Facebook while you’re there if you haven’t already. Do it.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2332567863731577/
Rio Horcones Update
A quick update on the damming of the Rio Horcones.
First, I was reading an article where the company said they have all the permits to get the project going again, but the rainy season would be a big hamper to working on it right now won’t it.
But then something really good happened. The City Government in Puerto Vallarta declared that the entire project, the dam, the infrastructure the whole thing, was in the territory under the purview of Puerto Vallarta, not Cabo Corrientes, and the company doesn’t have one permit pulled in the jurisdiction of Puerto Vallarta. To build the dam will mean going through the government in Puerto Vallarta. They put their own closerado sign on the chain link fence next to the PROFECA Closerado sign, and for now, the project is dead in the water. But like I’ve said before, these issues are like multi headed snakes. You kill one off and another sprout to bite you back. Let’s hope the City Government can put an end to this idea of building a hydroelectric dam on the Rio Horcones.
Cheryls Shoebox Event
Please join us for our 4th Annual Summer Bash held Sunday, August 4th, 2019 at Babel Bar located on the Isle Cuale.
About Cheryl’s Shoebox
CHERYL’S SHOE BOX·MONDAY, JULY 9, 2018·
Our Vision
To increase the quality of education in disadvantaged schools throughout the Banderas Bay region by providing shoes, school shoes and school materials to students as well as educational supplies to teachers. Our vision for a healthier and greater community also includes assisting families in need by direct outreach or by working with community leaders with established programs.
History of Cheryl’s Shoebox
After vacationing in Puerto Vallarta for over 15 years, Cheryl Schrean made Mexico her home in 2010. Cheryl put a unique stamp on everything she did, including the many volunteer projects she was involved in around the city. After many friends asking what they could do to help, she started suggesting shoes. Cheryl started collecting shoes for various fundraisers and in 2011 started her own charity, “Cheryl’s Shoebox”. By 2013, Cheryl, with the help of many friends and the supportive local businesses, distributed over 4,000 pairs of shoes that year alone.
Cheryl donated her time and effort to many charities in Puerto Vallarta over the years she lived here.
Today we are continuing the shoebox in her memory.
Cheryl’s Shoebox continues to grow collecting hundreds of shoes a year from visitors around the world and we have expanded to work with schools in low income areas by providing school shoes, educational supplies and support to educators.
We have 3 simple ways to help with Cheryl’s ShoeBox.
Click here to donate a cash donation through Casa Jojo Foundation.
Casa JoJo Foundation is a 501(c)3 Non Profit and generously handles all PayPal donations made to Cheryl’s Shoebox.
Drop off a pair of shoes at one of our drop off locations listed here.
Volunteer at one of our shoe distributions event. Please contact Vicki@cherylsshoebox.org for more information.
This fundraiser will consist of live music and picnic style games where your favorite restaurants, bars and shops will compete for the title of Cheryl’s Shoebox Summer Beach Bash Champions!
We would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to our Special Benefactor Julie Guerrero and her staff at Julie Guerrero Real Estate Group for their generous offer to be the Presenting Sponsor at this year’s event.
- Musical Guests: Cheko Ruiz , Zarapes De Neon (Colectivo Musical)
- Location: Babel Bar – Isla Cuale
- Access on Insurgentes bridge, walk east past The Jazz Cafe
- Access also available from the Aquiles Serdán Swing Bridge east of Aguacate
- Date: Sunday August 4th, 2019 2:00 pm to 8pm
- Tickets: $200 mxn and can be purchased at the door.
- Team sponsorship forms and website links below:
- WebPage: http://summerbash.cherylsshoebox.org
- Online Sponsor Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdBZp7ssr13D3wtNrcRDmzQA9P5AOBVKIflQDGcjk4vjN5Z6Q/viewform
- PDF Sponsor Forms: http://cherylsshoebox.org/summerbash/Forms/sponsor_form_2019_english.pdf
- Decorating Contest: http://www.cherylsshoebox.org/shoe-decorating-contest-2019/
Sea Turtles are Hatching and being Released
It’s off season but that doesn’t stop Mother Nature, The Sea Turtle Releases are happening right now. If
you are interested in releasing the baby sea turtles at Campo de Los Tortugas, up in Boca de Tomates, right at the end of the runway of the Puerto Vallarta airport. Make sure you go to their Facebook page and like it if you haven’t already, and get notifications when they have babies to release. Make sure you get there at the prescribed time so you can catch the nature talk before the release at sunset. Make sure you bring your bug spray and if you are really lucky, you may even get a chance to see a crocodile in the wild. Don’t worry, it’s safe. I have a link to their Facebook page in the show-notes, and when you do go, plan to leave a donation before you get there, and don’t forget to leave it too. They are always in need of some pesos to keep that Turtle Camp going. Don’t forget to donate.
New Rules for Calling in Mexico
On August 3rd, 2019 dialing Mexican telephone numbers will become simpler. This article explains the changes.
Service prefixes are no longer required
The fundamental change to the telephone dialing rules happening on August 3rd 2019 is the removal of service code prefixes associated with calling domestic long distance numbers (01) and calling Mexican cell phones from Mexican land lines (044, 045). Also, the confusing need to add the number ‘1’ when calling a Mexican cell phone from overseas is also being eliminated. The changes can be summed-up thus:
When calling from within Mexico, the dialing prefixes of 01, 044, and 045 are no longer required
When calling a Mexican cell phone from outside Mexico, the additional number ‘1’ after Mexico’s country code is no longer required
These changes greatly simplify the way that Mexican land lines and cell phones are dialed and bring Mexico’s telephone dialing rules into line with protocols used in the US and Canada.
Calling from/to Mexican land lines
Here are the rules for dialing from and to Mexican land lines as of August 3, 2019
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican land line in the same area: Simply dial the local number (7 or 8 digits, depending on the town/city).
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican land line in a different area. Dial the area code and the number. Do not dial the 01 (long distance) prefix.
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican cell phone: Dial the area code and the number directly from your cellphone. Do not dial the 01 (long distance) prefix.
Calling a Mexican cell phone from a Mexican land line: Dial the cell phone’s area code and number directly. Do not use 044 or 045 prefix.
Calling to/from Mexican cell phones
Here are the rules for dialing from and to Mexican cell phones as of August 3, 2019
Calling a Mexican cell phone from another Mexican cell phone while in Mexico: Dial the other cell phone’s area code and number. Do not include 044 or 045 in the code.
Calling a Mexican cell phone from overseas: Dial Mexico’s country code (+52) then the area code, and then the number. Do not include the ‘1’ after the +52, as was required before August 3, 2019.
Calling any number in Mexico from a Mexican cell phone overseas (roaming): Dial Mexico’s international code +52, then the area code, and then the number. Do not include the ‘1’ after the +52.
Calling Mexican toll-free (800) and premium toll (900) numbers
From August 3rd, 2019, whether you are calling from a Mexican land line or from a Mexican cell phone, drop the 01. Thus 01-800-123-4567 becomes 800-123-4567.
Storing numbers in your Mexican cell phone
If you roam between Mexico, the US and Canada, we recommend that you store all of your contact numbers using the international dialing format: [country code] [area code] [number]. Thus your Mexican contacts will be recorded with the +52 prefix before the area code and number, your American and Canadian contacts with the +1 prefix before the area code and number. By doing this, your calls will connect without need for you to make adjustments regardless of whether you are in Mexico or roaming in the US or Canada.
Let’s get to the interviews.
I love taking the bus to El Tuito. It’s cheap, it’s easy, and way worth the adventure.
Just to review, let’s talk about the town, where it is and how to get there.
From the Romantic Zone, go to the corner of Venustiano Carranza and Aguacate. There you will find a bus sitting across from the Kiosco Convience store, the buses are new by the way. They got some comfortable touring buses to Tuito! Woo hoo. I even took a picture of the inside of one.
The ride costs 36 pesos to El Tuito. Less if you are taking that bus to The Botanical Garden. The ride is beautiful. You take Carratera 200 along the coast. Get a seat on the right side of the bus to get that best view. The bus goes past Mismaloya, to Boca de Tomatlan, then turns up the hill traveling along the Rio Horcones canyon, to the Botanical Garden where they will make a stop and offload passengers, then continue up in the mountains till you get to El Tuito.
You should stay on the bus till you arrive at the Zocolo in town. The town center.
El Patio de Mario Restaurant in El Tuito, Mexico
When you get off the bus there, you will be in the busiest place in town The city services, the seat of government all right there. And surrounding the square, are shops and restaurants. One of them is a
favorite of mine. It’s called Patio de Mario, and it’s run by a very interesting men named Mario. Mario Rodriguez Romero. Mario is a real renaissance man as you will find out. His restaurant is right off the
main square. There are tables set up outside so you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the town square. If you are looking for hustle and bustle, you may not find it there. It’s usually pretty quiet, but you have that
option, but the preferred option, at least for me is to go inside, and eat on Mario’s Patio. It’s a beautifully decorated courtyard with plants, flowers a fountain, and old photos of Mexican Revolutionaries on the
walls. Very colorful, tablecloths on the tables. It’s just lovely. A wonderful place to sit and have breakfast lunch or dinner. Of course I have pictures in the shownotes, but let’s go right now, to the town of El Tuito, Cabo Corrientes, Mexico, and let’s meet the chef himself, Mario Rodriguez Romero, Mario, from Patio de Mario.
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Love that guy.
Contact Information For El Patio de Mario
- Address: Plaza Municipal, El Tuito, Cabo Corrientes
- Phone: +52 322 269 0604
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Patio-De-Mario-En-El-Tuito/169309416552261
Imagine that, a cook and a lawyer. Hey counselor, Make me a margarita will ya? Ha!
I have pictures of Mario and his restaurant, and his lovely wife too. I have a map right there in the shownotes that will take you right to the front door of the restaurant and you can find that at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
El Agua Fria Camping Tours in El Tuito
The next guest is a very interesting guy with a great idea. His idea is to create a place where you can camp, and commune with nature in El Tuito. Sort of Al Fresco, open air.
Tane Escalante is a naturalist and entrepreneur. His place is pretty cool. It’s a wooden structure. It’s open air on the sides with a roof of course, a good sized bed, and there is a place to cook and bar-b-q, an open
air restroom, all in a very seclusive setting. Very private. You can see pictures of their place in the show notes or you can visit their Facebook page and see for yourself, just to understand where we are and what we are talking about. El Agua Fria Camping Tours is it’s name on Facebook so go do that when you get a chance.
Let’s go right now to a plot of land, about a 15 minute walk out of town in El Tuito, and let’s meet a cool guy. Tane Escalante, your guide to El Tuito and more, Tane, from El Agua Fria Camping Tours, El Tuito, Mexico.
Contact Information for El Agua Fria Camping Tours
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cabocorrientestours/
Suggestions about El Tuito from Tane Escalante
Breakfast
- El Mariachi – Blue Corn Tortillas
- Many Restaurants Open Weekends Only
Lunch
- Valle Azul Restaurant, El Tuito
- El Mejaro Restaurant, El Tuito
- El Pueblito Restaurant, El Tuito – Great View Above El Tuito
Dinner
- Las Cuates Restaurant, El Tuito
- Martin’s Restaurant El Tuito
- Next to the Pemex Station Peron for Asada Quesadillas
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Great ideas and they have been doing a lot of work on the property since I was there last, and like I said, you can see it in the show notes, or on their Facebook Page. I have links for you and contact info in the
show notes as well, and if you want to try something different, this is a wonderful way to unwind, disconnect with the wacky world, and reconnect with nature. So cool guys.
I want to thank Matty and Jessie from La Jolla del Tuito Bed and Breakfast as well as well as Bonnie Jueregue at Rancho Primavera who told me about Tane and Agua Fria Camping Tours. Thanks guys for all of you putting El Tuito on the map.
Okay that should do it for this week.
Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.
And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website.
Remember the value for value proposition. His experience and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes.
And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there. I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thanks to Mario Rodriguez Romero from Patio de Mario, check out his great cooking and lovely restaurant, and thatks to Tane Escalante, thank you so much for talking with us. Thanks for sharing your ideas and cool glamping spot in El Tuito. Check out the pictures. Don’t pass up a day trip to El Tuito your next time in paradise.
And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!
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