by Judy Bereza, Guest Blogger

You’re going to Mexico during Covid?”

I can understand the question, and I have to admit there was some trepidation. But this family trip had been postponed for two years, the special circumstances  are openly addressed and we were determined.  Buccerias was our destination.

It was reached by a direct flight to Puerta Vallarta from Chicago, and a quick cab ride to this charming and authentic Mexican beach town. We stayed at a private villa, one of many available through the usual online booking services and included two authentic, skilled cooks In the kitchen and a houseman, a.K.a. butler, who elevated the week from impressive to perfect.

Buccerias has recently become a popular destination for tourists, and with the promise of a new highway from Guadalajara, is now in the throes or development. Everywhere you can
see the old, charming villas and shops now being surrounded by modern condominium
buildings.

The beach is the main draw.

It Is five miles long, perfect for swimming and surfing and populated with vendors with all their wares on their backs or pulled along by carts. Oh, and watch out for the horses trotting along the water’s edge with tourists bouncing along on their backs.

Hungry? There is “beach food” everywhere. Forget the hotdogs. How aboutfresh grilled snapper, served at your beach chaise accompanied by margaritas.

Feel like a massage? There are open air massage tables surrounded by flowing draperies with soothing
music to listen to along with the sound or the waves. All of it nicely attordable and presented
graciously, and without pressure.

The town is compact and walkable. A stroll reveals local shops and galleries, a bustling
market place, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and as expected, a landscaped square with
a lovely authentic church.

A common question is, “Is it safe?”

Absolutely! We walked everywnere during the day and in the evening. We walked to restaurants, to the beach for an evening stroll, and to an authentic Mexican cooking class.

The walks revealed the character and atmosphere of Buccerias. A quick peek through the
gates to the villas showcased beautiful gardens. The streets are paved with round stones, the
transition from dirt to stone still a time honored tradition. Hard on the feet, but they are living
testaments to an earlier time

We celebrated New Year’s Eve on the beach with the local people. The scene was alive with
music, dancing, and at midnight fireworks stretched for the entire length of the beach.
A fitting culmination to a week that was a holiday, yes, but so much more.

We will always. remember our trip as an opportunity to experience a culture that is unhurried, yet refined, colorful and gracious.

Judy Bereza is a retired interior designer/kitchen expert, constant walker and “Nana” to five adorable grand children. With friends she has hiked in Wales, Cornwall, Switzerland, Smokey Mountain National Park, Ireland and California.

Occasionally she veers off the trail to explore a different kind of travel adventure that includes her husband and her adult children and their children.

http://www.haciendacaminoalmar.com/