Easter Adventures
"The best education you will ever get is traveling." — Mark Patterson
The free-diver sculpture in El Centro de Bucerias
April 21st, 2025
📍Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico 🇲🇽
¡Saludos desde el desierto!
There are two distinct sides to me—one that thrives in contemplative, quiet, slow, and chaos-free spaces, and then there is the thrill-seeking side of me, always looking for an adventure. This past week gave me opportunities to nurture both sides of myself.
A friend from Colorado visited me last week for a vacation. In addition to daily massages on the beach, frozen drinks in the sand, and afternoon dips in the pool, we went on two big adventure days.
We hired a local guide to take us on a tour of the “real” Nayarit. On Wednesday, our first expedition began with empanadas purchased from a roadside vendor en route to Guayabitos. Then we boarded a water taxi over to Isla del Coral, in hopes of snorkeling this local hotspot. We arrived to discover that they were having the largest Moon jelly bloom on record. You’ll be glad to know that I am brave but not stupid, so we didn’t attempt to snorkel, especially after my close call with a Cannon Ball jelly the day before.
After snacking on incredible grilled shrimp and marlin skewers from a beach vendor, we perused this beach town’s shops before having lunch at Vista Guayabitos, overlooking Isla del Coral. With stunning views and the yummiest camarones de coco I’ve ever tasted, this culinary tour was the best food I’ve had in a long time.
After lunch, we made our way inland to another local hotspot, a natural spring pool. Having started the day with no idea of where we were going, it was such a treat to end the day soaking up the sun alongside dozens of fun-loving Mexican people in the middle of the jungle.
We spent Thursday lounging around the pool and discovered the best late-night spot in Bucerias for al pastor tacos. On Friday, we returned to Guayabitos to visit another local favorite, Jamurrca, the aguas termales that is the source of water for the previous natural spring pool. For those who have been following my travels, you are already aware that I enjoy visiting hot springs.
Not only were both of these natural pool resorts located in really cool, off-the-beaten-path jungle settings, but the locals were friendly, and the waters were sparkling clean.
After another beach stop for grilled marlin and shrimp skewers, we drove over to the touristy town of Sayulita, which reminded me of Venice Beach in SoCal. We perused the artisan market, full of incredible beaded jewelry, drank watermelon aguas frescas, and walked along the bustling beach of its surfing village. After having such a lovely time amongst the locals in Guayabitos, Erica and I both agreed that Sayulita had one too many gringos for our liking, so we didn’t stay too long.
Both days were excellent adventures, and we owe the fantastic experience to our local guide. If you ever find yourself in this area of Mexico, be sure to reach out to Daniel for your own experience of the “real” Nayarit.
After sending Erica off in her taxi back to the airport yesterday, I made my way to a local bilingual church to celebrate Easter in God’s house. If you’ve ever attended a bilingual church, you know how special it is to worship God alongside other people who speak a different language from you. I always find myself shedding a tear of gratitude to be experiencing the Love of God across language and cultural barriers. You could feel the Spirit in this church; the worship was beautiful, the communion was sacred, and I’m excited to return again next Sunday.
And while I am sad that my vacation is now officially over and my partner-in-crime has gone back to Colorado, I am glad to be starting this post-Easter week focused on next year’s trip to Mexico, when I will return with you for a springtime Renewal retreat.
With Love,
Jennifer
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