La Peņita de Jaltemba
Elevation Sea Level
Climate - Tropics
Daily average temperature: January 63,
April 72, July 87, October 80
Monthly variation: Hot and
humid in the summer
Rainy season: June to
October
High Tourist Season Mid
December to Mid March
Population 8000
Industry Pineapple production and brick making. Supply town for Rincon
Peņita
de Jaltemba
Peņita de Jaltemba is a small Mexican town nestled on the Pacific Coast just
north and across the river from its flashy twin town Rincon de Guayabitos
some 50 KMs North of Puerto Vallarta.
This is vintage Mexican: dusty narrow streets, cement block houses and stores
in various state of repair. Various states of paint and color. Kids
everywhere, smiling. Asking for a dollar. Dogs barking. Cars and trucks with
loudspeakers blaring out; advertising various pieces of furniture or food items
for sale. Vegetable and fruit stands line the highway with fat melons and
pineapple. Hopeful faces waiting for a car to stop.
It
is authentic Mexican and not for your average Razza-Matazz tourist. There are
no Planet Hollywoods or Senior Frogs. It appeals more to the traveler who
wants to experience the real Mexico with taco stands and family restaurants.
It is an experience; albeit a small and delicate one. A quiet corner from a
busy world.
Traditionally La Peņita has been a supply town that services the resort
communities with building materials and produce and specializes in red brick
making and pineapple production. However things are changing for this quiet
Mexican hamlet and slowly it is developing into small scale retreat. Bed and
Breakfast. A full service RV park. Tiny hotels.
Like Rincon, La Peņita has long inviting stretches of beach on the Bay of
Jaltemba; perfect for long walks and sunning. The surf is great for boogie
boarding and bodysurfing and nearby Isla Islote is good for snorkeling and
scuba.
The town provides tourist and locals with all their immediate needs; a bank,
few supermercados and stores an internet cafe. The Thursday market is en event
in itself and rambles for blocks. Locals and snowbirds shop for veggies, fish,
clothes, music and tourist items. Large shrimp is sold in plastic bags. Fresh
melons and limes. Gadgets and household items.
Snowbirds do not visit Peņita de Jaltemba; rather they make this town their
winter home.
Accommodation:
Hotels
RV Parks
Driving to Peņita de
Jaltemba
This is an easy drive down through mostly toll highways. The town is located
South of Mazatlan and only 40 miles North of Puerto Vallarta.
From Nogales, drive South on Highway 15 to the intersection with Highway 200
at Tepic. Take Highway 200 and drive to
KM 91-92.
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