Playa Ventura to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas

Puerto Escondido welcomed us with its rolling surf and fun loving traveler vibe where we lounged in our beach side grass hut for a couple of days. The waves awoke us por la manana for early surf & bouldering sessions, followed by afternoons of hammock time and evening walks on the beach, as the sand lit up with each step, releasing a unique luminescent energy in glowing bursts. Next stop, the low key backpacker hideaway of Mazunte which allowed for more relaxation time on the Oaxacan coast. Tucked away among the trees, the makeshift campsite provided freedom to an eclectic group of travelers mixed with “rainbow” gatherers. The excellent beach bouldering gave us a morning activity as the midday sun came with mandatory siestas and dips in the Pacific. Noches of care free reggae music, jungle hikes to town, colorful sunsets, drum circles, Italian love songs and sticky sleep filled our dreams as we entered inland Oaxaca. The curvy roads had us keeping a keen lookout for the capital city and its flat valley floor. Camping among the shadows of Monte Alban under the watchful eye of a goat herder we awoke early to explore the fabulous Zapotec Ruins that look over the colonial city of Oaxaca. Monte Alban blew us away with its intricate acropolis, large temples, and rich history. Leaving the fabled ruins we wondered around La Ciudad de Oaxaca exploring the maze of markets and beautiful architecture before departing for a long journey to Chiapas.

After a long drive through some spectacular mountains littered with agave fields we arrived in Tuxtla Gutiérrez the capital of Chiapas. Another amazing family greeted us with open arms as they provided us with a fresh shower, food and great company. Mama Nanni was ever the amazing hostess providing delicious food, friendly conversation and insights into la vida de Chiapas. We said our goodbyes to the kind ladies and promised to return to explore the canons, rivers and more of the culture of Tuxtla. We now enter the mountains of Chiapas where the jungles of Mexico and Central America begin with the hidden colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas while the many ruins of the surrounding selva await us with there Mayan secrets.