La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
BY JESUS DE AVILA - EDITOR OF PVMIRROR

It is located in the northern part of Banderas Bay, approximately 36 kilometers from the airport of Puerto Vallarta.

It is a typical small fishing village with a tourist pier. The average temperature of this place is 26°C, and its beach has fine sand and a slight slope towards the ocean, offering a smooth surf. The village stands out due to its exuberant vegetation surrounding it, as well as for its cobble stone streets. It is close to other easily accessible beaches, the closest and most popular of which is the beach of manzanilla.

La Cruz is a village where even the most demanding palate will be delighted. The beach restaurants offer typical dishes prepared with seafood and fresh fish, and within the village there are some very prestigious restaurants amongst locals and visitors from Vallarta. There are also some restaurants with an international menu.

During the months of April and May the town celebrates the traditional festivities amongst which we have the day of the Santa Cruz (the Holy Cross). This is when a big town party unfolds, when the typical Mexican food, the games and the fireworks make their appearance and trap the attention of all the inhabitants and visitors alike.

This place offers the tranquility of a typical Mexican village, where you may enjoy the rustic daily life of a people living without being in a hurry. Impressive photos of the village, its beach and its sky can be taken, climbing up the hill located on the right hand side of the highway coming from Vallarta. Mainly due to its tranquility and nearness to Puerto Vallarta , at present the community of foreign residents is beginning to increase considerably.

A recommended place to get to know is the gallery of Huichol Art, which is supporting the Huichol Indians so that their work may be exhibited and sold.

From La Cruz de Huanacaxtle you can take excursions by highway to the north in order to visit the beaches of destiladeras, offering a big extension of fine golden sand, or to the beach of el anclote, from where you may start excursions by small boats towards the Marietas islands and between the months of November and March also take advantage of watching the spectacular whales.

The Huanacaxtle is a leafy tree known as "parota". In addition to its refreshing shade, this tree is appreciated for its fine wood. In order to learn more about this tree, enter here.