Chilling on the Beach in Troncones, Mexico
There are many well known beach towns in Mexico. Most are filled with beautiful, meticulously kept resorts. Some are a little more laid back, offering a more authentic Mexican experience. Recently, we were introduced to Troncones, a charming throwback to a laid-back surf village, exuding a distinctively chill atmosphere.
Troncones sits just north of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa , on the Pacific side of Mexico. Once landing in Zihuatanejo, it’s about a 45 minute ride to Troncones. A lot of people rent cars or there are cabs right at the airport.
A Mexican Beach Airport Tradition
No jet bridges here! You walk off the plane right on the the tarmac and within minutes you are through customs.
Like most Mexican beach airports there is an open air bar right outside, so we stopped for our traditional celebration drink before hopping in the car with our driver.
There are no large resorts in Troncones at all. There are many short term rental homes or smaller resorts all along the beach. We stayed in a lovely inn with just 3 rooms, so I’m calling it a micro resort, Casa de la Costa.
The rooms are lovely, with small kithenette if you’d like to have simple meals in. Coffee and a light breakfast are served every day as a part of the room rate. Every room has it’s own patio area and view of the ocean and pool.
We were fortunate to take this trip with our long time travel buddies. Each morning started with a 3.5 mile walk on the beach for us. (you have to keep the chips and margaritas in check!) There were always many people walking as well. During the winter months this is a very popular place for retirees coming from the cold north.
Besides people walking, you’d see surfers out in the waves and horses walking along the beach.
One morning we had a special treat as a sea turtle had come ashore to lay her eggs. Sea turtle of all kinds are protected in Mexico, so we just stood back, as not to disturb her egg laying.
Her long path up to the perfect spot to lay her eggs.
The Turtle Sanctuary
The eggs are moved to a fenced off, tented area. This helps protect the eggs from animals (and humans) until it’s time to hatch. Each of the sticks are dated, so those working the sanctuary know approximently when they will hatch.
For a small fee, you can arrange to see the turtles hatch and then they are released into the ocean.
While it’s a very relaxed town, there are plenty of local shopping opportunities. Some beautiful handmade goods are sold along the road
On Thursdays there is a local artisan’s market at one of the hotels. I bought some organic body lotion and my friend bought a beautiful bracelet. After she bought it, the couple that sold it to her asked to have their picture taken. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
During most days, we were on the hunt for the perfect ceviche and margaritas. The fish comes right out of the ocean daily, so the ceviche is the freshest we’ve ever eaten. A few of our favorite places in the area for lunch were, Johny’s, Las Brisas and Chencho’s.
If you ask, at Costa de la Costa, their excellent staff will make a whole meal or appetizers. (for an additional cost) We opted for a Ceviche appetizer with some guacamole. They both were excellent and we were happy for such a treat!
Such a gorgeous spot to enjoy a delicious appetizer and watch the sunset of a great day.
Since it was a very “chill” vacation, we opted to not go into Zihuantanejo or Ixtapa, this time. We, instead, chose an eco tour, on kayaks along the estuary.
The hotel helps find the perfect tour. The tour company picks you up right at the hotel and drives you to a very remote area where the kayaks are waiting. On our trip, it was a bit of an overcast day, which helped keep the hot sun a bit filtered.
The guides are very knowledgeable pointing out all the wildlife along the way. This tour is a birdwatchers paridise.
There are hundreds of fresh water turtles sunning themselves along the rocks and fallen trees.
We learned that palms are not indigenous to the beaches in Mexico, rather brought over hundreds of years ago from the Philippines. The unusual palm ahead was actually two different kinds of palms that had grown into each other.
The Estuary Along the Ocean
The fresh water estuary runs along the Pacific ocean for a time. Along the water horses gather to drink the fresh water.
At the end of the tour the guide offers a special treat. With his machete, he cuts open a coconut and offers you a drink. The milk is sweet, more like a water and very thirst quenching.
Why not all enjoy? We would recommend Costa Nativa Ecotours for some great adventure around the Troncones area!
One last sunset from Casa de la Costa. We would highly recommend this little hotel, but book early as they fill up fast.
Just because it was a relaxed beach doesn’t mean there are not some shenanigans to get into. We loved Troncones and hope you will love it too. In fact, we have already booked our return trip for next year!
A Relaxing Stay at the Hilton Los Cabos, Mexico, with Some Tasty Dinner Treks.