Having not been to this area before, I came with the intention of exploring the three towns of Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos and La Penita. I have been in this little bay for two weeks now and without a doubt, beautiful & safe – La Penita de Jaltemba is the winner.
The People
La Penita has its share of North American immigrants, but by far, it is a Mexican working town. There are many locals here both on the beach side of the highway and the valley side. The town is much bigger than I thought but in a good way. By that I mean that the town is large because of the local population, not because immigrants have taken over and pushed the town beyond its limits.
Every single local I have had the pleasure to engage with has been so friendly, calm and helpful. I have not had one negative experience here, its been so lovely to interact with the towns people.
The Buildings
Most of the buildings here are two story homes, many of which have businesses located on the street level and living quarters above. There are a few hotels in town but nothing like the resort town of Guayabitos. The casas are really beautiful, very simple, made mostly of brick. Some are brightly painted and others have the brick work enhanced as the decorative feature.
As with much of the local architecture there is extensive decorative iron work on the doors and windows. A really interesting feature which I didn’t see at all in Puerto Vallarta, is the arched ceilings between each floor of a building. It is such a beautiful feature and its design would greatly strengthen the load from above.
The Streets
There is one main tourist street through town that goes from Highway 200 to the beach with a median down the centre called Emiliano Zapata. This street is paved with cement pavers as are the few streets on either side. The rest of the roadways in town are cobble stone and some are badly in need of repair.
Businesses
There are no big stores here, no chain restaurants. I purchase food either from the market that is in town once a week, or at little tiendas and abarrotes. Shopping at the mom and pop stores gives me a chance to interact with the locals, buy the products that they are using and feel connected to the community.
The stores are not the sterile places we are used to in North American. Most products are covered in a layer of fine dust from the street. There is not a large selection of items and often nothing is priced. If you stay for a while you will start to have your favourite local tienda or your favourite tortilla stand, just like the locals. 😊 Even if you don’t need anything that day, if you are passing by you might pop your head in and offer an Hola, Buenos Dias. 😊
The Malecon
Along the main part of the beach there is a raised Malecon or boardwalk with shrubbery and benches to take a load off and enjoy the surf and the birds. There are two bars/restaurants right at the Malecon should you wish to have a meal and while away an afternoon.
Across Highway 200
Opposite to the beach side is a further extension of the town. This area is mostly made up of two story residences with some commercial stores close to the Highway. As you climb up the hilly roads, you will start to see large wealthy estate type homes, stunning beautiful and built into the mountain side.
Walking Around La Penita there is a level of peace in this little town that I have found rare in Mexico. I can walk down just about any street mid afternoon, the air is still, the sun is warm, the dust is settled and the streets are quiet and almost empty of movement. Dogs are passed out on the sidewalks, the people you share the street with are meandering quietly, not rushing here and there. There is some construction noise but nothing like other towns. Once in a while you will pass a residence playing lovely Latin music that makes me smile every single time. There is just something so perfect about this sweet little fishing village.
