At the northern end of La Penita de Jaltemba is the rural neighbourhood of Colonia Paraiso Escondido. This rustic community runs alongside Playa El Naranjo, an epic & pristine beach in Nayarit.
If you are already visiting La Penita I encourage you to walk up to this stretch of sandy heaven.
Getting There
The beach in La Penita becomes impassable at its most northern end with a rocky outcrop that the Sunset Island Resort sits atop. Because of this rocky area, I had to go up to Highway 200 and walk along until I could get back into the northern neighbourhoods of La Penita.
Walking along the highway was not fun but not terrible either. The only side with a shoulder to walk somewhat safely on is the far side. So running across the 4 lane highway will be necessary should you wish to walk to this beach.
You could always take a taxi, but how fun is that? 😊
The Colonia
After walking along the highway for about 15 minutes and passing the entrance to the trailer park, you will see your first group of buildings on the left. This is where you will want to cross back over the highway.
On the beach side once more, you will head down into this long neighbourhood of Colonia Paraiso Escondido. It is very rural coastal Mexico with single story concrete houses, dry dusty streets and lots of dogs and chickens running about.
Keep walking towards the ocean, it won’t take long, maybe 3 or 4 minutes. You will need to find one of the few little bridges to cross a marshy area. Walking down the streets that are directly heading to the ocean.
There are crocodiles in this marshy area that the bridge crosses so take heed and stay up high. Even if there are really pretty flowers growing down low under the bridge that you think you need a picture of!
Playa El Naranjo!
Hopefully you have crossed the bridge and are suddenly out in the open on this spectacular beach!! El Naranjo is 11 kilometres long and crests right around the northern portion of the bay of Jaltemba. The sand is soft and a rich camel colour and absolutely pristine!
The only humans on the beach the day I visited were a few fishermen in the morning. Otherwise, it was mine! No garbage, no detritus, just pure clean sand and beautiful blue warm water lapping at your feet. If you walk all the way to the most northern end you will find a sea turtle sanctuary! Bring some snacks and a drink a make a day of serious relaxation.
Getting Back
When I was finished basking in my stress free tropical wonderland, I simply returned the way I came.
When I crossed the Highway to walk back towards La Penita, I noticed the Municipal Cemetery on the left! Of course I had to go in for a look. Unlike the old cemetery in La Penita that is on the beach and being destroyed by the tides, this cemetery is new and currently in use.
Municipal Cemetery
It was a little strange walking around this one I have to say. Being in amonxt the recently deceased made me a little wiggly. I think in the older cemeteries that I visit, my feelings of peace come from the knowledge that the old souls have departed their humans long ago.
But in this current place of burial, I didn’t get a sense that the souls were gone. I felt like I was being watched. Hmmmm. Non the less, so interesting once again, to see such a different way of presenting and celebrating death. The graves were beautiful, fully adorned with decorations, flowers, pictures, candles etc.
Every time I explore off the beaten path I am rewarded and this day was no different. To see, hear, smell and feel an absolutely epic and pristine beach made me realize how incredibly lucky I am once again.
