By Deborah Van Hoewyk

Marytere Farrell was born and bred a city—Mexico City—girl. She thought beaches first appeared through the windows of high-rise hotels in Acapulco, decorated with colorful umbrellas, pixilated with brightly tan bodies. Trees marched down neatly curbed esplanades or decorated urban parks. And then Marytere reached that age when young people slung on their backpacks and went traveling to find completely undecorated, un-peopled beaches and forests that were jungles. So now Marytere and Naim Sultan, her Lebanese husband, run Yiimtii. Continue reading Ecotourism—Getting it Right, Right Down the Road from the Eco-Resort →

By Alvin Starkman, M.A., J.D.

Bringing your dog or cat into Mexico to be part of the family vacation is easy, certainly if crossing the border overland, as well as if flying, as long as your dog doesn’t have a flat-ish nose which can present breathing problems (i.e. pug, boxer). Get the shots and a bilingual veterinarian certificate, and you’re golden. In fact, often papers are not even asked for. The same holds true for acquiring a Mexican pet and taking it back to Canada or the US. Our daughter did it both ways and was amazed at the laxness of regulation enforcement at both borders, though there was a kennel issue at the Oaxaca airport just prior to boarding for Canada with her one Oaxacan and her other Toronto-born cat. But why bring your dog or cat to Oaxaca with you for what is supposed to be your vacation? Is it to appease your insistent children who exert a ridiculous amount of control over you? Is boarding in your hometown too expensive? Or do you really think that your pet will enjoy the vacation with you more than being with other pets at a boarding facility or being with a neighbor or dog walker once or twice daily? Continue reading Vacationing in Oaxaca with Your Dog or Cat; Not →

By Larry Davis

My wife asked me to get her a new ride. I suggested something sporty. Maybe a convertible with air, leather seats, four wheel drive, single tuned exhaust. She said perfect…so I bought her a horse. What actually happened is we purchased a home in Salchi Bay 11 years ago and decided one day that it would be great to go for a horseback ride and explore all the beautiful local beaches. We were introduced to Francisco (Chico) Ramirez who had three horses and a hundred watt smile. After many great riding trips we asked if we could contribute to the ranch with some of our Salchi friends. The rest is history, with 27 head of cattle, 17 horses, 10 goats, 4 dogs and a rooster named Foghorn. Most of our goats get danger pay, as every time there is a birthday party or fiesta, one of their buddies goes missing. Continue reading Rancho el Regalo, Coyula →