Mexico 2012 RV Trip - Day 69 - March 4, 2012 Arroyo Saco Playa Grande

We drove 2 miles today – from our isolated spot on Playa Chica to a less isolated spot on Playa Grande, the other beach at Arroyo Saco. When we got back to town we stopped to ask directions at one of the restaurants, and Rafael told us to follow him. He spoke excellent English having taught English in Tijuana. He offered to let us park on his property, or showed us a spot here on the beach just across the road. We opted for the beach.

Rafael showed us all around the house he is building. He is also the caretaker for the senator’s house across the road. He told us that the senator hardly ever comes here. As you can see, we are in a lovely spot!

We did the beach walk – to the north as far as we could go until we came to huge rock outcroppings.  Both Rafael and Artemio from the Surf Shop had recommended eating at Los Frailes, so we opted to have lunch there. It was a good choice. Tobey had the house special shrimp – cooked in garlic and peppers. It had a little zing to it, but not overpowering. I had breaded shrimp. Both came with ceviche appetizer, 12 shrimps, delicious rice, and a salad and our bill was only $185 pesos ($14.70 USD). The owners had lived in the US and spoke English – it certainly makes it easier to have menu items explained!

After lunch we did the beach walk to the south – a LONG walk – all the way to Playa Magica. This was a huge crab that we spotted digging back into the sand.

Pounding surf on sandy beaches with rocky points and islands offshore make this beach beautiful, but not good for swimming. There are surfers here, and we watched several taking on the waves this afternoon.

At Playa Magica, an old abandoned resort graces a high bluff overlooking the surf, as well as several homes lining the coast to the South, some abandoned, others inhabited and well cared for. 

When we got back we asked Rafael about the resort. He told us that a high-ranking general built the resort, but died before it was completed. It now stands neglected on the bluff. He also told us there is talk of a new resort being developed in the area. We really like that it is quiet and not really developed!

GPS 19.31495°N, 104.93965°W