How far to the beach? Are the beaches swimable? Good for snorkeling?
There are three beautiful beaches within short walking distance (all with varying degrees of seclusions). The closest is a 5 minute walk, the furthest (only accessible by foot or boat) is 15 minute walk. The closest beach is the safest beach for swimming, as it is a nice protected cove (good for kids). The other two beaches have slightly larger waves (depending on the swell) that can be great for body surfing.
This stretch of coastline is known more for its surfing than for its snorkeling, which means that the water can be fairly churned up and cloudy by the swells. Occasionally, when the swell is completely flat, the snorkeling is great. However, generally the snorkeling is mediocre. Tailwind does have a few sets of snorkeling gear available to our guests.
Are Tailwind’s facilities suitable for young children?
This is a jungle, and as with any wild place there are always risks for young children. Our units have high decks and our property is quite steep with many steps. However, there have been many young children (aged 1 +) who have stayed at Tailwind and have simply adored it (the parents had a great time too!). Please inquire as to which of Tailwind’s bungalows and palapas would be best suited for young children.
Does Tailwind have electricity?
We try to minimize electricity use as much as possible, but yes, we are connected to the grid and have electrical lights and outlets. You will be able to charge any personal electronics. It is however, a good idea to bring a headlamp or flashing for additional light when navigating the path to your bungalow at night.
Does Tailwind provide towels?
Yes, we provide our guests with both beach and bath towels, as well as hand towels and face cloths. However, we like to conserve water in the jungle so guests only receive one set of towels per guests for their stay (to minimize on laundry).
Cleaning Service
At the moment, Tailwind’s casitas, bungalows and palapas are cleaned and readied for our guests once, and then left to the guests to keep tidy, like any rental house. A regular cleaning service (every other day) is available for an additional fee. Please make a special request to the Tailwind staff. As with towels, guests receive only one set of sheets during their stay to minimize laundry and conserve water.
Is their a place to keep my valuables at Tailwind where they will be safe?
We have never had a theft problem at Tailwind, however each of our units do have either locking closets or chests for your store your valuables during your stay.
FOOD & DINING
Does Tailwind provide any meals for its guests?
Tailwind currently does not provide meals for our guests, however we do have a chef that is available to cook dinners for you and your group if you’d like. Reservations must be made with the chef in advance and specific dishes may be requested (shrimp, fish, pasta, etc.). Dinners are prepared with fresh local foods and are delightful!
What is a kitchenette and what does it include?
The kitchenettes are fairly basic (a small fridge, 2 burn stove, pots, pans,etc.)
The main house kitchen has more appliances (blender for margaritas!) and an oven. If you rent the main house you will have the kitchen to yourself.
There is also a shared BBQ pit that anyone is welcome to use. Just be sure to bring your own charcoal!
Do guests at Tailwind typically go out for dinner, cook in the kitchenettes or order meals from the Tailwind chef?
Most people reserve the Tailwind chef for one night of their stay in the jungle. The other nights, our guests tend to enjoy both cooking in the jungle and going out to eat. Both are a fun experience. Buying fresh seafood and cooking it in your kitchenette is a lot of fun, as is visiting the taco stands (nice and cheap, kids love the quesadillas) or fancier restaurants in San Pancho. The Tailwind staff is happy to direct you towards our favorites place to eat or to buy groceries.
Should I buy groceries on the way from the airport to Tailwind?
It is a good idea to buy groceries on your way to Tailwind so that you can stock your fridge and won’t have to go back to town to shop. A good place to shop is the MEGA grocery store, about 20 minutes outside of Puerto Vallarta right on Hwy 200, you can’t miss it.
What’s the situation for dinning in San Pancho?
San Pancho has a lovely range of restaurants, from breakfast to dinner, taco stand to 4 star restaurant. Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach and then decide what kind of food you fancy! Ask the Tailwind staff about recommended San Pancho restaurants.
ACTIVITIES
What is there to do at Tailwind?
A joke around the Tailwind headquarters is that “there is so much not to do!”. Cramming your vacation schedule with too many plans generally backfires, as many people end up very content to just hang out in the jungle and on the beaches within walking distance.
A few things to do around the property:
- Lounge in the hammock, by the pool or on the rooftop deck.
- Hike a jungle and beach loop (hikes vary from 30 min. to 2 hours)
- Request a yoga session
- Schedule a massage
- Watch the wildlife
- Hike to 1 of 3 different secluded beaches. (5-15 minute walk)
- Hike to San Pancho (3 miles into town)
Tailwind Guided Tours
- We specialize in sea kayaking tours of this fantastic coastline, please visit the Tailwind sea kayaking pagen(http://www.tailwindoutdoor.com/seakayakingactivities.html) for more information on these tours.
- We also offer:
- wild beach tours (Punta Raza, Divisaderos)
- Surfing tours
What is there to do in the San Pancho area?
Adventure: Whale watching, deep sea fishing, surfing lessons, snorkeling around the Marietta Islands, zip-lining, mountain biking, yoga classes, and more!
Cultural excursions: petroglyphs outside of Alta Vista, La Peñita Thursday market, visit the San Pancho organic garden or visit EntreAmigos (local non-profit for kids), watch sea turtles being released by the San Pancho Tortuga Non-profit.
Dinning in San Pancho: San Pancho has a lovely range of restaurants, from breakfast to dinner, taco stand to 4 star restaurant. Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach and then decide what kind of food you fancy! Ask the Tailwind staff about recommended San Pancho restaurants.
Popular Towns near San Pancho: Yelapa (town accessed only by boat), San Blas (crocodiles, bird watching, culture), Sayulita (nightlife, surf break, trendy/hippy style town), Puerto Vallarta (restaurants, boardwalk, shopping)
CLIMATE & JUNGLE LIFE
What are the seasons in the Mexican pacific jungle?
The rainy season (hot, humid, wet) is from June through October. This part of Mexico sees no rain from Nov. through April. Sunny skies shine on the jungle all through the winter time. During this time, day time temperatures hover around
80 -85 ºF. Evening temperatures can be 65 º- 70 º F. A sweater in the evenings feels good.
How are the mosquitoes...are they a problem sleeping in the jungle in Tailwind’s open units? When is the rainy season?
We're lucky because this is a wonderfully tame jungle with practically no bugs. In the fall, around sunset, we have a couple of bugs that come out. When hiking through the jungle it’s not a bad idea to wear bug spray. However, bugs are not much of a factor at Tailwind. Regardless, for your comfort we have cascading bug nets to surround your bed so that your sleep will be carefree.
What about the wildlife?
The jungle is home to many species of wildlife: birds, iguanas, geckos, Tejones (kind of like monkey/raccoons), squirrels, frogs, armadillos, and insects. Scorpion sightings are very rare and there is no need to fear!
Suggested Packing List (beyond the usual tropical vacation gear)
Biodegradable soap (Dr. Bronner’s type recommended) Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash . . . Anything that goes down the drain waters the plants so make it biodegradable!!!
Insect repellent (insects are not a problem unless you go hiking through narrow jungle trails, always good to have repellent just in case)
Flashlight/headlamp (for additional light on trails at night)
Sturdy walking shoes for walking and hiking around the area
Sunscreen, the sun is strong here and sunscreen is very expensive in San Pancho
Warm clothing for cool nights (pants and sweater in Dec./Jan/Feb)
Ear plugs (if the birds are too loud for you!)
Binoculars (if you’re into that kind of thing)
Ÿ Tevas or chaco sandals
A rash guard (if you have one and want to surf)
Don’t forget your camera!
SERVICES
Is there Internet in the jungle?
Part of the beauty of this place is that there’s no Internet! There is however, spotty cell phone service in the jungle and there is an Internet café and many cafes with WiFi in San Pancho. If you absolutely need to get work done while on holiday it’s recommended that you bring your laptop to use WiFi.
Is there an ATM in San Pancho?
There are 2 ATMs in San Pancho. However, these ATMs can be quite unreliable so it’s best to bring money with you. It is recommended that you exchange American dollars to pesos at the Puerto Vallarta airport, or prior to your visit to Mexico. There are no banks in San Pancho and most local businesses do not take credit cards (some fancier restaurants do).
Safety and emergency medical situations.
San Pancho is very lucky to have a very clean and efficient hospital right in town. This is a very place for any medical emergencies any Tailwind guests might have.
RESERVATION INFO
How do I reserve my stay?
Please contact info@tailwindoutdoor.com for information on how to reserve your stay in the jungle. We do not accept drop ins and strongly recommend reservations 1-2 months prior. Large groups in particular should reserve several months before in order to ensure availability of all units. Tailwind is a small lodge and we fill up quickly, particularly in the high season.
Still have questions? E-mail info@tailwindoutdoor.com
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