
El Refugio de Potosi
After a light lunch of the local dish, tiritas (a favorite of fisherman who can prepare it right on the boat using only lime, onions and the catch of the day) and ceviche, we headed to El Refugio de Potosi, a brand new center for wildlife conservation and ecological education. About a 20 min drive from the center of Ixtapa, the refuge is located in the “coastal, tropical, dry forest” of Barra de Potosí, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
An impressive undertaking, El Refugio is still in the early stages of development but currently includes botanical displays, an iguana habitat and breeding facilities, Macaw roosts, hummingbird feeding stations, a butterfly house, sea turtle nursery, and a 15 meter observation tower. Future plans include additional exhibits for mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects and a facility for students and volunteers.
After sweating it out with an iguana family, it was definitely time to get back to the hotel and hit the pool. With temperatures hovering around 95 degrees and a humidity factor that only a seaside town can muster, it was definitely time for a little poolside R&R. Once again, I grabbed a chair 10 yards from the sand and watched the waves roll in. Hey, if it ain’t broke….
The Dorado Pacifico has 27 years of experience hosting travelers and to show her appreciation, she’s about to undergo a multi-million dollar facelift. Rooms are getting refreshed and the property is adding a spa that will eventually be adjacent to the tennis courts. Currently, El Dorado offers a wide range of massage therapies, but will now be including skin treatments with a focus on natural elements and ingredients.
I’ll actually be trying the Hot Stone massage tomorrow, which I promise to give a full report on. Hopefully, I’m not too dopey to appreciate the city tour of Ixtapa and visit to eco-reserve, Parque Aztlan, that follows.
After a light lunch of the local dish, tiritas (a favorite of fisherman who can prepare it right on the boat using only lime, onions and the catch of the day) and ceviche, we headed to El Refugio de Potosi, a brand new center for wildlife conservation and ecological education. About a 20 min drive from the center of Ixtapa, the refuge is located in the “coastal, tropical, dry forest” of Barra de Potosí, in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
An impressive undertaking, El Refugio is still in the early stages of development but currently includes botanical displays, an iguana habitat and breeding facilities, Macaw roosts, hummingbird feeding stations, a butterfly house, sea turtle nursery, and a 15 meter observation tower. Future plans include additional exhibits for mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects and a facility for students and volunteers.
After sweating it out with an iguana family, it was definitely time to get back to the hotel and hit the pool. With temperatures hovering around 95 degrees and a humidity factor that only a seaside town can muster, it was definitely time for a little poolside R&R. Once again, I grabbed a chair 10 yards from the sand and watched the waves roll in. Hey, if it ain’t broke….
The Dorado Pacifico has 27 years of experience hosting travelers and to show her appreciation, she’s about to undergo a multi-million dollar facelift. Rooms are getting refreshed (see photo above) and the property is adding a spa that will eventually be adjacent to the tennis courts. Currently, El Dorado offers a wide range of massage therapies, but will now be including skin treatments with a focus on natural elements and ingredients.
I’ll actually be trying the Hot Stone massage tomorrow, which I promise to give a full report on. Hopefully, I’m not too dopey to appreciate the city tour of Ixtapa and visit to eco-reserve, Parque Aztlan, that follows.
~Vanessa Torres, reporting live from Ixtapa