If you are planning a stay at the magnificent adults-only Hotel Mousai, you will no doubt want to spend plenty of time taking advantage of the breathtaking views of Banderas Bay from your suite, the rooftop pool or the beautiful beaches at the property. However, you may also find yourself in the mood to explore some of the local culture, and a trip to the charming town of El Tuito is the perfect place to do just that. Home to brightly colored buildings, an inviting town square, and friendly people everywhere you turn, El Tuito is a delightful gem of a town to explore. Discover the vibrant authentic culture of Mexico that lies beyond the typical tourist haunts in the Puerto Vallarta area with a visit to El Tuito!
A Relaxing Escape to the Mountains
Situated 2,000 feet above sea level in the Sierra Madre mountain range, this lovely, laid-back pueblo feels like you are truly taking a step back in time. Since it is only about 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta, El Tuito is the ideal destination for a quick day trip. Rather than the swaying palm trees that dot the landscapes closer to the coastline, El Tuito’s scenery includes pine-covered hills. Even so, the warm climate allows for a plethora of gorgeous plants and flowers to thrive, which is why the town is virtually bursting with beautiful vegetation.
El Tuito’s Bustling Main Plaza
As is typical in most Mexican towns, the main plaza, locally known as a zocalo, is the place that life in El Tuito revolves around. It is an obvious and easy meeting point since just about everything you might want to do in town is nearby. Here, children practice their folkloric ballet, abuelas (grandmothers) sit and chat together, and each part of everyday life seems touched by the plaza, making it the true heart of the community. The plaza even has a tree affectionately known as Maria that provides shade for the library and the front portion of the municipal plaza.
A Captivating Mexican Pueblo
With only a few thousand residents calling the pueblo (small town) home, El Tuito has managed to maintain its authentic charms and continue its rich customs and traditions. Although these days there is now more available as far as healthcare and technology go, the streets are still filled with delightful family-run shops and restaurants. The majority of the people who live in the town and surrounding area operate small businesses or farm the land, although there is a small population of expats who appreciate living amongst the serenity of the peaceful pueblo. Locals proudly refer to themselves as Tuiteños, and they are quite proud of their enchanting town.
Local Specialties
El Tuito is renowned for a few tasty treats that are produced right there, one of them being the local moonshine known as raicilla, which is a distilled drink similar to tequila and enjoyed straight or mixed into cocktails. Panela cheese, which is made right in the kitchens of locals and sold fresh, is another popular thing to buy there. The mild flavor of the cheese makes it a scrumptious addition to everything from salads to torta sandwiches. Meander the plaza and streets and take a look at what the local vendors have to offer!
How to get to El Tuito
If you are ready to experience the magic of El Tuito for yourself, there are several ways to get there: catch a bus to El Tuito that passes by on the highway below Hotel Mousai; rent a car and drive there; catch a taxi or an Uber; or plan on going there during a tour available from the hotel’s onsite tour agency. No matter how you get there, you will be happy you made the trip.
Stray off of the beaten tourist path during your next vacation at Hotel Mousai with an unforgettable escape to El Tuito!
