Sunny and warm in Hualtulco

This cozy little cove was right near the dock in Hualtulco. This port was a big favorite with the crew because they could walk to the beach, have a swim and a beer under a palapa, and enjoy the sunshine.   We went swimming here in the late afternoon, and the scene then was quite different from this peaceful shot.  

Say hello to your money! ATM at the port.

We river rafted down the Rio Copolita in zodiacs.    Although we had a guide, the 

group had to take matters into our own hands as far as directions (Steer LEFT!) which resulted in some mishaps, a bit of bickering, and  lots of laughs.  The river was low, so the rapids weren't difficult to manage.   

There are five pretty bays in the region, and some are being heavily developed.   There was a brand new Secrets resort and another newly opened all inclusive resort.  I couldn't help but feel like I'm too late...again....to this destination.

Puerto Chiapas..the one I missed.

I woke up the morning of our arrival in Puerto Chiapas feeling very nauseous, and just could not make it out of bed.   I was queasy and I couldn't face the heat and humidity and the bus ride up the hill to the first stop.  Rich went off on the Mi Pueblito tour, the highlight being a visit to a local chocolate producer.  I stayed in the cool suite and room service kindly delivered a light breakfast.

R posted some pics from the tour on his FB account:   How to Make Chocolate Like a Mexican

P to P pt. 2

On our way out of the forest, our guide pointed out this 15 foot long trail of worker ants carrying leaves to their colony.  

   

Then it was on to Pura Vida Gardens

We spotted these scarlet macaws high above us and watched them for a while.  They spread their wings a couple of times, and Rich cursed the limitations of our point and shoot digital camera, as the zoom feature has limitations.

Heliconias

  

We were enjoying this vista with fellow passengers and there was a gasp of delight when the macaws took off from their perch and soared across the sky.  Too quick to be caught on camera, but a beautiful memory!

Our guide and driver were so enthusiastic and proud of their beautiful country.  The driver often would stop the bus, jump out and grab a specimen, like the fruit of the cashew tree, and bring it back to the bus for our guide to pass around and describe.  On the way back to the ship, they spotted howler monkeys from the road and pulled the bus over so we could watch them play.   This is one port we will definitely be returning to!