Los Ayala
Punta Raza
Punta Raza
"Consentido"
"Favoured One:" It refers to a person who has been singled out by the president or some other ranking individual to become his heir; or favoured for some other key position that is due to open up.
"Favoured One:" It refers to a person who has been singled out by the president or some other ranking individual to become his heir; or favoured for some other key position that is due to open up.
Wild and spectacularly beautiful. The pristine two mile long beach called Punta Raza is framed by the Vallejo Mountains, surrounded by thick tropical foliage including mahogany trees and an endless variety of palm trees. The area is rich with waterfalls, and estuaries filled with birds, and the beach is a prime nesting site for turtles in the late summer and fall. The beach has large strong surf and a strong undertow so it is best for walking.
Punta Raza is located about thirty minutes south of Los Ayala, and accessed from the small town of El Monteon just five minutes south of Los Ayala via highway 200. The road leading to the beach is a little rough but drivable during the dry season. Four wheel drive is highly recommended.
One can also hike to Punta Raza, over the hill through dense tropical vegetation directly from Los Ayala. The trail starts near the end of the trail leading to Playa del Beso, and is fenced off in several areas so be prepared to climb through and over a few fences.
The hike is gorgeous and only moderately strenuous, as the route is up and down hill, providing one with short respites along the way. The hike will take you through some beautiful tropical rain forest, alongside giant palms, lush vegetation, and it is not uncommon to see armadillos, coatimundi, and a few wild cows.
The hike takes about one and a half hours at a moderate pace – each way. Be sure to bring along a good supply of drinking water and a light snack; insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers; and a hat. Hike with a partner, or better yet in a small group as the trail is not always easily discernible.
Punta Raza is located about thirty minutes south of Los Ayala, and accessed from the small town of El Monteon just five minutes south of Los Ayala via highway 200. The road leading to the beach is a little rough but drivable during the dry season. Four wheel drive is highly recommended.
One can also hike to Punta Raza, over the hill through dense tropical vegetation directly from Los Ayala. The trail starts near the end of the trail leading to Playa del Beso, and is fenced off in several areas so be prepared to climb through and over a few fences.
The hike is gorgeous and only moderately strenuous, as the route is up and down hill, providing one with short respites along the way. The hike will take you through some beautiful tropical rain forest, alongside giant palms, lush vegetation, and it is not uncommon to see armadillos, coatimundi, and a few wild cows.
The hike takes about one and a half hours at a moderate pace – each way. Be sure to bring along a good supply of drinking water and a light snack; insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes, ticks, and chiggers; and a hat. Hike with a partner, or better yet in a small group as the trail is not always easily discernible.
Magical
Punta Raza
View of Punta Raza beach from the
south end of the beach
south end of the beach
Recommended
- Beach combing for shells
- Walking the full length of the beach
- Enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach
- Bring binoculars in case you spot whales offshore (November - March)
- Hiking all the way to the town of El Monteon, stopping for breakfast and taking a collectivo back to Los Ayala
- Beach combing for shells
- Walking the full length of the beach
- Enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach
- Bring binoculars in case you spot whales offshore (November - March)
- Hiking all the way to the town of El Monteon, stopping for breakfast and taking a collectivo back to Los Ayala
Pacific Mexico's Beaches - Punta Raza Beach
Wild, Beautiful and Pristine! Click on any image to view photo gallery.
Wild, Beautiful and Pristine! Click on any image to view photo gallery.
Hiking to Punta Raza & El Monteon - A Great Day Trip from Los Ayala
Hiking Pictorial - To Punta Raza and El Monteon via Punta Raza beach
Hiking Pictorial - To Punta Raza and El Monteon via Punta Raza beach
The photo galleries show images of a few key landmarks along the trail leading to Punta Raza; Playa del Toro, El Mirador; Punta Raza beach and the road leading to El Monteon.
Take Note....
Hike someone who knows the trail to Punta Raza very well, as the trail markers cannot always be counted on and it is very easy to get lost on the trail, especially after the rainy season when the new growth hides the trail and/or even in the dry season when leaves and dried tropical foliage hide the trail and trail access points.
Hike in small groups, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito and tick repellent. Remember to bring water, and a few light snacks.
Total Hiking Time - ~ 3 hours at a comfortable pace; approximately 3 miles per hour
- Trail head entrance for the Punta Raza trail can be found at the end of the trail leading to Playa del Beso. (Kissing Beach), behind Henry's Beach Bar & Grill.
- Step around the fence walk up the path until you see the trail. The trail head begins on your right and is well defined. Red marker ribbons are tied to a few trees along the way.
- When you come to the Play Del Toro and Mirador signs, turn left at the sign to Playa del Coral and follow follow the trail straight to get to Punta Raza beach. If you have some extra time following the trails which lead Playa Del Toro and Mirador (look out) is worth the extra time! The Del Toro beach is a very small personal bay perfect for an afternoon picnic and private swim. The Mirador (look out) is worth it - not only for the view and photo opportunities but also because the rocks are usually covered with turkey vultures. This is also a great spot for whale watching. Forewarned the rocks at the very end of this trail are very steep and slippery if wet.
- Remember, if you are just going to Punta Raza follow the trail marked by the Playa del Coral sign until you reach the beach. You will know you are headed in the right direction because you can hear the waves crashing on the beach. Follow this path until you reach the beach.
- Next? Walk the full length of Punta Raza beach, passing palm groves and a unique tree until you reach the far south end of the beach. At the far south end of the beach you will see a hill. Walk up the hill, past the houses and follow the clearly defined road into El Monteon. Along the walk to El Monteon you will walk past several open fields with various crops. You will likely see several horses and walk past several brick piles. When you see the pink house with the crooked window, you are almost there. Continue walking until you reach the El Monteon's Town Square. Enjoy breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Take a taxi or a hop on a collectivo for the return trip to Los Ayala.
Take Note....
Hike someone who knows the trail to Punta Raza very well, as the trail markers cannot always be counted on and it is very easy to get lost on the trail, especially after the rainy season when the new growth hides the trail and/or even in the dry season when leaves and dried tropical foliage hide the trail and trail access points.
Hike in small groups, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito and tick repellent. Remember to bring water, and a few light snacks.
Total Hiking Time - ~ 3 hours at a comfortable pace; approximately 3 miles per hour
Playa del Torro
Photo by Lori Schneider Wood
Photo by Lori Schneider Wood
Punta Raza Trail Update - May 2011
The gated entrance to the Punta Raza trail at Playa del Beso has been nailed shut and a fence has been installed which blocks access to the trail from Playa del Beso. It appears that the forest trail leading to Punta Raza Beach is no longer accessible to the public. Whether this is a permanent measure and/or due to the development slated for Punta Raza beach is unknown; as are the reasons as to "Why" access to the trail has been fenced off.
The gated entrance to the Punta Raza trail at Playa del Beso has been nailed shut and a fence has been installed which blocks access to the trail from Playa del Beso. It appears that the forest trail leading to Punta Raza Beach is no longer accessible to the public. Whether this is a permanent measure and/or due to the development slated for Punta Raza beach is unknown; as are the reasons as to "Why" access to the trail has been fenced off.
Punta Raza Trail Update - January 2012
You may now access the trail to Punta Raza by a gated access point at the end of Calle Manglar. Walk south down Coral Avenue, and walk across the small bridge which goes over the estuary. Continue walking along what is now Avenida del Estero. Turn left at the next street (Calle Manglar) and walk to the end of this road (~ 3 blocks) until you see the gated access point on your left.
The access point to the trail is guarded but the guard on duty allows access to hikers, upon request. Enjoy this beautiful hike!
Punta Raza Trail Update - March 2012
Lori Schneider-Wood has cleared and re-routed the forest trail to Punta Raza. It is now a loop trail, and hikers have the option hiking to the north end of Punta Raza beach, and returning to Los Ayala by the second part of the loop trail which leads back to Playa del Beso is steep is places and can be slippery.
The access to the original trail was fenced to prevent access to the workers equipment, and stop harvesting of some palm trees. Hikers are welcome to hike the new trail.
You may now access the trail to Punta Raza by a gated access point at the end of Calle Manglar. Walk south down Coral Avenue, and walk across the small bridge which goes over the estuary. Continue walking along what is now Avenida del Estero. Turn left at the next street (Calle Manglar) and walk to the end of this road (~ 3 blocks) until you see the gated access point on your left.
The access point to the trail is guarded but the guard on duty allows access to hikers, upon request. Enjoy this beautiful hike!
Punta Raza Trail Update - March 2012
Lori Schneider-Wood has cleared and re-routed the forest trail to Punta Raza. It is now a loop trail, and hikers have the option hiking to the north end of Punta Raza beach, and returning to Los Ayala by the second part of the loop trail which leads back to Playa del Beso is steep is places and can be slippery.
The access to the original trail was fenced to prevent access to the workers equipment, and stop harvesting of some palm trees. Hikers are welcome to hike the new trail.
Photo on the left shows the new entrance to the Punta Raza trail, which accessed from the south end of Los Ayala and located at the end of Calle Manglar. (January 2012)
Forest Trail to Punta Raza Beach
Continuing along the to Punta Raza Beach and walking to the town of El Monteon
El Mirador - The Look Out