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Tours

Hidden Voyages Ecotours

A professional Ornithologist/Guide will lead you through the wild lagoons of the Puerto Escondido area to enjoy tropical birding and natural history on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca state.

English (or Spanish) spoken. Binoculars provided. A competent Mexican Guide also accompanies the groups.

Hidden Voyages Ecotours operates from December 1 to April 1 each winter from the office at "Dimar" Travel Agency in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Tel (954) 58 20734 or 20737 or 21551 or 20259.

During the 8 month period April through November for HiddenVoyages Ecotours information contact us at Pelee Wings Nature Store, Leamington Ontario, Canada at telephone / fax (519) 326-5193 or by email to michael@peleewings.ca

Trip # 1 Manialtepec Lagoon by boat
Our most popular excursion is offered daily each morning Monday through Saturday except Thursday. This trip is for people interested in tropical birding or for those who would like a close-up look at the remarkable tropical plant and animal life of Oaxaca's coastal lagoons. Manialtepec- "the place of spring-fed waters", is a tranquil mangrove encircled lagoon hosting a rich diversity of wetland bird life; we'll glide quietly past tropical waders - herons, ibis, and egrets, watching for more exotic species like Roseate Spoonbill, White-fronted Parrot, Boat-billed Heron and Bare-throated Tiger Heron. In addition there are great photo opportunities for magnificent displays of tropical flowers, luxuriant mangrove forest, and fishermen at work from their dugout canoes. Bring along a camera, hat, sunscreen, and if you have them - binoculars. Brunch will be on a secluded beach at 9:30; bring along fruit, juice, sandwiches, etc. The trip is for 4 to 10 persons. (see departures for details).

Days: Monday through Saturday (except Thursday)
Price: 425 Pesos or $40 US per person
Includes: Round Trip transportation to/from hotel, english speaking Naturalist/Guide & Boatman/Guide, High Quality Binoculars
Duration: 3 1/2 hr. boat cruise
Departure: 7:00 AM sharp from your hotel
Return: 12:00 noon
Payment: Note that payment is made in Pesos, travellers' cheques, or US currency after the tour, where we relax for a drink at the dock restaurant, before the return trip to Puerto

Trip # 2 Sunset Cruise by boat
A boat cruise on Manialtepec Lagoon in the late afternoon twilight is an unforgettable tropical experience. Our explorations will provide a close look at the aquatic flora and fauna of 3 diverse lagoons including rafts of white water lilies with their attendant Jacana birds or "Lily Walkers". We'll be in place to view increasing evening bird activity as long purple shadows creep down the mountainsides of the Sierra Madre, on the horizon. From a romantic wild beach we will watch an enchanting sunset over the emerald Pacific, then return to our dock at dusk. We will provide the wine; bring your camera and swimsuit (4 person minimum). (see departures for details).

Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday only
Price: 400 Pesos or $37 US per person
Includes: Round Trip transportation to/from hotel, Spanish speaking Expert boatman/Guide (not M. Malone), high quality binoculars,
Duration: 3 hr. boat cruise
Departure: Dec. & Jan. 3:00 PM, Feb.& Mar. 3:30 PM
Return: 7:30 PM
Payment: Tickets must be purchased in advance at Viajes Dimar Offices. If you are the first two to book then it is incumbent on you to check to see if we have the 4 person minimum to make this trip a go.

Trip # 3 Chacahua Lagoon National Park by boat
If your prefer an all day adventure, we offer an excursion to the vast Chacahua Lagoons for a full day of boating. This trip involves much more travel time both by vehicle and by boat to arrive at the primitive beach side village of Chacahua, where we will relax midday under a breezy palapa for a swim and a seafood dinner (extra). Later we will visit the crocodile hatchery. Be prepared for a full day of sun. Late in March and April we will be able to view nesting colonies of Wood Stork and Roseate Spoonbill (6 person minimum). (See departures for details).

Days: Thursdays only
Price: 550 Pesos or $52 US per person
Includes: Round Trip transportation to/from hotel, Spanish speaking Expert boatman/Guide, High Quality Binoculars
Duration: 3 1/2 hr. boat cruise
Departure: 8:00 AM sharp from your hotel
Return: 6:30 PM
Payment: Tickets can be purchased in advance at Viajes Dimar, or during the trip after we pick you up. Double Check to see if this trip has the 6 person minimum.

Reservations: Viajes Dimar
Phone: (954) 58 20734 or 21551 or 22305
Specify Michael Malone's Tours.
Reservations for "HIDDEN VOYAGES ECOTOURS" can be made only through Viajes Dimar Travel Agency, #905 Perez Gasga Ave., Puerto Escondido (on the main promenade, beside the Kodak Store), or the Viajes Dimar office Zicatela Beach (beside the Hotel Inez). Open 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Telephone (954) 58 20734 or 21551. Specify that you want Michael Malone's trip #1, 2, or 3. Your names, hotel room number., and the date must be registered to ensure your booking. M. Malone or J. Walker will be at Dimar each night from 8:30 to 9:30 PM if you need further details. Stop in any time to preview our photo album of trips or to book your tour. Only "HIDDEN VOYAGES ECOTOURS" guarantees you a boat cruise through these wild tropical lagoons with a professional Naturalist/Guide, use of binoculars, and 20 years of lagoon ecotour expertise.

WILDLIFE OF THE LAGOONS

Each passenger will receive a checklist of the 275 species of birds found in the region. We will see from 40 to 60 species of birds each trip. Few mammals are observed, as they are primarily nocturnal. However, we have observed the river otter and jaguarundi (both endangered), opossums, crocodiles, and iguanas. On our beach break we have observed dolphins, whales, sharks, sea turtles and their nests.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We see the greatest diversity of wildlife on Trip#1.

 

Departures:
Trip #1 MANIALTEPEC LAGOON - Our departure each morning is as early as possible, in order to be on the lagoon when bird activity is best. All activity in the tropics diminishes quickly as the midday heat intensifies. Passangers in town should be in front of their hotels at 7:00am. Complimentary coffee is served on board at the time of the departure from the dock ar 7:30am. Buy your Brunch items the day before so as not to delay fellow passengers. The dock restaurant sells beverages to go but not food for your trip. Bring swimsuit and a towel if you wish.

Trip #2 THE SUNSET CRUISE - We will leave from town hotels at 3:00pm and from the out of town hotels at approx. 3:10 p.m.
Note: Starting February 1st, we move back the departure time to 3:30 and 3:40 respectively due to the later sunset. This trip starts out duringthe warm poart of the afternoon, but once we arrive at the lagoon things cool down nicely. Bring along a beverage if you wish, or you can pick one up at the dock restaurant. Later during the beach break we'll enjoy some wine and toast a glorious Pacific Ocean sunset. Note that the Sunset \Cruise operates with our local expert boatman/guide only who speaks Spanish. The sunset cruise is recommended for people who-
a) cannot get up early while on vacation.
b) are less interested in tropical bird life or,
c) are helpless romantics seeking a sunset cruise to a wild beach.

Trip #3 - CHACAHUA LAGOONS - Chacahua is a vast, beautiful lagooncomplex with plenty to experince. However, some people find this tri[ just too long a day to be in a boat and on the beach. Be prepared for lots of sun on this trip. We recommend that yhou have breakfst before departure, and bring along a light snack. The seafood restaurant dinner stop is at 2:00pm. (price of meal is not included). It is recommended that valuables not be brought along; bring a beach towel to double as a seat cushion. Swimming is available during our beach break, at ones own risk, in the ocean or the lagoon, on all tours.

LAGOON CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Hidden Voyages Ecotours actively supports conservation programs at Manialtepec lagoon. We have sponsored UAM University biology students research programs, have raised funds for environmental projects such as trash collection on the lagoon, have sponsored birding courses for local guides and have donated to them binoculars and field guide books. We will continue to work with lagoon communities on conservation and education programs including fund raising for ecological toilets at the dock.

Your Guides
Michael Malone is a naturalist from Canada, formerly employed by the Canadian Wildlife Service. He has spent the last 24 years Puerto Escondido and is the main guide for tours #1 and #3. He is contracted to lead the following 9 - day tours in Oaxaca state in 2005:NYC National Audubon Society Jan. 15-23, ABA American Birding association Jan.29 - Feb. 6; Quest Nature Tours Toronto Feb. 7-13. In his absence the tours are led by his wife Joan Walker in conjunction with our expert boatman. Joan also has 24 years of birding and cultural experience to share with you. Our current boatman/guide - Lalo Escamilla is a local fisherman who has lived his life on Manialtepec lagoon and is proud to share his knowledge and secrets of the lagoon. Actively involved in conservation efforts, currently he is president of the Manialtepec Watershed Committee. He operates our outboard and new electric motor leaving your guide free to answer questions regarding tropical ecology, identify birds, and ensure your safety and comfort. When interesting bird life or plants are encountered the motor is stopped to ensure respect for the wildlife and allow for good quality photos.

Our Specialty Tours
A) Private Tours - Individuals, families or private groups are welcome to design a special tour with us. Contact Michael or Joan at Dimar Travel Agency, 9:00 - 9:30 p.m., to make arrangements.

B) Puerto Escondido Birding Tour - A 3 to 4 hour walk with a local guide to discover the coastal foothills and seek out Mexican endemics such as: Orange-breasted Bunting, West Mexican Chachalaca, Doubleday's Hummingbird, Citreoline Trogon, Happy Wren, Red-breasted Chat, Yellow-winged Cacique and White-throated Magpie Jay.

Cost with local Mexican Guide, carrying Spotting Scope and Guidebooks:

1 Person - $200 p. 2-4 Persons - $150 p. each

Cost with M. Malone and Scope:

1 Person - $350 p. 2-4 Persons - $250 p. each

C) Tropical Birding in Oaxaca State - A 9 day tours. Join Michael Malone on exciting nature adventures exploring the interior Valley of Oaxaca, the Pacific slopw Sierra Madre mountains, and tropical coastal lagoons. M. Malone leads these tours for U.S. National Audubon Society, the American Birding Association (ABA) and for "Quest Nature Tours" - Canada's premier nature travel company: 1-800-387-1483. Enjoy a variety of 700 bird species including 26 endemics, Zapotec archeological ruins and culture, artists and artisans, while based 4 nights each in colonial hotels in Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido. Contact us for details from april-Nov. in Canada at Pelee Wings Nature Store, 636 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington, Ontario, Canada N8H 3V4. Phone and fax (519) 326-5193 or by e-mail to : michael@peleewings.ca

 

Spanish Schools

Language Institute of Puerto Escondido

El Jefe:	Brian Vander Kooy
Tel:	(954) 582 2055
E-mail:	brian@puertoschool.com
Web	www.puertoschool.com
Services:	Language classes, homestays, Salsa lessons, surf trips, surf lessons and board rentals, rock climbing, tours
	Immerse yourself in Spanish while enjoying sun and surf on the beaches of Puerto Escondido, Mexico at the Language Institute of Puerto Escondido. Courses taught on location in Puerto Escondido provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language, interact with the Latino culture and enjoy the stimulating environment and fun activities. The Language Institute of Puerto Escondido offers private or small group Spanish lessons, homestays with local families, Salsa dance lessons, workshops in Oaxacan style cooking and artesanry, surf trips, surf lessons and surf board rentals, excursions to local ruins, lagoons, beaches, rock climbing and tours of Puerto Escondido and surrounding areas.

 

Massage Services

Temazcalli

The men and women of this age, the new millenium, live in a very stressful world, which has a direct effect on their physical and mental health.
If we desire, vacation can be a rediscovery of ourselves through a magical, enjoyable and simple way that relaxes and energizes our minds and bodies.

When you visit Puerto Escondido Oaxaca, you will find a quieter lifestyle, clean air and beaches in a beautiful tropical countryside. Here your mind and body can have the opportunity to relax.

Temazcalli offers a professional program for active men and women. Our comprehensive program offers you different massage techniques, active meditation, temazcal baths (a prehispanic sweat lodge), relaxation, dance, nutritional assessment and meditative tours.
This service alows you to capture your health and inner beauty, creating space for celebration, happiness and peace while increasing your energy level and freeing yourself of stress.

Initiation
•Therapeutic Massage
•Temazcal Bath
2 hours Group ceremony
•Ceremonial Group Temazcal Bath (minimum 6 persons)
•Meditation Dance
2 hours

The touch of love
•Aqua Mystical
•Therapeutic Massage
•Temazcal Bath
3 hours
Contacto con las emociones

Light within
•Aqua Mystical
•Active Meditation
•Therapeutic Massage
•Temazcal Bath
•Discussion of Stress and its Management
(minimun 6 persons)
4 hours

A touch of beauty
•Esthetic Massage (with natural creams that help dissolve fatty tissues)
•Mud Mask and Natural Creams
•Temazcal Bath (with herbs that help dissolve celulite)
•Nutritional Counseling
3 hours

 

Contact Information:
ptemazcalli@yahoo.com
oshocalli@yahoo.com.mx
temazcalli@temazcalli.com

Villa Temazcalli No. 3
Col. Lazaro Cardenas CP. 70934
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mex.
Tel. (01954) 5821023