Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - For those of us who live in Puerto Vallarta, summer's steamy weather makes us start searching for nearby towns with higher altitudes and less heat. One of our favorite places to visit at this time of year is Santa Maria del Oro, Nayarit.

This is definitely an overnighter, taking over three hours on the northern route to get there. We make it longer by stopping for lunch in one of the small villages we pass along the way, picking up novelties and snacks from roadside stands, and stopping to take photos of the breathtaking views. Mountains, valleys and forests are the awesome landscapes on this delightful journey.

There are several hotels in the area and we recommend booking ahead. Call on your own, visit websites or see a local travel agent in Puerto Vallarta. Worthy of mention is The Laguna de Santa Maria, a destination for those looking to relax in a quiet setting. Laguna de Santa Maria is a certified Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Santa Maria Resort Boutique Collection offers forest cabins that face the lagoon and is graced by a restaurant, docks and a pool. Yemaya Adventure Club is exactly as the name implies, for those seeking activities and have the energy to enjoy them.

The surroundings of the lagoon entice the sport lover and the observer, with kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing, bumper balls, swimming. There's no need to bring your own equipment; everything you'll need can be found at locations around the lagoon. There is no shortage of activities in the area, with horseback riding tours, zip-lines, cycling, mountain bikes, hiking, and rappelling.

If you're looking for something different and a respite from the heat, the magnificence of Santa Maria del Oro beckons you. We highly recommend this escape, where you'll be greeted by wild flowers, birds and butterflies. Whether it's a challenging hike, a visit to the waterfalls, or a simple walk alongside the water, there is something for everyone.

As with most legends in Mexico, there's always more than one story. One of those is the tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet from differing tribes, who were tied together. Held close but unable to touch, they cried tears that formed the lagoon.

A deeper and actually plausible origin of the lagoon is that it's a volcano crater. No one has ever tested the depth enough to know how deep it actually is, but many believe it will take one to the center of the earth.

The lagoon's water changes color with the seasons, moving from light turquoise to deep green, caused by alkaline and mineral levels.

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The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, please contact one of the Timothy Real Estate Group agents for the best experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate. For more information, visit TimothyRealEstateGroup.com.

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