Temporal de Lluvias - Las Joyas

   During the rainy season in La Manzanilla we have some temporary pleasures that we must enjoy while they are here, the smell of rain in the afternoon breeze, the emerald green of the vibrant jungle around us, the spectacular sunsets and the peace and quiet of summer time in the tropics...

   Another must is a visit to the towns favorite fresh water pool, Las Joyas.

   Las Joyas (the Jewels) is what we call the main three pools up the arroyo (about a 45 min. walk), here the town has a natural playground in which year after year families make the excursion of ever changing terrain to picnic, swim, catch Chacales and cool off!

First pool - primer tanque en Las Joyas

   This special place contains an amazing diversity for both flora and fauna. Just in it's vegetation we can find 73 different families, 197 genera and 255 species of vascular plants. From the conservancy perspective 11 of these are of interest, either because they are endemic (can not be found anywhere else in the world) or are protected by law.
 
Some important domesticated species have their origins in this type of jungle, such as wild corn and even beans!

   The fauna in this area is also very diverse, some species of interest include chachalacas, pericos o loro, tejon, armadillo, puma, ocelote, jaguar, murcielago. Also alacranes, avispas, abejas, moscas y aranas. When it comes down to mammals at least 31% of the total found in this area are fragile, threatened or endangered species.

Endemic specie known as Papelillo or Arbol mulato.  

   There are some efforts for conservancy of Las Joyas as it is part of the Ejido La Manzanilla, there are plans in making it an eco -friendly recreation area with zip lines, nature trails, controlled traffic and all! I recommend you take the quiet trail up the arroyo while you can! And remember to try to have as little impact in the area as possible :) Don't forget to look for animal prints!

You must to stop for an exfoliating barro facial on your way up the arroyo! 

Enjoy the adventure! 

Special thanks to Fernando Leyva Cedano, 

Esteban Magana and Daniel Figueroa Michel!