A Saunter to Playa Vanados

Starting at the plaza in Lo de Marcos, step onto Calle Francisco Madero on the west side of the plaza. Head south for two blocks. You will arrive at a street where horses and trees abound. The trees here have branches devoid of leaves that have been eaten by the inhabitants. As the sun rises and begins to warm the air, look carefully for iguanas basking on the bare branches - these elusive creatures are often high up in the trees.                              Continue down the lane and, at the intersection, turn right. Follow this road until you reach Calle Minitas, where you'll turn right. A short distance to the right, you'll find a lagoon teeming with life; turtles and egrets can be seen feeding, along with the occasional crocodile. Now return south, and you  will find some ponds filled with water lilies and dragonflies. Just a bit further, tall trees with very large leaves shade the path, and you might spot breadfruit dangling from the branches. From here, the road continues past Calle Universidad, gradually rising. As it ascends (1.5k), you'll be heading south. The road surface transitions from asphalt to dirt.(2k) To the right, you'll notice Playa Minitas, currently fenced off but offering a stunning view of the ocean. Follow the road as it bends to the left. Keep an eye out for a cascada nest , and a strangler fig tree slightly up the hill. Further along, after some ups and downs, you'll come upon a road to the right. 1.38 miles or 2.23 kilometers depending upon which streets you take through the town. Take this road to the steps that lead down to the beach. These steps are a testament to the fact that mortar lasts longer than bricks. Now you are on the small but spectacular Playa Venados. Look west and imagine, across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the islands of Hawaii—they are on the same latitude as this hidden gem.

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