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Explore the New Restaurant Recommendations section for Jaltemba Bay – written by Tara Spears
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Tepic International Airport Expands for Cargo & Luxury Tourism
By:BanderasNews
Tepic, Nayarit – The first phase of the Tepic International Airport expansion is complete. This transformation goes beyond handling commercial flights. The airport will now accommodate cargo operations and serve as a luxury tourism hub, according to Nayarit’s Secretary of Tourism, Juan Enrique Suárez del Real.
At a press conference, Suárez del Real highlighted the completion of the Compostela-Tepic section of the new highway. This significantly reduces travel time between the airport and the state’s coast to under 45 minutes. This infrastructure will not only ease traffic congestion at nearby airports like Puerto Vallarta but also expedite tourist arrivals.
Nayarit officials and the federal Ministry of Tourism are already strategizing new air connections with international airlines like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and several Canadian carriers. “Flight occupancy to our region currently surpasses 90%, exceeding airline expectations,” stated the tourism secretary.
Nayarit will also focus on attracting new routes from South America, capitalizing on the lack of direct flights to Puerto Vallarta International Airport. “This effort includes planning charter flights to solidify both tourism and local industries,” Suárez del Real added, “offering travelers diverse activities near the airport.”
These advancements solidify Nayarit’s position as a comprehensive tourist destination, committed to sustainable growth and continuous infrastructure improvements for the benefit of the local economy and visitor satisfaction, officials say.
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Dra. Karen Moreno
Women to Women Scholarship Recipient
By Tara Spears
Every mom nurtures her daughter’s dream for a career and a better quality life. These daughters learn the meaning of effort, tenacity, and caring.
Women to Women Scholarships is proud to share the graduation of Karen Moreno Arjona, who after 6 years of study, is now Doctora Moreno and doing her internship at IMSS.
“Thanks to the support I have received from this scholarship, I have managed to continue with my studies and reach this point in my life. Thank you very much for the opportunity!”
W2W congratulates Dra. Karen Moreno and her mom for all the sacrifices they made. Many thanks to all our sponsors and supporters that make the scholarships possible.www.mujeresamujeres.com.
Hats off to Rob and Heather Erickson 
From Jaltemba Bay Animal Resources:
Congratulations to our volunteers of the month for June. Rob and Heather Erickson,who are so pawsitively dedicated to spaying and neutering that even the neighborhood cats give them a high five… or a high paw!!
They have been working for JBAR for over 18 years starting with the very first clinic in Los Ayala.
Rob’s organizational skills are instrumental in set up for the clinic.
During the clinic, Rob is the one that helps prep all of the animals on the tables for surgery, as well as getting them to the recovery tables after they are operated on.
Working from the minute the first animal goes on the table to the very last animal that comes off the table at the end of the day. I don’t think I have ever seen him take a break.
Heather’s seamless coordination with Concha(head tech)and the rest of the vet team ensures every animal receives the best care possible. She does the shaving, the breathing tubes, the catheters all with a cheerful attitude as well, never taking breaks.
Their hard work does not stop when the clinic ends.
Helping with the tear down and clean up. The following day they come back to pick up whatever is left over to load into storage and help finish with organizing and loading the bins.
As well as working their butts off at the clinic they also host the pets for life veterinarians and team in their home providing beds and meals.
JBAR is truly fortunate to have dedicated volunteers like Rob and Heather as part of our team
Los Ayala Limpio
“Los Ayala Limpio,” is a group of hoteliers and merchants dedicated to keeping Los Ayala beach clean. They pool their resources monthly to pay three employees who work weekly to maintain the cleanliness of the beach. If you would like to join their group and help with this important effort, please send a WhatsApp message to 3221894350.
They greatly appreciate your collaboration. 
A cleaning of the Mangrove of Los Ayala was done. A lot of rubbish was collected, including bottles and various plastics. We know that this garbage ends up in the sea, because mangrove, in rainy season, is filled with water and drains into the ocean.
It is crucial to take care of the mangrove because these ecosystems act as natural barriers against storms and hurricanes, protect the coast from erosion and are vital habitats for many species of flora and fauna. Mangroves also capture and store large amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.Let’s go together in this project to keep our environment clean and beautiful, and to protect these valuable ecosystems that benefit us so much.
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Crocodiles: Friend or Foe?
Tara A. Spears
This exotic reptile may not be a maneater but if threatened, wild crocodiles will attack people. Crocodiles are opportunistic predators and are known for their stealth and patience while hunting. They often wait in the water for their prey to come close enough before launching an attack. Their hunting techniques involve quick and powerful strikes, which they use to capture their prey. Because crocodilians are top predators, they occupy an important ecological role in their ecosystem. Culturally, they have been used for their meat and hides and are an important symbol in the religions of the ancient Mexican ethnic groups.
Crocodiles prefer freshwater habitats, which is why you can find them in the Mexican Marshes. But what’s different about crocs in Mexico is they also thrive in saltwater, specifically around the coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean. In Jalisco, the rut/mating season is typically April-May and in Nayarit, the rut season is May-June which explains why there have been so many crocodile sightings in the last couple of weeks. Now it is important to be extra vigilant if walking thru or near a mangrove/estuary where crocodiles live. Crocodiles bellow to convey health and size information to surrounding crocs for breeding, social, and territorial reasons- which gives the hiker a chance to avoid the wild animal. Crocs bellow year-round but with much more frequency in the breeding season.
Crocodiles take nearly all their prey in the water. Their usual method is to remain still, or approach stealthily, and engulf or seize prey with a single swift lunge and snap. Larger prey are most commonly pulled beneath the water and drowned and then dismembered by the famed “death roll”. The crocodile seizes a portion of the prey and rotates rapidly around its long axis, tearing a piece from the prey. Crocodiles feed and may attack at any time of the day or night, but are more active at night. erican crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), is a large species of crocodilian, with males attaining maximum lengths of 5-6 m, although some individuals may reach 7 meters. The adult females generally measure no more than 3-3.5 m in total length but individuals up to 4.4 m have been reported. It is the largest that are dangerous.
Although crocodilian jaws are capable of enormous power, they are also capable of delicate and gentle action. Large adults can pick up and roll unhatched eggs between their jaws, gently squeezing them until they hatch. Most species of crocodilian carry newly hatched young down to the water in their mouths.
Three crocodilian species are present in Mexico (Instituto Nacional de Ecología) out of the 25 found in the world but Chiapas is the only Mexican state where all three species appear. The crocodile species that resides in Jaltemba Bay is the American crocodile. Most of the time American crocodiles are solitary creatures. In their wild habitat, they prefer to be alone, retreating from most disturbances. However, if they feel threatened, individuals may become quite aggressive. When social interactions do occur, they often take place around dawn before their body temperatures have warmed. During the dry season they become lethargic, burying themselves in the mud and neglecting to eat. Crocodiles are more active at night and during the breeding season. Note that adult crocodiles are territorial, and it is only during the breeding season that crocodiles will share small spaces.
The crocodile’s teeth are conical and designed to penetrate and hold, rather than cut and chew. The teeth of the upper and lower jaws intermesh perfectly when the jaws are closed, giving yet another means of holding firmly whatever they grasp. The number of croc teeth vary by species but it is always more than 24 teeth. Teeth are often lost, but beneath each one is a replacement ready to fill the vacancy. Replacement of teeth occurs roughly every 20 months, throughout life, but slows down as the animal gets older, and may stop altogether with the oldest and largest individuals.
All Am. Crocodile females within a population are ready to mate and lay eggs at the same time. According to Crocodile Specialist Group, crocodile mating is the culmination of a series of behavioral interactions between individuals, in which there are many submissive displays, including snout-rubbing. Mating has been observed and always takes place in the water. The male lies over the back of the female and wraps his hind legs and tail under her, so that their vents come into contact. During mating, the male and female, entwined together, may frequently submerge and resurface. Mating between a pair may occur once, or many times.
A fertilized female crocodile will often build or dig “trial” nest. The American croc makes a series of holes which are abandoned after being dug. The females appear to be looking for a particular environment in which to lay their eggs. Egg-laying usually occurs at night and takes around 30-40 minutes. As the female is laying her eggs, she goes into a trance-like state and will usually not attempt to bite anyone disturbing her. Female American crocodiles lay 30 to 60 eggs in a hole or mound that takes approximately 9 to 10 weeks to hatch.
When egg-laying is complete, the female covers the nest and usually becomes highly protective for 2-3 months. With American Alligators, nest defense is associated with a range of behavioral displays such as hissing, growling and body inflation. The sex of all living crocodilians is determined by the incubation conditions, particularly temperature. Slow development (30°C or less) gives exclusively females. Incubation at around 31°C gives both sexes, whereas incubation between 32 and 33°C gives mostly males.
There are several Crocodile Sanctuaries near JB that you can visit to learn more about crocodiles. If you go south towards Bucerias, there is a very organized venue with a great guided tour: Cora Crocodile Sanctuary, offers tours that last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. During the tour you’ll have the chance to learn more about the coastal environment, crocodiles, and the rescue and protection of wild flora and fauna.
Another crocodile venue is north of JB, just outside of San Blas, La Tovara National Park, a protected natural area that is home to an important reserve of crocodiles. The closest crocodile sanctuary, Cocodrilario Del Nayar, is an easy taxi/drive off of highway 200 north towards Las Varas. All sanctuaries have an admission fee. A map and details are available online if you google the name. Each one is a great activity to do with grandkids- and adults enjoy it, too.
The ancient people revered the crocodile. Cipactli was the Goddess of Alligators to the Maya; In Aztec cosmology, the crocodile symbolized the earth floating in the primeval waters. According to one Aztec tradition, Teocipactli “Divine Crocodile”. The crocodile is often seen as a guardian spirit, representing the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. In some Native American folklore, the alligator is considered a keeper of ancient wisdom and a protector of secrets.
Vacationing in the tropics with its exotic animals and flowers is a unique and memorable experience. Just remember to keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there’s no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn. Remember that the crocodile can go from zero to 25 in a matter of seconds: they are quick sprinters on land and in the water. Be alert, observant and appropriately cautious-take photos from a distance.
As May draws to a close, one determined, talented Jaltemba Bay young woman, Daniella Driscoll, has so much to celebrate. 
Mexican
Mexican Orchids: Nature’s Masterpiece
Tara A. Spears
The beauty of Mexican orchids has been recognized since pre-Hispanic times, where they were used to decorate temples, tombs and gardens. Today, several of Mexico’s orchids are in danger of disappearing due to deforestation and looting. Orchids are one of the largest families of plants in the world, with about 30.000 species. Mexico has around 1250 species of orchids, with an estimated 40% being endemic.
While most people can recognize a flower as an orchid, few believe that they make good house plants. I admit that when I lived in a colder, four season climate I had no luck growing orchids. Once I moved to a humid, subtropical climate and started growing them outdoors, no problem. It isn’t that orchids are so difficult to grow, they simply have to be treated differently. Take the time to learn the specific requirements of your orchid and you’ll do fine. I have several that I have enjoyed for years in my Jaltemba Bay yard. The biggest two factors that matter are learning the correct water requirement and what type of potting the species prefers. All orchids cannot be potted the same: some are terrestrial- and need a rich soil- and some are epiphytic -air plants that must be attached to bark or other loose medium.
Two of my favorite Nayarit orchids are the Orchid Tree, a shrub that exhibits gorgeous orchid clusters about 10 months a year and that the flowers make long lasting cut arrangements. You can purchase this from the Rancho Las Palmas vivero in north La Penita. Another favorite is the mini flower Dancing lady epiphytic orchid. Both of these like a little morning sun but shade in the afternoon; one is terrestrial, the other epiphytic.
Oncidium orchids are known as dancing lady or dancing doll orchids for their distinctive floral design. They have so many fluttering blooms on each spike that they’ve been said to resemble branches covered in butterflies waving in the breeze. Oncidium dancing ladies developed in the rainforest, growing on tree branches in the air instead of in the soil. As with many other orchid varieties, Oncidium orchid care depends on keeping the plants in a loose, well-drained rooting medium and imitating the environment in which it first developed.
An easy day trip from Jaltemba Bay is to visit La Perla Garden near San Pancho. Checkout their informative and fun garden tour by going to Lodeperla.org. Not only can you see hundreds of tropical plants in their natural environment but there are plants available for sale! Look them up on Facebook to get information. The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden is another day trip that is worth seeing. Both gardens have an admission charge and are open 6 days a week. Their orchid pavilion is stunning!
Preserving our area’s biodiversity — its plants and animals — here in Mexico should be everyone’s concern. There are black market sellers on the streets periodically but avoid them. No environmentally responsible person should ever buy illegally collected wildlife such as wild parrots or native orchids. Never buy orchids from street vendors; instead, become a protector for Mexico’s native wildlife, particularly orchids, by only purchasing cultivated orchids. Check out the local plant nurseries and the traveling markets when you’re ready to add orchids to your home.
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Stay Strong, Mexico! Persevere in the Fight to Keep GM Corn Out
Tara A. Spears
A popular saying in Mexico is ‘sin maíz, no hay país’— without corn, there is no country.
When the issue of replacing native Mexican corn with Monsanto genetically modified seed first began, it seemed so wrong on several levels. Firstly, Mexico is the world birthplace of maize with 64 types of corn- of which 59 varieties are heirloom Mexican corn- all with unique characteristics, with different flavors, colors, shapes and sizes. To allow foreign GM corn would risk losing the unique and special native corn species- to what purpose? Foreign profit! The legal battle rages on 25 years later.
Secondly, for thousands of years, indigenous communities have honored the ingredients that the ground has provided them throughout their history. So, corn is one of the purest inheritances of ancestors in Mexico, which even in the 21st century, corn represents an important part of the country’s culture and gastronomy. Corn holds incredible cultural, economic, and ecological significance in Mexico.
Thirdly, just because a biochemical company wants a sale, doesn’t mean they can force another country to participate. It’s just another conquistador, riding in a jet instead on a horse, lusting after the riches of Mexico; but modern Mexico has strong leadership, tenacity, and experience in dealing with marauders. In 2020 Mexican President López Obrador issued a decree to ban the use of genetically modified (GM) corn for human consumption by the end of January 2024. According to this decree, “Mexico would ban GM corn imports to safeguard human health, maintain self-sufficiency and food sovereignty, preserve biodiversity and a healthy agricultural environment, and to protect its native corn.”
According to Food and Power.net, by flooding this country with GM corn, over two-thirds of Mexican corn farmers that still save their own seeds and plant native strains, would be forced to purchase seed instead. It would be a catastrophic expense to the small independent farmers. Indigenous farmers in Mexico use traditional practices to cultivate corn, which helps conserve soil and water, maintain genetic diversity, and safeguard the environment (Mega, 2018).
The private Mexican corn seed banks are a diverse genetic trove that is “absolutely critical to modern crop breeding,” says Tim Wise, the Director of Policy Research at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University. “It’s a critical natural resource for the modern world,” he says. When researchers look for drought-resistant strains or corn that can requires less fertilizer, they turn to Mexico’s native corn gene pool.
According to Food and Power.net, by flooding this country with GM corn, over two-thirds of Mexican corn farmers that still save their own seeds and plant native strains, would be forced to purchase seed instead. It would be a catastrophic expense to the small independent farmers.
This diverse genetic trove (of saved seeds) is “absolutely critical to modern crop breeding,” says Tim Wise, the Director of Policy Research at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University. “It’s a critical natural resource for the modern world,” he says. When researchers look for drought-resistant strains or corn that can requires less fertilizer, they turn to Mexico’s native corn gene pool.
The producers/owners of GMO corn- the US chemical giant Monsanto Corporation/Bayer- hypes many reasons to switch to their product but don’t be fooled by the slick terminology. The sales literature raves “The popularity of GM crops can be attributed to their higher yield, increased production, and greater nutritional content. Additionally, GM crops require less land, water, fertilizer, and pesticides than their non-transgenic counterparts. These advantages of GM crops can help alleviate food security issues (particularly in poor countries), meet the increased food demand of a growing world population, and tackle climate risk.” (Teferra, 2021). Sounds perfect, right?
The U.S. position in support of corporate interests is stuck in a mythical past, when massive agribusiness claimed their products would save family farmers without harming consumers or the environment—claims we know are false. Mexico is taking a different approach to create greater resiliency and healthier alternatives that meet public demand according to the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy 2024. Stay strong, Mexico! You have the power of your history,culture, and traditions to contain this foreign Goliath.
The world applauds ..Mexico’s decision to restrict genetically modified corn imports, safeguarding native maize varieties from GMO contamination and preserving Mexico’s cultural heritage. This bold action will help protect and build the non-GMO food supply while preserving Mexico’s sovereignty and autonomy.
Several consumer watchdog agencies are also against GM use. As Greenpeace .org shares, what most people don’t know is the direct relationship between GMO crops and toxic pesticides. The genetically engineered crops directly promote an industrial and chemical-intensive model of farming harmful to people, the environment, and wildlife. (2018) There are so many reasons to ban GMO corn in Mexico!
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What you need to know about TIPs and Driving into Mexico
If you plan to drive your vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone, it is essential to obtain a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). Here’s how to manage this:
Where to Get a TIP: The TIP is exclusively issued by Banjercito, the official Mexican issuing agency. You can acquire the permit either through their website or directly at the Mexico border. If opting for an online purchase, remember to apply for the permit between 10 to 60 days before your trip to Mexico.
Eligibility and Validity: The TIP is applicable for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs. GVRW) and is valid for up to 180 days.
Special Permits for Motorhomes: If your vehicle is a motorhome, you can obtain a specific RV TIP, which is valid for 10 years.
Regional Exceptions:Sonora: In Sonora, a TIP is only necessary if you travel outside the Sonora Free Zone, defined as the area west of Highway 15 and north of KM 98. For travel exclusively within Sonora, a Sonora ONLY Vehicle Permit is available at a reduced cost.
No Permit Zones: No TIP is required for travel anywhere in Baja California Peninsula, Quintana Roo, the northwest portion of Sonora (west of Highway 15D and north of Guaymas), or within 25 kilometres of the borders.
Additional Guidelines: It is important to note that TIPs cannot be obtained at checkpoints within Mexico, except at the ferry terminal in La Paz, Baja Sur. To obtain a TIP here, you must have a valid FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple).
These steps and guidelines ensure you have the necessary permits for your vehicle while travelling in Mexico.
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Classic Mexican Street Treats: Churros
Tara A. Spears
If you’ve got a sweet tooth just itching to be satisfied, say hello to churros, those golden sticks of pure happiness. Imagine crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and rolled in a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. Dip them in a rich, gooey chocolate coating, and let yourself be wrapped in an explosion of sweetness and flavor! A vacation in Mexico is not complete without tasting these traditional snacks.
In Mexico, churros are commonly referred to as “churros con chocolate.” This country’s churros are slightly thicker and shorter than the Spanish version and are often coated in sugar and cinnamon. They are typically served with a cup of thick, sweet chocolate sauce for dipping, although in Jaltemba Bay most are served without sauce. There are various vendors in La Penita and Guayabitos that provide these treats at the outdoor markets, festivals and concerts.
According to Tiajuana Flats, the Churros’ story begins in Spain, where they were first introduced by Spanish shepherds. The origin of their name is a subject of debate, with some theories suggesting they were named after the churra breed of sheep, whose horns supposedly resembled the twisted shape of churros. These humble pastries quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Spanish cuisine.
As churros continued to evolve, they found their way to other parts of the world. Portuguese sailors introduced them to Europe during their travels, where they became a hit in countries like France and Portugal. However, it was in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, that churros truly made their mark.
A churro is a fried pastry that is typically made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, and salt, although variations may include additional ingredients such as sugar or eggs for flavor and texture. There is a special connection between churros and Mexican people “because whenever they go party, the tradition says that you should be awake until sunrise, and then go eat some churros with your friends.”
Once cooked, churros are typically rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, giving them a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with various dipping sauces or toppings, such as chocolate, caramel, dulce de leche, or even ice cream.
The regional variations showcase the versatility of churros and how they have adapted to local tastes and culinary traditions. While the basic concept of fried dough remains consistent, the specific preparation, size, and toppings can vary significantly from one region to another, offering a diverse range of churro experiences.
These delightful pastries have managed to adapt and evolve while retaining their irresistible charm. Whether you prefer the traditional, stuffed, or mini varieties, there’s a churro for every palate. You can enjoy churros as a dessert with a meal or as a stand-alone yummy snack. So, the next time you encounter these golden, crispy treats on the street, take a moment to savor their history and the diverse ways churros can be enjoyed.
Why do Mexican auto insurance providers often require that you maintain your U.S. or Canadian auto insurance
Mexican auto insurance providers often require that you maintain your U.S. or Canadian auto insurance for several reasons, including:
State or Provincial Vehicle Registration Requirements: Many U.S. states and Canadian provinces require continuous insurance coverage to maintain legal vehicle registration. Failing to keep continuous coverage could result in penalties and complicate your vehicle registration process.
Continuity of Coverage: Maintaining your original auto insurance ensures there’s no gap in your coverage history, which is important for vehicle registration and ownership in your home country. This continuity can also influence your insurance rates.
Traveling to and from Mexico: Your U.S. or Canadian auto insurance is necessary while you are in your home country, covering you during transit to and from Mexico. Since Mexican insurance only covers you within Mexico, having coverage in your home country is crucial.
Legal and Financial Responsibility: If you’re involved in an incident just before leaving Mexico or just after entering the U.S. or Canada, having continuous coverage helps manage any resulting legal or financial issues.
Condition of Lease or Finance Agreements: If your vehicle is leased or financed, the lender may require you to maintain comprehensive and collision insurance continuously, no matter where you are.
These requirements are designed to ensure that you remain compliant with insurance laws and vehicle registration regulations in your home country while traveling or staying in Mexico. This approach helps avoid potential legal and financial complications that could arise from having an uninsured or underinsured vehicle. Get your quote here https://sb.iigins.com/quote/?aff_id=9804
Invasion of the Leafcutter Ants
Tara A. Spears
Undulating like a soundless parade in the night, the legions of Leafcutter ants wave their pilfered leaves like colorful banners. Without interference, the marauding hordes can strip a two-meter tall shrub to bare stems in a matter of hours. For the first time in 15 years, my beloved Jaltemba Bay garden is under siege by the Leafcutter ants.
The name, Leafcutter Ant, is actually an umbrella term for dozens of species belonging to the two genera Atta and Acromyrmex. Characterized by their spiny, reddish-brown bodies and long legs, leafcutter ants — also called parasol ants for the way they carry their leaves like parasols above their heads — are incredibly hardworking fungus farmers, and fascinating creatures all around. These species are known for their sprawling, complex colonies and their exceptional physical strength, but they can do a lot of damage to forests or gardens.
Weirdly, the Leafcutter ants don’t eat the leaves they harvest. The sight of these insects, marching en masse with leafy greens held overhead, would naturally lead one to think they’re preparing a salad bar of epic proportions. 
However, the ants don’t eat the leaves; they feed them to their crops instead. A University of Montana study says the ants put them into “colony dumps,” similar to a landfill or compost pile, and that those dumps “create ideal conditions for the bacteria that make nitrous oxide,” a greenhouse gas. The decomposing leaves then help to fertilize the fungus gardens on which the ants sustain.
While there are natural Leafcutter ant predators, such as Army ants, the population of Leafcutter ants outpaces them. Birds, bats, and ground mammals feed on Atta queens searching for a nest site after mating as well as eating the ant brood. But, because the Leafcutter ant’s nest is inground, and consists of many individuals, a colony is difficult to eradicate.
The Leafcutter queen is the reproductive center of the colony and lives in chambers below the ground. Many colonies have five or more fertilized queens. Most eggs laid by the queens develop into sterile female workers. The workers (2 million or more) vary considerably in form and size; from 1/16 to ½ inch. Generally, large workers (soldiers) serve to protect the nest while medium-sized workers forage for plant material and construct tunnels and chambers, and the small workers maintain fungal gardens and care for brood ants.
During the spring months, some immature ants will develop into winged males and others into winged females. Workers will emerge at this time to widen entrance holes and remove all vegetation hanging over these holes. Mating flights then occur on clear, moonless nights following a rain of at least ¼ inch, primarily in May and June. Mated females disperse, land, and then congregate with other females to establish a new colony to continue the life cycle. Each female carries with her a plug of fungus to begin a new fungal garden.
The activity of the ants above ground depends largely on temperature, as foraging ants are highly sensitive to temperatures encountered along feeding trails. During the summer, the ants remain underground during the heat of the day, often plugging the central nest holes with soil and vegetative debris, apparently to regulate temperature and/or humidity within the nest. At dusk, when temperatures drop below 86 F, ants emerge to forage throughout the night.
In the winter, ants forage during the day primarily from entrance holes above the central nest, but sometimes remain underground for extended periods when temperatures remain below 50 degrees F. Early spring and late fall are transitional periods when ants may be active both during the day and night.
Treatment methods: I try to avoid using strong poisons in my house and yard but the Leafcutters are tough. I poured very hot water on the nest- stopped the ants for only one day. I poured vinegar down the entrance- two days relief. Next, I sprinkled uncooked white rice which only deterred the ants for two days. At this point, I’m going to use poison because this colony is very established and quite large. The ants are winning the battle but hopefully not the war- I want my flowering plants back!
There are commercial insect poisons that are available at the local hardware stores: Koranay Ferreteria and Pina Ferreteria, carry powder/ pellets, like Trompa, that will do the job. The Agricultural supply store just 2 blocks south of the main La Penita Avenida, also has several treatments. Ask for “control de hormigas cortadoras de hojas.”
Amdro® was originally designed for fire ants, but with the addition of sugars, has become somewhat attractive to leaf-cutting ants. 
Applications can be made in all seasons, but treatments should be postponed during periods of prolonged rain. Once the bait is applied, foraging ants search out the pellets and carry them underground. The first signs of control will be a reduction in foraging and excavation activity, usually within 5 – 7 days, after bait application. These activities will gradually stop and the colony will become inactive within 2 to 3 weeks.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, studies of leafcutter ants have contributed to scientific advancements in pharmaceuticals and clean energy alternatives, due to their intake of cellulose, which they can’t themselves digest but their fungus crops help to break down. Recent discoveries of a sort of antibiotic-producing bacteria that they coat their bodies in has played an integral role in research on human antibiotics as well.
That is all well and good but my garden is being bombarded by these nocturnal marauders. It is so frustrating to come to sit on the patio with morning coffee and enjoy my tropical paradise…to find holes in the landscape instead. The ants can have all the jungle they want but I am drawing the ‘do not pass’ line before my yard.
Bustling Tianguis – La Penita Thursday Market
Every Thursday, the town of La Peñita de Jaltemba undergoes a vibrant transformation. Nestled on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Nayarit, La Peñita is typically a laid-back locale. But on Thursdays, it becomes the stage for its bustling tianguis, a traditional Mexican open-air market that draws both locals and tourists alike.
“Tianguis”, or street markets, are fascinating remnants of the pre-Hispanic age, and they are still very important to the commercial exchange of most cities and towns in Mexico. The word “tianguis” comes from the Nahuatl, an indigenous language spoken by the Aztecs, or “Aztecas”, and refers to an open-air market. The La Penita tianguis is a traveling one that moves up and down the Nayarit Coast on different days of the week.
The vendors begin their day at dawn, setting up stalls that line the streets of the town center. The variety is staggering—fresh produce, handcrafted jewelry, colorful clothing, and intricate artisanal crafts fill the spaces. The aroma of cooking food permeates the air, with tantalizing smells of tacos, freshly baked bread, and tamales inviting passersby to indulge. 
Tourists find the market a treasure trove for unique souvenirs—handmade pottery, vibrant textiles, and silver jewelry. It’s also an opportunity to mingle with the locals, learn about their way of life, and practice Spanish in lively exchanges.
As the day progresses, the crowd swells, and the energy of the tianguis reaches its peak. Laughter and conversation fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere that embodies the community spirit of La Peñita. By late afternoon, the vendors begin to pack up, and the streets slowly return to their usual calm.
The weekly tianguis in La Peñita de Jaltemba is more than just a market; it’s a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and cuisine, encapsulating the lively spirit of Mexico in every sense. For those who visit, it leaves an indelible mark, rich with the joy and vibrancy of Mexican life.
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Salt: Another Gift from Nayarit
Tara A. Spears
Perhaps you never took the time to think about life without salt -except when preparing or enjoying a margarita. In any region of the world, salt has always been necessary for human survival. But, in the ancient history of Mexico, the dominating cultures (Aztecs/Maya/Incas) used salt as food, as an item of taxation or barter, and even as an instrument of pressure for political purposes. 
There are several familiar English terms that evolved due to the importance of salt: “He is not worth his salt” is a common expression. It originated in ancient Greece where salt was traded for slaves. Roman soldiers were paid “salt money,” from which we take our English word, “salary”.Due to the variety of locations of salt resources, as well as the geographical and geological diversity of the country, over the centuries Mexico has developed a wide variety of methods for obtaining salt. 
Today, it is still possible to see ancestral practices for obtaining salt and you can also see Mexican salt companies with cutting-edge technology in their production methods. Weather, climate, landforms and soils are of the greatest importance in all solar salt production, besides the availability of brine. Nayarit state is home to three sources of salt production besides many smaller artisan producers.
For hundreds of years, Mexican salt producers have met the needs of this mineral in the country. From the time of the Olmecs to the present day, the Mexican salt industry meets the demands and challenges of a national and international market whose dynamics require a high degree of competitiveness. In 2024, Mexico is #8 in world production of salt, producing nearly 8 million tons annually.The importance of salt-sodium chloride-is enormous. “It has more than 14 thousand uses: from tanning skins to producing chlorine, soda, soaps, glass, and for de-icing roads in winter: a very important part of the world’s salt production goes to that sector. Salt has even been used in vaccines against COVID-19,” comments Sergio Moreno, general manager of the Mexican Association of the AC Saline Industry (AMISAC). “It goes without saying that for homes and the gastronomic industry, salt is a simple and simply indispensable ingredient.” In colonial Mexico, from the second half of the 16th century to the early 20th century, salt took on additional importance because Mexico was the first country in the world to use salt on a large scale for industrial purposes for the production of silver.
Salt is found in nature in two forms: as a solid form or dissolved in the sea or in springs. About 85% of the salt produced in Mexico is marine which is produced by solar evaporation.. Sea salt is obtained via a labor-intensive process that includes evaporation. Most tourists will notice the prevalent roadside stands selling sea salt/sal de mar in kilo bags.Sea salt is harvested along the coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Whereas, rock salt is also produced using underground brines that are evaporated under high vacuum in the regions of Veracruz and Nuevo León. Likewise, salt is obtained from solar lagoons such as Laguna del Rey in Coahuila, Laguna del Jaco in Chihuahua and Laguna de Santa María in San Luis Potosí. The National Institute of Mexican Statistics states that most of the salt production in Mexico comes from the state of Baja California Sur with the rest is distributed in 14 states that include Nayarit. Contrary to common belief, the labor force involved in solar salt production is considered skilled labor no matter what aspect of production is involved, because experience plays an essential role at all levels.
The history and the traditions of Mexico’s salt industry are an important chapter of its economic, social and political past. Against frequently adverse conditions, over thousands of years the country’s salt industry has supplied its inhabitants with salt. The often excruciatingly hard manual labor of the traditional salinero will soon belong to the past. Perhaps the revival of offerings to Huitociuatl, the Aztec goddess of salt, should be revived.Many people prefer the tasty flavor of sea salt over refined salt. The all-natural minerals from the rich soils enhance the character of Mexico’s sea salt. Healthy, zesty, unique, just like the country!