HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A ROUND PYRAMID?

Found in the Middle East and Europe but a first for Mexico where 4-sided angular has been the recognized pyramid design, the Guachimontones near Tequila are an exciting addition to the archaeology now being opened up and appreciated in Western Mexico.

Diego Rivera -- and other left-wing painters and intellectuals of the 1930's & 40's with a profound interest in the archaeological past & preserving the national heritage -- especially appreciated the earthenware figures found in the graves in this area, but it wasn't until 1998 that serious excavation and restoration was officially begun.

At first considered a pale country cousin to the larger-scale building of the Maya in the Yucatan, Aztec in the Central Region and other patriarchal cultures, the site has now proved to be from a far earlier (and largely disregarded) period, the Late Formative phase of 200 BC to 300 AD. The ruins, with their ceremonial Mounds and the bases of what were Pagodas, are an architectural expression unique within Meso-America in a place of extraordinary energy, above an ancient lake which provided water and agriculture for a stable community.

For more information on this and other sites in this region, we recommend the sources mentioned below:

*Moon Travel Planner
*Richard Townsend, ed. Ancient West Mexico: Art and Archaeology of the Unknown Past
*A personal visit - it is only a 45 minute drive from Rio Caliente and is one of the varied Day Trips we offer.

NOPAL, THE EDIBLE EMBLEM OF MEXICO

The Nopal, better known as Prickly Pear or Paddle Cactus, is believed to be one of the first sources of food for man in America. You will find it everywhere in Mexico. It is even on the flag.

A theory exists that the Aztecs came from Mexcaltitlan in Western Mexico - a town just a few hours from here that juts into the Pacific and is cut off from the mainland at high tide. Directed by their priests to find the place where "an eagle perches on a nopal holding a snake" they founded what is today Mexico City - even though the nopal was growing in the middle of a lake. Now that the focus is on the art and archaeology of Western Mexico, will we discover a link between our Guachimontones and the Aztecs?

What you will quickly discover in Mexican cuisine is the enduring edible nopal. You will find it in salads, with eggs, in a rich sauce or mole, baked, or blended in smoothies for a nutritious and medicinal beverage (it is highly regarded in the control of diabetes).

Aguas Frescas - "Fresh Waters"

Before everything was canned or packaged and transported around the globe, there were fresh juices and Aguas Frescas. A staple of most family mid-day meals and the Rio Caliente lunch buffet, several of the favorites are made with Hibiscus flower, Pineapple & Nopal, Oatmeal or Rice. Try the following for a refreshing beverage on a warm day.

AGUA DE ARROZ/HORCHATA (Rice Milk)
1 cup of rice
6 cups water
1 stick cinammon
2 T. vanilla
1/2 cup skim milk
honey to taste

Let the rice and water soak for 20 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator. Then place in a blender with the cinnamon, vanilla, skim milk and honey and blend until smooth. Strain any big pieces of cinammon and serve chilled. Serves 4-6

WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO COME?

Any time can be the best for you:

In July through September, here at 5000’ up in the Sierra Madre you’ll find a pleasant average daily temperature between 80F (by day) and 62F (at night). Where it’s also rainy season, the sun is out during the day, with humidity generally in the 70’s, offering beautiful days for hiking, swimming and relaxing by the pool.

And now, you'll design your own days:

EFFORTLESS
(Eat, sleep, soak, float, sleep, eat.... rest!)

SEMI-EFFORTLESS
WATER Soak in the hot pools, watch the sunrise and the moon and stars while floating in the pools, detox in the underground natural steam chamber (Temazcal, as used by the Maya).
-- TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES Have a mud wrap, a manicure & pedicure, enjoy a facial, choose from a wide selection of massages, melt under one of Raul's treatments, investigate other treatments being offered.

REQUIRING SOME EFFORT
-- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - Hike, do yoga, pool exercises, go horseback riding, stumble across obsidian artifacts on the hikes.
-- SHOPPING - Enjoy the crafts in nearby artisan towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonala or on our Patio, where different Huichol artisans are daily invited to offer their crafts, and Max & Felicitas visit twice weekly bringing silver jewelry, manta clothing and -- -- POLISHED OBSIDIAN for your viewing pleasure as well as their gift potential.
-- SIGHTSEEING - Visit Guadalajara. Savour it's flavor, history and charm visiting the downtown Centro Historico's wonderful museums, churches, the oldest & largest covered market - San Juan de Dios- & the Teatro Degollado Opera House.
-- EXPLORING Take an excursion to the archaeological site of the Guachimontones in Teuchitlan. Swing through the town of Tequila on your way to LEARN the process of preparing this ancient sacred beverage, perhaps stocking up on some.

THE EVENING PROGRAMS ...
AT THE END OF THE DAY

August 1-15 is Film & Photography time with Laura Magana, followed by Story Sharing and Huichol Mask Making with Margaret Burk and Mary Louise Stefanic (Aug. 15-30).

In September La Verne Maxwell loosens, strengthens and shapes us with yoga, pool and fun evening activities while Dr. Steve Perlman shows us the Benefits of Chiropractic & Nutrition (Sept. 1-15) followed by Rose Ledbetter who helps us discover our psychic abilities while demonstrating hers, Sept. 15-30.

Come October 1-15, Deborah Arneson gently guides us through the ABCs of Nutrition and later (Oct. 15-30) Susan West instructs us on interpreting Astrology & the I Ching.

CASH REWARDS ARE EVOLVING

Due to the economic difficulties we're all up against now, we decided we had to make a change. But guess what: we came up with a far prettier idea, and one which benefits our Staff too:-

As of July 1, you will enjoy an EXTRA THERAPY, FREE with your Package!
And these will range from Manicure to Massage, Facial or Fango according to which Package you've chosen, giving you an extra bang for your buck while also giving the therapists more work/pay. We tried the idea out on our current guests and they all agreed it was greatly preferable. So we hope you'll enjoy it.

The 3-NIGHT REFRESHER package does not qualify for this - or other specials - because it already includes 2 massages or facials along with bedroom, meals, hiking & exercise classes - all at a discount! Ideal for long weekends or quick getaways, it has met with great success! Remember, this is valid only 'til November 15th.

*Earn an extra 7.5% for bringing a newcomer to Rio.
OR
*5% discount each to mothers & daughters who come together

Click here for our specials.

To see recent photos from and around Rio, click here.

HASTA PRONTO - SEE YOU SOON!

We hope you've enjoyed hearing from us.

Precious has been pretty busy lately scouting out hiking trails, so we were lucky to catch her taking a break.

Caroline, Panchito, Precious and all the Staff.

Click here to see MORE PHOTOS