The Cerrito Encantado Property Layout
Cerrito Encantado is a multi-level hillside property just below the main road in Altavista, Nayarit. Here's how the whole hill fits together, level by level. Jump to any part:
Getting down to the property
Most guests park at the entrance up top and take the short walk down, about 90 seconds to 2 minutes. If you have a high clearance 4x4 or AWD vehicle with good tread, you can drive right down. Either way, we'll be there to guide you when you arrive, and we're happy to help bring your belongings down.
The hillside has stairs, sloped paths, and a few stretches without rails, so guests should feel comfortable walking up and down stairs and hills. For parking details and how to find us, see our directions and map.
The lower level
You arrive on the lower level, where you'll see a pink casita, La Casa Arellanes, which will be renovated in the future, along with the carport, the gated garage, and the gazebo.
The path to the left of La Casa Arellanes leads along the walkway to La Casa Redonda, passing the gazebo and a stairway to the upper level. Continue to the right of La Casa Redonda and you reach the front of the property, with breathtaking views out to the ocean and the entrance to La Casa Chilam.
Many of the fruit trees grow on this level: mango, yaka (jackfruit), banana, coconut palms, coffee, guanabana (soursop), and avocado. When the trees are giving, we love sharing the harvest with our guests.
The salt water pool
Between La Casa Redonda and La Casa Chilam, a stairwell leads to the salt water pool, which sits between the lower and upper levels. It has a beautiful view of the valley and the ocean, and it's centrally located to Los Cuartos, La Casa Redonda, and La Casa Chilam, so it's easy for every guest to enjoy. On clear evenings you can see Las Islas Marias from the pool.
Why salt water?
A salt water pool isn't like ocean water, it's just a method for sanitizing the pool without chlorine. So don't expect the water to taste like salt. It's gentler on your skin, eyes, and bathing suits, you won't smell of chlorine after a dip, and the water feels soft instead of hard.
Hours, towels, and lights
All overnight guests have access to the pool, and pool towels are provided. Before you take a dip, we just ask that you rinse off at the outdoor shower so you don't track in dirt or sand from the nearby beaches.
Pool hours are 8am to 10pm, and if you're the only guests on the property, feel free to swim any time of day. For evening swims there are lights around and inside the pool; the switch is on the left side of the pool house, opposite the door.
Pool rules
- Guests do not have access to the pool room, as it houses important pool plumbing.
- Food and glass are not allowed near or around the pool at any time.
- No horseplay or running around the pool.
- No diving! Maximum depth is 1.5 meters (5 feet). There is a staggered ledge to sit in the water on the side closest to the stairway.
The upper level
The upper level holds almost all of the communal areas. You can reach it three ways: the sloped walkway to the right of the entrance, the stairs along the walkway between the gazebo and La Casa Redonda, or the stairs at the front of the property, the same stairwell that reaches the pool.
Los Cuartos
A two story building with five private bedrooms and a full bathroom on each floor. The second floor has a gorgeous view of the yard and a nice breeze at night.
El Pasto, the yard
A grassy yard surrounded by flowers, trees, and butterflies. Look for the lychee tree, the star fruit tree, and the gorgeous olive tree among the palms.
Outdoor sitting
A covered sitting and dining area with views over the yard and out to the valley. The sound system is yours to use, so put on your music and settle in.
Outdoor kitchen
A wood fired stove and oven, a fridge, and everything you need to cook, with the grill available on request. Ask us for a lesson on the wood stove and make tortillas or pizza.
Laundry
A washer and dryer are available for guest use during your stay. Water is limited from February to June, our dry season, so we ask that you plan loads mindfully.
Meditation room
Spectacular mountain views to the south and a yin yang rock symbol embedded in the floor. Bring your yoga mat and a speaker and enjoy the peace.