Dear Friends of Rivera Cuale:
Rivera Cuale Condominium is located in a residential Colonia, a traditional neighborhood.
The most striking aspect of living in Rivera Cuale’s Colonia versus a touristic area is being allowed to explore, to come to understand the pride of culture, the mentality, the warmth, and the smiles of the Mexican people, often despite economic hardships, and to respect them as strong survivors. They will share whatever they have with you as their friend. Coming from a much more closed society in the north, I very much appreciate the easygoing lifestyle and the ‘live and let live’ mentality of the Mexicans. In addition to all the magic a Colonia has to offer I was able to perfect my Spanish. Mexican people are kind and gentle in helping you learn if you try to speak to them in their language.
I would like to share with you my personal experience as an expat living here in a traditional Vallarta Colonia for the last 20 years. I want to emphasize that with this experience, I know I could never entertain any other way of living.
My life is richer because of this lifestyle, and I am who I am because of the support and friendship of my community and how it has embraced me over the years. “Mi casa es su casa” takes on true meaning when you live in a local neighborhood. The warm welcoming of my neighbors is truly remarkable, and I feel like I belong here as part of a larger family.
Being in a traditional neighborhood in the heart of the city, as Rivera Cuale is, connects one to their surroundings. Being part of a Colonia where neighbors look after each other is very important to me personally, and I have developed a strong bond with my neighbors. I feel I am truly living a spectacular lifestyle! When I look around me, I see lovely colonial architecture, vibrant colors, trees and flowers all over.
A fun aspect of Colonia living, as in Rivera Cuale, is the wealth of sounds and what they mean. A steam whistle means the pozole cart is near, a flute pipe sound is the knife sharpener, the gas truck announce itself, GAAAS, as well as the call of AAGUAA when the water truck comes. It’s all part of Colonia life and enriches the cultural experience.
For newcomers looking for a positive change in their lifestyle, Rivera Cuale’s Colonia offers an abundance of fun, new friends, rich experiences and much more. Our residents all have their local favorite taco stand, pub, tienda (local general store), and eateries. 
This residential Colonia is more of a permanent lifestyle, as compared to the busy coastal resorts; it tends to be more in demand for what it has to offer in terms of friendship, day to day activities and real social interaction.
Enjoy the proximity of mother nature’s bounty; Emiliano Zapata Mercado, often referred to as the best municipal market in Vallarta, is practically at Rivera Cuale’s doorstep. It offers daily fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, poultry and meats. In fact, just as in small town living up north, the butcher, the fish monger, and the produce store all come to know your preferences. They make sure to let you know when something special that you like is in stock. It’s like having a personal shopper. Thanks to nature’s bounty, you can help yourself to endless banana trees in Rivera Cuale’s beautiful gardens, mango trees across from our entrance, and so many more treats abounding.
You can walk to excellent restaurants for every taste, shopping, spas, the beach, along the river, explore nearby areas such as Gringo Gulch and Paso Ancho. Take a stroll to the Cultural Center and sign up for some Flamenco or Folkloric dance classes. Enroll in Spanish language classes. Or you can just sit back and enjoy a good book or a cool tropical drink by our river lounge. Thanks to the magic of wireless Internet, this can be your office in paradise as well.
At night from Rivera Cuale, stargazing is pure enchantment. There is no ambient light to interrupt, so you can see every star in the sky. Since we face true west, we are privileged to the most spectacular sunsets daily. Indeed, a true gift. And summer brings us another phenomenal gift from nature. Vallarta’s thunder and lightning are legendary. People stop in their tracks to watch the light show. Fingers of light dramatically explode across the ocean and over the mountains.
I am frequently asked if I miss the US and my life there. My answer is always, “miss what?” I didn’t come here for more of the same. I came because it is different in a positive way, and very special. I feel as if I have it all. Many visitors from up north work more than eleven months a year just to be able to spend a week or two in paradise, the place I call home.
If you have any further questions about Colonia life, please write to Estelle or Marie. We will be happy to answer your questions, or arrange a personalized tour of Rivera Cuale at your convenience. We have open house seven days a week.
To take a look at all the great things around our colonia, click here for the Rivera Cuale Virtual Walking Tour.
