If you consider yourself a frequent traveler to Mexico, you know that finding a robust cup of coffee in the morning can be a bit of a challenge. Some may consider a traditional cup of Mexican brew watery compared to the American mud we are all so familiar with. However, Mexican coffee isn't inferior; it is just different, and we encourage all visitors to try it. We also have our blend, courtesy of the Villa la Sirena, that will be the topic of today's article.
The local brew, Café de Olla, is a flavorful blend of coffee sweetened with sugar and spiced with cinnamon, often including hints of orange peel, anise, or cloves. While it's a beloved part of Mexican culture, especially as a social afternoon drink, it might not hit the mark for those craving the bold, black coffee that many “gringos” rely on to kickstart their mornings. And if you’re staying in a more remote area like Boca de Tomatlán, getting that much-needed caffeine boost can sometimes be tricky.
But if you’re staying at the Villa la Sirena, you’re in luck. From the start of the Villa’s renovation, we quickly realized that a solid morning coffee service was non-negotiable for guests. We also knew it was only right to use local beans in our blend.
With a desire to incorporate local flavors while meeting the morning needs of guests, the Villa crafted a coffee experience that blends the best of both worlds.
Local Coffee with a Fresh Twist
Coffee plays an essential role in Mexican agriculture, right up there with the famous agave used for tequila. The main coffee-growing regions, like Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz, benefit from the high altitudes, volcanic soils, and perfect climate. But these areas are a bit far from Boca de Tomatlán for fresh beans, so the Villa La Sirena team sought a local alternative that could deliver the same high-quality coffee, freshly roasted and ready to brew.
The answer? Café Oro Verde, a boutique coffee roaster in Puerto Vallarta owned by Wenceslao Aguirre, who’s been roasting coffee since 1992. Wenceslao sources his beans from Don Miguel, a small plantation owner in El Mainal, a village of only 500 nestled in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.
The coffee is grown on the slopes of Cerro San Juan and Cerro Coatepec, where the rich volcanic soil and high elevation produce some of the finest Arabica beans. These Ethiopian beans, known for their floral aroma and smooth, complex taste, are the gold standard for coffee lovers worldwide.
The El Mainal plantation is a family-run business where careful, traditional methods ensure that only the ripest coffee cherries are harvested. On larger farms, where machines are used to harvest beans, ripe and unripe coffee beans alike both end up in the same batch. On El Manial, ripe beans only are hand-picked, so your coffee is as fresh as possible.
Your Morning Coffee at Villa La Sirena
At Villa La Sirena, your morning coffee is more than just a drink—it’s part of the experience. Around 7 AM, the Villa's onsite manager (also your personal barista!) picks freshly roasted beans from Café Oro Verde, grinds just the right amount, and brews a fresh pot. By 7:30, a carafe of hot coffee is delivered right to your apartment door, along with a selection of Pan Dulce, Mexico’s beloved sweet bread.
Many of our visitors say one of their favorite parts of the stay was sipping coffee and eating pastry on their private balcony, watching Boca de Tomatlán come to life, or taking it with them on a morning stroll down the malecón.
7:30 is also when Boca's pangas (small boats) begin their day, loading up with supplies for the nearby villages only accessible by water. It’s a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of Boca, far from the usual tourist scene, and the perfect accompaniment to your freshly brewed cup.
Villa La Sirena avoids mass-produced, preservative-laden sweets and instead opts for fresh, handmade treats. A guest favorite is the fruit empanadas from Los Pinitos Bakery in El Tuito, baked in traditional wood-fired ovens. There’s also unique Pan Dulce from an El Tuito bakery, and occasionally, breads and empanadas from local home-based bakers make their way to the Villa’s breakfast selection. With less stringent permit laws compared to the United States, these at-home pastry chefs are allowed to spread the love with their fresh products.
Booking Your Stay
If our little Villa sparks something inside of you- perhaps a longing to escape, to see for yourself the magic of quaint little Boca, we would be more than happy to talk to you about your stay. The villa features four fully furnished apartments, each offering stunning views of Boca de Tomatlán and the Bay of Banderas. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, Villa La Sirena offers a unique balance of relaxation and cultural immersion.
Booking directly through our website ensures you get the best rates. You can also contact our onsite manager for personalized recommendations to make your stay even more memorable. From arranging local tours to suggesting hidden dining gems like Carmen’s Tacos, our team is here to help make your vacation smooth and enjoyable.
Villa la Sirena is located in Boca de Tomatlan, Mexico, a short trip from Puerto Vallarta.
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