FAQs

What's included?
How do I get there?
Will someone pick us up? How much?
What about money?
What about water and food safety?
Are there local contacts?
What activities are available?
What about kids?
What about phones and Internet access?
What about buses and taxis?
Where do I buy groceries, etc.?
Can you tell us more?

1. What's included?

All the above plus tons of information to make your stay more pleasurable. Read on.

2. How do I get there?

Regularly scheduled and charter airlines service Puerto Vallarta from around the world.

3. Will someone pick us up? How much?

We can help you arrange to be picked up at the airport by our friend Anjel, who along with his wife Ana, own the best grocery store in Boca. Anjel charges $40 to pick up your group, (if more than 4, some will need to ride in the back of the truck!), he'll take you to a large grocery store in Puerto Vallarta to stock up for your stay, and get you settled across the river at Casa Ana or Choza Jimmy. He will also take you back to the airport for the same price. This is a great deal!

4. What about money?

You can pay in dollars or pesos, although pesos will go a little further with the current exchange rate. There are many places on the streets in Puerto Vallarta called "Cambios", they have posted exchange rates and are more convenient than banks. You will need photo ID or passport to cash travelers checks. The banks may pay a slightly higher exchange rate, but it's not worth the usual wait in line.

5. What about water and food safety?

We drink bottled water in the houses, and everywhere else. We provide one 5 gallon (approximately) per week. Additional water jugs can be purchased from Anjel's grocery for about two dollars. Anjel or his son Blanco will carry it across for you. (A small tip is nice.)

6. Are there local contacts?

Yes, we have a number of friends to help with most everything. Photos and directions on connecting with people are provided in the guest book in each unit, additionally, we will help in making those contacts.

7. What activities are available?

Fishing - deep sea from the marina in Puerto Vallarta. We suggest an old friend, Bruno's Fishing at Brunosfishing.com for half day, full day, and overnights. Bruno has 3 ocean going boats between 36' and 42', as well as a 28' twin outboard for bay fishing. Once you fish with Bruno (who speaks great English) you will want to make it an annual event.

Bay fishing - La Boca is a fishing village. Most of your neighbors there are fishermen. Anjel will help you get a bay fishing trip set up for half day or all day. There are also others at the beach, just ask around for a better rate.

Snorkeling and diving - We are lucky to have a certified diving instructor, Carla, of Boca Divers, (bocadivers.com). Carla does diving and snorkeling excursions tailored to your qualifications and wishes.

Also available - whale watching, hiking to waterfalls and remote beaches, incredible birding, sightseeing, shopping-for art, clothes, jewelry, souvenirs. Gourmet restaurants everywhere, especially in the Old Town district of Puerto Vallarta.

8. What about kids?

Always welcome! This vacation will be culturally enriching for them and you. This is real Mexico, not a resort.

9. What about phones and Internet access?

There are pay phones everywhere. You buy phone cards, which are not expensive. In La Boca, the phone is in front of the liquor store, which has great ice cream bars. You can buy the phone card right there.

Carla's Dive Shop has one computer for limited use for about a dollar for ten minutes. In Puerto Vallarta we like the PV Café.Com on the corner of Olas Altas and Basilio Badillo. (3 blocks from the Boca/Mismaloya bus stop).

10. What about buses and taxis?

Buses run from Boca and back every 15 minutes from 5:30 AM to 11PM. The cost is 4.5 pesos each way (40 cents US). Bus rides take about half an hour each way, and are always FUN! The bus stop in Puerto Vallarta is at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Constitucion, 3 blocks up from the beach. In Boca you get the bus at the top of the hill-not hard to find, there are only 2 streets in the town. While waiting for the bus you can buy fresh fruit served in a plastic bag or cup for about a dollar. Taxis take 15-20 minutes and cost about $12 US (not bad for 3-4 people, but not as fun as buses.)

11. Where do I buy groceries, etc.?

In Boca, you can get the freshest groceries at Ana and Anjel's store. If you want something they don't have, they will get it by the next day. The easiest grocery store to get to in Puerto Vallarta is called Rizo's. It is 3 blocks straight down Constitucion from the bus stop. Whenever possible, try to buy local in Boca. Your neighbors will appreciate you. You can walk down to the beach early in the AM (7-8AM) and buy fresh fish from the returning fishermen. If you buy or catch fish, Ramon, (Anjel's brother), the owner of the beach restaurant, Huachinango, will cook them for you. Great way to spend a day - just add a few Margueritas.

12. Can you tell us more?

We (Jim and Ann) have visited the Puerto Vallarta area many times over the past 20 years. We have developed lasting friendships. We love Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, and especially our little hidden gem, La Boca de Tomatlan. Come and relax. You will be smiling!!

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