First time in PV

[dst]

We are traveling on the navigator and stopping in Puerto Vallarta; how safe is the Malicon is it within walking distance of the port or a taxi?
Any advice or tips would be appreciated 

[CruiserBruce]

Not sure why you posted twice...30 minutes apart.

 

If you look down the board, there are several discussions about going to the Malecon...it is a frequent topic. Its walkable, but a healthy walk. Most people suggest a taxi, or, I believe there is a shuttle bus of some type,

 

It is safe.

[Mike45LC]

Take a van from the cruise terminal and then stroll along the Malecon.  Very safe.

[Ine]

Better take a local bus with the sign centro and get off near Hotel Rosita at the beginning of the Malecon. Of course a cab is always good too. Yes it is walkable but only if you are a good walker and be aware of the heat. The walk will be along a  busy road.

[Hlitner]

Perhaps we can help by putting it in terms of miles (we walk from the Romantic Zone to the Port (and back) many days a year).  From the cruise port to the Rosita (the beginning of the Malecon) is just slightly over 3 miles!  From the Rosita to the end of the Malecon (in the Romantic Zone) is slightly over 1 miles.  So, if you have the time and energy to walk 4 miles (plus whatever distance you walk in town) than yes, it is all walkable.  For cruisers, with a limited amount of time in port, most will benefit by either using a local bus (see Ine's post above) a shared taxi, or perhaps an Uber.  Keep in mind that the local buses only cost $10 (Pesos) which is about 60 cents.

 

Hank

[jklc123]

What would be typical cost of taxi to the Rosita?

[dst]

On 6/5/2023 at 9:35 PM, CruiserBruce said:

Not sure why you posted twice...30 minutes apart.

 

If you look down the board, there are several discussions about going to the Malecon...it is a frequent topic. Its walkable, but a healthy walk. Most people suggest a taxi, or, I believe there is a shuttle bus of some type,

 

It is safe.

Human error - it was not showing as posted so I posted and then it was twice - ok maybe not human error but a glitch in the site......sorry

[dst]

On 6/6/2023 at 2:12 AM, Ine said:

Better take a local bus with the sign centro and get off near Hotel Rosita at the beginning of the Malecon. Of course a cab is always good too. Yes it is walkable but only if you are a good walker and be aware of the heat. The walk will be along a  busy road.

Thanks - so a taxi there and walk about, is it easy to get a taxi back to the ship. Do you know if Taxis are regulated, safe to use. Just wondering if someone could pose as a taxi 

[dst]

On 6/6/2023 at 8:02 AM, Hlitner said:

Perhaps we can help by putting it in terms of miles (we walk from the Romantic Zone to the Port (and back) many days a year).  From the cruise port to the Rosita (the beginning of the Malecon) is just slightly over 3 miles!  From the Rosita to the end of the Malecon (in the Romantic Zone) is slightly over 1 miles.  So, if you have the time and energy to walk 4 miles (plus whatever distance you walk in town) than yes, it is all walkable.  For cruisers, with a limited amount of time in port, most will benefit by either using a local bus (see Ine's post above) a shared taxi, or perhaps an Uber.  Keep in mind that the local buses only cost $10 (Pesos) which is about 60 cents.

 

Hank

Thank you so much - taxi for us it is 🙂  Is there an area that is better than others, where we should ask to be dropped off? Looking for just a casual day and someplace to grab lunch/drinks

 

Edited June 8, 2023 by dst

[Hlitner]

13 minutes ago, dst said:

Thank you so much - taxi for us it is 🙂  Is there an area that is better than others, where we should ask to be dropped off? Looking for just a casual day and someplace to grab lunch/drinks

 

Let me give you some geography and you can later decide.  If you look at a map of Puerto Vallarta, you will notice that the Malecon (the local version of a boardwalk) starts from the Northern end of town (across the street from the old Rosita Hotel) and extends about 3/4 of a mile to the Rio Cujale (the local river) where there is a pedestrian bridge.  The route than continues in the Romantic Zone/Old Town where one can walk along a couple of shopping streets or along the beach (Los Muertos Beach) which is lined with cafes/restaurants/bars, etc.  

 

For those who simply want to take a long walk (it is all flat) of about 2 miles, we suggest having a taxi drop you at the Rosita Hotel.  From there, you can start strolling (south) along the Malecon, browse shops, stop anytime for a drink/snack, etc.  You can deviate off the basic route and walk up to the famous local Church of Our Lady Guadelupe (worth a visit to glance inside), shop at the flea market area along the Rio Cujale, explore the small island in the middle of the Rio (it has some restaurants and shops/kiosks, and than cross over to the Romantic Zone (where we live in the winter).  in the Romantic Zone there are many decent eating venues, plenty of shops, art galleries, etc.  

 

There are numerous places where you can have drinks, lunch, etc.  We have no health/safety concerns eating or drinking at any of the local places.  But like any town, some places are better then others and you can find lots of online reviews of the various venues.  There is food for just about any taste (or price range).  You can also eat on the beach as there are quite a few places that have tables/service right on the sand.

 

And finally I can say that PV is a very tourist friendly town where English is widely spoken.  If you need help just ask and most folks (gringo or Mexican) will generally be happy to help.  When you are ready to return to the port you can simply grab a taxi (there are taxi stations scattered around town and taxis will also pick-up on the street) or take a local bus (about 60 cents).   Like any tourist town, we do have our share of pickpockets, so take normal precautions with your valuables.

 

Hank

P.S.  If you think I love this town you would be correct :).

 

[Ine]

In addition to what Hank writes, always make your price before entering a cab. From Zona Romantica back expect to pay more or less Pesos 150,- , from the northern part of Malecon around Pesos 100,-- That is per ride for max 4 persons. Yes they will ask for more in general as they know you are tourists, and the closer to the Malecon the higher the price. 100 Pesos is about US$ 6.-

Uber will also work from the city to the cruise terminal, the other way around only from outside the terminal. 

From the cruise terminal to town you can take a federal cab, as offered at the ermnal for about US$ 5,- per person, if you walk outside towards the busy road the rfegular cab will charge as mentioned above.

If you take a cab note his sitio number and cab number - or make a photo of it - (on the outside at the cab), in case you forgot something. Daily I read reports from people forgetting or loosing their phone in a cab. 

Enjoy Vallarta!