Puerto Vallarta & Mazatlan - on a budget? HELP :(

[Coco83]

unfortunately, my husband & I have had some unexpected expenses. I was recently laid off from my job + suffering from the Governator's 20% fee increase at state funded colleges. So we probably won't be able to do any pricey excursions as previously planned (but not booked yet).

 

we sail on 8/16 on the splendor to the mexican riviera. I've been to Cabo before so I feel comfortable going out on our own there, but any suggestions for P.V. and Mazatlan? I would love to tour those cities but concerned about safety. For example, haggling someone near the port to show us around like I've done other places. I don't know much about either of these places so any insight you could provide, I would really appreciate it.

 

are there certain destinations we shouldn't miss while in town? would it better to get a taxi or ride on a bus? what are the best beaches? THANKS :o

[retiring soon]

Hi!

I can only suggest for PV. You could take a bus from outside the cruise terminal really cheap & make sure it's going to Centro. At the end there you could walk around down the path by the river near the market & along the Malecon seeing the sights or just sitting. You could go up a couple of blocks & see their Church which has a crown on top. Maybe you might see Papalanta (sp?) flyers over near the Rosita hotel. It's quite safe in PV & there are shops & restaurants nearby. Have fun, it's a great place.

~Jo~ :)

[Jeff in Torrance]

I've been to all those three ports several times; and, we've learned how to enjoy them at little or no cost, while seeing more of the real area and its culture (for better or worse, depending on your viewpoint).

 

Cabo San Lucas. We always walk to Solmar Beach via the lobby of the Hotel Solmar, and go south to the end of the beach for a little sunning. There is no charge for passing through the hotel. In fact, they seem to welcome anyone who visits. The recent-most time a Mexican father and son asked us if we wanted to be shown how to go the Honeymoon Beach (which is an "excursion" for the cruise lines). I always thought that one could get there if you don't mind a little bit of "boulder hopping." We politely declined, but they continued on over the rocks. I later climbed to the top of the "first bit of rocks," which revealed that it would take another bit of boulder hopping to actually get to that beach. We usually spend an hour or two on the beach, which is almost vacant of people, before going back to the hotel. At any rate, we usually go back to the Hotel Solimar for a couple of fish tacos and a beer before returning back to the ship. To get to Solmar Beach, just go towards the Pacific Ocean off of the cruise dock (it's only about 1/4 mile). We saw whales off of Cabo, plus I witnessed a stingray leaping and flipping near the ship on one trip on the Golden Princess.

 

Mazatlan. On one visit, we walked the approximately one mile to the Pacifico/Corona brewery, where we were given a very inclusive tour, followed by a beer at the "top of the tower" lounge. They also gave each of us a small momento brochure with our picture included. Cost ..........zero, plus some good exercise. In a prior visit, we just walked to the cathedral for a self-tour, followed by some local window shopping. The Princess ships seems pretty liberal in allowing passengers to bring beverages purchased ashore back onto the ship. One man in our brewery tour hauled four quarts of Pacifico back to the ship. We only took one.

On our most recent trip we walked westerly out of the dock area (crossing the divided road just outside the dock). We just headed southwest to the hill that we could see about 1/2 mile away. It got much less crowded immediately. We walked past two of three schools that were in session, encountering the old custom house. We then walked southerly to the end of the port area (only a couple of blocks), until we found the surf zone of the coast. Very scenic. Nice homes on the hillside. We then followed the coast road around the hill to the old town of Mazatlan. A nice art museum, museum of archeology, internet cafes, non-expensive restaurants and bars. We bought some jewelry; and, then had a couple of 15 peso beers before walking back to the ship. There was much more to see in that area that we didn't have time to visit. We'll save that for our next visit. We used to think that Mazatlan was not worth leaving the ship for; but, have changed our minds.

 

Puerto Vallarta Puerta Vallarta is very charming, and an easy bus ride (cost about 50 cents each way - 5.5 pesos) from the main highway just outside the public dock area. Take the "Centro" bus, which goes as far as the old plaza before turning around. On returning look for the "Walmart" bus. Some of the drivers are obviously insane; so, you'll probably get an exciting bus ride. There is also a Sam's Club and Walmart across the highway from the dock. The old town center has great walking, shopping, nice beaches and the old cathedral. We have also just walked south along the beach from the dock and relaxed on lounges at the many resort hotels along the beach. Once we are in the old part of town we sometimes walk up the very steep side streets, where lovely and interesting homes are located. On our last visit we met a local expatriate, who recommended a Spanish tapa restaurant about two blocks away (up the hill a couple of blocks, and off the regular tourist path). We spent $20 for two good Mexican beers, lunch for two, and tip. A nice quiet place. There is decent shopping in town, although you don't find many real gargains. Prices for most goods are cheaper in the states than in Mexico, except for things like leather goods, shoes, and other things that you might not find at home.

 

Of the three ports we thought that Mazatlan has the best art displays.

[sunshine426]

"Jeff in Torrance": Thanks for the great synopsis of the ports. We enjoy a nice walk, and you gave excellent direction.

[bzy1]

I agree about Jeff's breakdown of each area... very nice:)!

 

Puerto Vallarta is very easy to navigate, no worries and you can tour yourself around. There are some great maps and websites for Puerto Vallarta, so research them and you fill feel like you know the area before you even get here.

Vallarta Info has great maps of the area.