How do we get there?

Puerto Vallarta hosts many international flights and is the closest major city to Guayabitos & Los Ayala. Upon arrival, there are several transportation options:

By Bus:

Take a taxi to the Bus Terminal, which is only a 5-minute drive. There are many bus companies at the terminal but Pacifico Bus runs every ½ hour to La Peñita and has modern, air-conditioned buses.

You can purchase a ticket to La Peñita for about 70 pesos and enjoy the scenic hour ride through the northernmost jungle of North America. Once in La Peñita, taxis are available directly across the main street for the short ride to Guayabitos or Los Ayala.

By Taxi:

Cross over the highway on the pedestrian overpass and catch a taxi to Rincon de Guayabitos. (Taxis waiting there are cheaper than taxis waiting in front of the airport.) The cost would be about $70.00 one-way.

By Car:

Follow the coastline highway (Hwy. 200) north from Puerto Vallarta to Guayabitos, about 45 miles. Turn left from the highway at either the Los Ayala or Rincon de Guayabitos signs.

How would we get around if we don't have a car?

There is economical public transportation (combis) between the towns or further afield to Las Varas, Lo de Marcos, or San Pancho. Taxis are plentiful and much less expensive than in North America.

Can we use Canadian/US currency?

In small Mexican communities the peso is used exclusively. We'd suggest getting enough pesos from the ATM in the Puerto Vallarta airport to last you for several days, then visiting the local ATM's in Guayabitos or La Peñita EARLY in the day (while there is still cash in them!). Travellers' cheques are a pain. Try not to be out of cash on Thursday mornings as all the gringos are lined up to get pesos for the market in La Peñita.

Can we safely eat the food on the street?

We have for years. We take some parasite capsules first thing in the morning which helps protect us, but many people don't do anything and eat from street vendors and at beach restaurants. At least you can see the food being prepared at many of the outdoor cafes and judge for yourself if you feel comfortable eating there.

Do I have to speak Spanish?

No, but you will enjoy yourself more if you have learned some basic phrases as many clerks and waiters have no English. With a little Spanish and lots of smiles and gestures, it's amazing how much you can communicate.

Is it quiet at night?

Mexicans seem to enjoy noise and can tolerate a lot more than many of us. If you're a light sleeper, earplugs will be your best friends as you may otherwise lie awake listening to barking dogs, crowing roosters, crashing surf, or a nearby beach party.

Can I put toilet paper down the toilet?

Unless otherwise instructed, only human waste goes down the toilet and everything else gets put in the waste can provided. Mexican toilet paper is scented and, amazingly, odors aren't noticeable. Bathroom garbage should be removed daily.

Are there mosquitoes?

Moreso in Los Ayala than in Guayabitos where the town is sprayed. There are also gnats which come out at dusk. The best defense is to cover yourself -- sox and shoes work well. Some people swear by Avon Skin-So-Soft; OFF and other repellents are sold in the local shops. Mexicans use limes rubbed on skin to prevent being bitten and to ease the itching.

Are the beds hard?

Most Mexican beds are harder than your bed at home. If you have a tricky back you may think about tucking in a piece of foam into your suitcase.

Will we have fun?

You betcha! If you have a sense of adventure and love to meet people from other cultures, Jaltemba Bay is a beautiful, safe place to explore.