What is the minimum time we need to get from the airport to Boca de Tomatlan?
Because the car traffic in Puerto Vallarta might be very congested, an hour by a street taxi to catch 3pm
water taxi in Boca de Tomatlan is only a point of reference to be used after you exit the airport. Unless you are able to
get thru customs before 1 pm we highly recommend you stay in Vallarta the first night.(or
prearrange for a private boat).
Puerto Vallarta
airport is very busy with most flights landing, often with delays, between 1-3 pm which also slows down getting through the
immigration checkpoint.
Please note: The Morning Water Taxi 9AM versus the Afternoon Water
Taxi 3PM, both to and from Los Chonchos is more reliable in all weather conditions 7 days a week every day including all holidays.
Returning from Los Chonchos to Puerto Vallarta
The
water taxi returns to Boca de Tomatlan twice a day. The pick up time from Los Chonchos is about 11 am and about 5 pm.
Since typically the waves are smaller in the morning, we recommend you leave on the 11 am water taxi.
Tips on arriving at the airport.
Puerto Vallarta’s airport is simple
to navigate through and out.
After you leave the customs, you will be approached by the
officially dressed people who are time share salesmen and tour reps. They are forceful. The best line to use with them is
“I live here”, and keep walking.
What are my transportation
options in Puerto Vallarta?
Street Taxies are the best way to move within the city.
There are two kinds of Taxis in Vallarta, and both charge by the zone, not by using a meter.
Always ask for the fare charge before you get in to a taxi.
White
Taxis at the airport are the only ones permitted to operate from the airport. These taxies are twice as expensive as Yellow
Taxis. The fare to El Centro is about 200 pesos, and to Boca de Tomatlan about 450 pesos
you
may check White Taxies rates here:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150793-c68873/Puerto-Vallarta:Mexico:Airport.Taxis.Zones.And.Fares.html
Yellow Taxis are everywhere. They can drop off passengers at the airport but they can’t
pick up passengers.
Tip: You can pick up a Yellow Taxi near the airport. Outside the airport, cross the highway
by the footbridge. There are usually a few Yellow taxies waiting for the travelers who know this option.
The fare to
El Centro should be about 120 pesos, and to Boca de Tomatlan about 250 pesos. You
can also pre arrange Jesus(our very reliable taxi guy)to pick you up at the airport.
Do you have a recommendation for a hotel to stay in Puerto Vallarta?
Hundreds
of Puerto Vallarta hotels cater to the American tourist.
We suggest to stay in the El Centro,
Romantic Zone.
We recommend www.posadarogerhotel.com tell them that "Robb" sent you.
El Centro's "Malacon" is really beautiful and filled with great energy.
Boca
de Tomatlan Tips
Boca de Tomatlan is a very small beach port for water taxies and small boats. Beach restaurants serve
meals and drinks. Check your bill; in Boca, tip is usually included in your total.
Have an insect repellent handy to
apply to your feet and calves against the no seeums in Boca. Do not pet dogs in Boca. They are very friendly with
eyes to melt your heart, but they carry fleas.
Are pets allowed?
Los Chonchos operates
under a very strict ecological Mexican Law not allowing pets on the terrain of our colony. |  | |
| | What is the drinking water situation?
Although the drinking water quality in Mexico is a common concern, the water quality both in Puerto Vallarta and in
Los Chonchos meet the American standard.
Our water comes from the mountain stream. In eight years, no one ever became
sick.
But if you are "sensitive" we reccommend bringing in a large bottle of water.
How can we get provisions?
While in Vallarta buy alcohol you like, and a few initial groceries. Beer and provision can be obtained by taking the short
hike to Chimo where there is a store and a restaurant. You can also order items from the on site cook/manager. For a small
fee, he will bring them the next day.
What is the laundry situation?
Should you need
to have some laundry washed, in the evening one of the workers will take it to Chimo, and have it cleaned for a reasonable
fee.
Are all bungalows the same?
Each decorated individually by the owner, all
homes are built from the similar floor plan, however each varies in the deck size.
All bungalows are amazing, all are
crafted with a wonderful sens of the beautiful local traditional building techniques mixed with touches of the american expected
comforts. Each home is set allowing a fantastic ocean views.
How can I communicate back to USA and
Canada?
Blackberries and IPhones work for both email and cell service from our beaches. We have a good cellular
reception in certain spots, however wether your devise works depends on your service provider.
Check with your
provider for your available international services and roaming charges.(At&T/Verizon seem to work best at this time).
How
safe is Puerto Vallarta and Los Chonchos?
Very safe. You do not need to be concerned about crime. Just keep an
eye in Vallarta and Boca de Tomatlan on your belongings like you would traveling anywhere else in the world since opportune
petty theft, like anywhere is targeted at tourists. In Los Chonchos, keep your valuables locked when you leave the bungalow.
How important it is to protect my electronics?
All your electronics and your documents
should be packed in a water proof bag for your boat ride, and the wet foot beach landing.
Can we
rent a sea kayak?
The kayak is available for all our guests free of charge.
We have life preservers.
Can we rent snorkeling gear? No. If you plan to snorkel, please bring your own gear.
What
are the fishing options?
Please bring your fishing equipment for spearfishing or to fish off of the rocks and
from the kayak. The bait used by the local people is called "viudas negras" (the black crabs) running arround on
the oceanfront rocks. We can get one of our workers to help with the bait.
I am a vegetarian, can
I order vegetarian meals?
A perfect vegetarian option in Mexico is a bean based diet. Mixed with fresh fruit and
vegetables it provides a healthy option for a vigan or a vegeterian.
Beans, rice and corn tortillas are the staple foods
in Mexico, and they are always available.
How private are your beaches?
Although Mexican
law doesn’t allow closing off any beaches, our secluded location allows our beaches the privacy that is seldom found.
Our beaches are not a destination for any one outside our development.
Are any of your beaches
designated as a nude beach?
No.
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ITS A JUNGLE !
scorpions,
mosquitos and other insects
Scorpions are native to Mexico, and although their sting is painful, it is not life-threatening.
However, it might be dangerous to small children and those with respiratory problems or who have an allergic reaction to a
bee sting. We try our best to keep the surroundings of our bungalows free of scorpions, you do not need to be overly concerned,
just use good common sense; especially at night don’t walk barefoot, shake out your clothes
in the morning before putting them on, hang your towels and don’t reach for woodsticks or into dark spaces. Scorpions
are mainly nocturnal, left alone, they hide in dark woody spaces and feed on other insects.
From November-June, mosquitos
and other biting insects are few, however, we reccommend you bring insect repellent with you, especially if you plan to trek
into the jungle.
Bring in your own provisions/food/alcohol from the many stores in Puerto
Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlan. There are also several small restaurants and stores located in the nearby village of Chimo which
is a 40 minute hike from Chonchos. Our bungalows have fully equipped kitchens.
Please bring plenty
of pesos*(US dollars are accepted, however, pesos* are best, there is no ATM in Chonchos or Chimo)
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| "MAIN STREET" CHIMO |
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