PV - where to ask taxi driver to drop you off in Centro

We'll be in Puerto Vallarta in December and will be taking a taxi from the cruise ship pier to el central/old town (is this the same place?) which I understand is about 3 miles from the pier.

Where is the best location to ask the taxi driver to drop us off? We want to be somewhat in the middle of things or the best location since one person in our party has limited mobility. And close to a good place for a cold cerveza would be an added bonus.

And I assume that taxis are driving around looking for people to take back to the ship when we're ready to return?

We'll be in Puerto Vallarta in December and will be taking a taxi from the cruise ship pier to el central/old town (is this the same place?) which I understand is about 3 miles from the pier.

 

Where is the best location to ask the taxi driver to drop us off? We want to be somewhat in the middle of things or the best location since one person in our party has limited mobility. And close to a good place for a cold cerveza would be an added bonus.

 

And I assume that taxis are driving around looking for people to take back to the ship when we're ready to return?

The taxi zone/fares increase if you have a taxi take you across the river into Old Town (Zona Romantica) so its wise to have a taxi drop you somewhere in "Centro." Where...depends on how much you like to walk. If you are comfortable with walking over a mile, and want to experience more of the city, we would recommend having the taxi drop you at the Rosita Hotel which is right across the street from the beginning of the Malecon (and McDonalds). From that location you simply get on the Malecon (the walkway along the sea) and start strolling through Centro. Eventually you will reach the Rio Cujale where a pedestrian bridge takes you over to the Old Town. If you want a detour, hop off the bridge (walk down the steps towards "Oscars" and you can also explore the small island in the middle of the river that has a group of shopping stalls (and shops).

You cannot get lost on this route, will see much of the most popular part of PV, have access to plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. And the entire walk is through a very safe neighborhood.

If you want to cut the walk in half, have the taxi drop you at the Cathedral (Church of the Lady of Guadaloupe) where you can take a look inside (and out) of the church. You then walk 2 blocks towards the sea....get on the Malecon, turn left, and continue to the Rio Cujale and Old Town. This route just cuts out about half the Malecon in Centro. The taxi fare should be the same to either starting point.

Hank

I agree with Hank.

Due to mobility issues another option is to ask the driver to drive to Plaza Lazaro Cardenas, or Restaurant Dairy Dick. You will be right on the beach/small boardwalk at Playa Las Muertos.

On the way back you will find plenty of cabs there.

Always make your rate before entering a cab. Price to/from this place will be aroundd Pesos 100.-/120,-This is for the yellow cabs.

The cabs waiting at the port charge in US$ and per person and are a bit more expensive. They cannot pick you up on the way back.

At port we pick up cabs at the gas station on the corner.

At port we pick up cabs at the gas station on the corner.

To further explain, there are two types of taxis. The taxis inside the port (usually cream or white colored) are only licensed to pick up passengers in "Federal Zones" such as the port (or airport). These taxis charge higher prices (which are authorized) then the regular Yellow Taxis found everywhere...once you get outside the port. But when you use a taxi in PV it is wise to know the approximate official fare...and always ask the driver how much the fare will be...before you get in the taxi. Some (not all) taxis have been known to take advantage of cruisers. Also keep in mind that the official taxi rates (set by zones) are based on Pesos. When you tell the driver you want to pay in US Dollars (which they will accept) the driver is free to "take advantage" of you by giving an awful exchange rate.

So pricing is the kind of issue you should always resolve before you get into any taxi. Even though we live in PV (a few months a year) we will always agree on a price before we get in any taxi.

Hank

Just wanted to add some more taxi fare info. It is difficult to get the current government approved fare schedule online, so this will be approxmiate (perhaps a bit high). If you walk from port out to the road (by the PEMEX Gas Station and get a yellow taxi, the fare should be about 100 Pesos into Centro and 120 to the Romantic Zone. This is the full price for a taxi that can hold 3 people (its sometimes possible to cram 4 into a taxi). So at current exchange rates a taxi from outside the port to town will be about $5 (no tip is necessary although it is appreciated). On the other hand, you can also just catch one of the many buses to town which will cost you just 7.5 Pesos per person (pay the driver). Most drivers will take dollars and you should be able to get the driver to take $1 for two passengers. Bus drivers (and some taxi drivers) will not usually have US Dollar change. We should mention that there are now more and more larger van/taxis in PV...and they are permitted to charge a higher fare then a regular car/taxi. We do not know the actual fare rule for these larger vans....but have "heard" they can charge up to double the price of a car. But if you your party is no more then 3 persons....we would still bargain for the regular car fare. For a larger group we would expect to pay more.

Technically, a taxi driver should have a government rate chart for you to see....but in practice that is often not the case. So if you try to get a taxi outside the port into Centro...just ask the driver "how much to Centro?" If he says 100 Pesos or $5 you have a very honest driver. If he asks for more....try to negotiate before you get in the taxi. If he asks for 120 Pesos or $6....keep in mind he needs the money more then you :). But if he asks for something like $10......then we would politely tell him NO and grab another taxi. Although most taxi drivers are not fluent in English, they all understand "how much."

Also keep in mind that the dollar symbol ($) is also used as the Peso symbol. So when you see a hamburger for $100....it is only $5 :).

Hank

Gracias!

Gracias!

Di Nada, Mi Amigo :)

Just wanted to add some more taxi fare info. It is difficult to get the current government approved fare schedule online, so this will be approxmiate (perhaps a bit high). If you walk from port out to the road (by the PEMEX Gas Station and get a yellow taxi, the fare should be about 100 Pesos into Centro and 120 to the Romantic Zone. This is the full price for a taxi that can hold 3 people (its sometimes possible to cram 4 into a taxi). So at current exchange rates a taxi from outside the port to town will be about $5 (no tip is necessary although it is appreciated). On the other hand, you can also just catch one of the many buses to town which will cost you just 7.5 Pesos per person (pay the driver). Most drivers will take dollars and you should be able to get the driver to take $1 for two passengers. Bus drivers (and some taxi drivers) will not usually have US Dollar change. We should mention that there are now more and more larger van/taxis in PV...and they are permitted to charge a higher fare then a regular car/taxi. We do not know the actual fare rule for these larger vans....but have "heard" they can charge up to double the price of a car. But if you your party is no more then 3 persons....we would still bargain for the regular car fare. For a larger group we would expect to pay more.

 

Technically, a taxi driver should have a government rate chart for you to see....but in practice that is often not the case. So if you try to get a taxi outside the port into Centro...just ask the driver "how much to Centro?" If he says 100 Pesos or $5 you have a very honest driver. If he asks for more....try to negotiate before you get in the taxi. If he asks for 120 Pesos or $6....keep in mind he needs the money more then you :). But if he asks for something like $10......then we would politely tell him NO and grab another taxi. Although most taxi drivers are not fluent in English, they all understand "how much."

 

Also keep in mind that the dollar symbol ($) is also used as the Peso symbol. So when you see a hamburger for $100....it is only $5 :).

 

Hank

Thanks for the info. Is it best to walk out to the gas station for the yellow taxis? How much more is it if you take the white taxis?

Thanks for the info. Is it best to walk out to the gas station for the yellow taxis? How much more is it if you take the white taxis?

White taxis (beige) charge about $8 per person, yellow taxi is about the same for up to 4 people (small Nissans, 4 large people will not fit).

The Pemex station is very close to the ship. When you arrive in PV go up to the lido deck and you'll see it right there on the corner.

I agree with Hank.

Due to mobility issues another option is to ask the driver to drive to Plaza Lazaro Cardenas, or Restaurant Dairy Dick. You will be right on the beach/small boardwalk at Playa Las Muertos.

On the way back you will find plenty of cabs there.

Are Plaza Lazaro Cardenas and Restaurant Dairy Dick in centro? And what else is near these places?

Hank, are you familiar with Casa Tradicional Cocina Mexicana, Calle Zaragoza 245, Puerto Vallarta 48300, Mexico?

How far away from the port is this restaurant?

Thanks for the help!

Are Plaza Lazaro Cardenas and Restaurant Dairy Dick in centro? And what else is near these places?

The correct name of the restaurant is Daiquiri Dick's.

Just a typo or auto correct problem from the very knowledgable poster that said Dairy Dick's. The Blue Shrimp restaurant right next door is also very good. Beautiful views of the ocean at either one.