Photos and tips from PV Mexico trip

We spent a week down at Puerto Vallarta, MX at beginning of Sept 2007 with James, Liz, Nancy and Brian (thx for the timeshare!)

I keep forgetting that Mexico is a developing country. Even though everyone tells us that PV is very developed and touristy compare to other Mexico cities, I felt grateful upon returning to the States.

We went during the low season and the weather reflected it. Humid + rain is not good combo when on vacation. Just ask Brian.

Some notes/tips for ourselves (not sure if we'll ever go back to PV) or other travelers.

• Upon leaving airport. Put your head down, do NOT get distract or tempted by all the aggressive sales people and taxi companies (they charge $20). If you can haul your own luggages, walk out the airport, turn left, walk over the bridge. You can find taxis there for much cheaper. Don't pay more than 100 pesos ($10) to your hotel.
  
• Take the bus at least once if you want the local experience. They're cheap! 5 pesos ($0.50). But if you are the nervous/conservative kind, consider taking out a life insurance before boarding, few of our bus rides are more exciting than going to Great America.
  
• If you fancy snorkeling, maybe PV is not the best place, or at least not with "Santa Maria" Tour. Not sure if it was the rainy season or the spot they picked for snorkeling. Not worth it! water was completely muddy and can't see a thing.

Food Tips

• If you are like James and Liz and want to try "tres leches" (cake of three milks). Ask around to get to the "Candy's Bakery" in downtown. The owner is extremely nice and speaks English. Oh yeah, while you are there, try their vanilla flan too, delicioius!
  
• Try "El Palomar de los Gonzalas" restaurant. Taxi ride from hotel or downtown should only cost you about 40 pesos ($4). But don't ask for "La Paloma"! because no one would know! Timmy told us the wrong name (shame on him!) and we asked about 5 different taxi drivers, lobby receptionist and even the concierges. We finally found it on Friday for our last meal. Beautiful sunset!
• Try "Los Xitomates (the Aztec name for tomatoes)" restaurant. Fancy and $$. But if you like to try something new besides burritos and quesadilla, they're one block away from downtown. I had their signature steak dish, salty, but yummy!

Photos
Link to all 180 photos on Flickr or the slideshow version.

Day 1 (stuck-in-SFO & flying day):
Day 2 (El Centro/downtown day):
Day 3 (El Centro again day):Day 4 ("ship-wreck" day):Day 5 (didn't-leave-pool day):Day 6 (lots-of-eating-in-downtown day):

Day 7 (last day):