Bypassing Downtown (El Centro) Going South

The Sheraton Buganvilas Hotel landmark we encountered approaching Downtown is important because we use it as a que going South that if we want to bypass the congestion downtown we can use the bypass that will take us up and around Downtown through two tunnels in the mountain. After the controlling traffic light in front of the Sheraton, move to the centermost lane because we are coming up on a left turn bay in the boulevard. After the left turn keep left because traffic and buses will be merging on your right. You are going to follow this road up and around Downtown.

As your tour guide, at the second stoplight you encounter if you look to your right you will see a car wash. It may look somewhat like a do-it-yourself but it isn't. It is on the access road at that intersection. I have used that carwash a couple of times and they are honest and reasonable in cost. You pull your vehicle into the area with the sprayers and then go see the manager and pay him and they do the rest. They hand wash the vehicle then use the high pressure for the rinse and after they move your vehicle to the holding area where they wash your floor mats and clean the interior. Don't be afraid of change you may have for tolls....they don't touch that but it is nice when you tip the person who cleaned your car.

Otherwise, continue through the intersection and be prepared for a couple of speed bumps that are there so pedestrians can cross the road. You pass through two tunnels and then come to a stop light on the other side and more speed bumps. You will cross a bridge. My tour director hat comes back on. Notice the strip of buildings on the right, one of the businesses is a laundry. You take your bag of clothes to the lady, she weighs it and you pay her. In the afternoon you come back to nicely folded clean clothes. The lady lives above the block of shops and will come down if her laundry door is closed. I was surprised, the first time I left clothes there I had left some money in my pockets. When I picked up the clothes she had my money and papers that were in my pockets in a plastic bag. While not necessary this shop receives a generous tip when I visit. Most if not all of the workers you find in Mexico are very prideful and honor and honesty are the requirement ... not the option. Treat them with respect and if you can't stay home.

The bypass ends on a one way east west two lane road. V. Carranza is the name of the street. If you are continuing to the south of Los Muertos, look for the sign overhead for Barra De Navidad at Insurgentes street. Continuing to the end of this V. Carranza street ends at the hotels and condos on Los Muertos beach. Going back on the bypass, the street in Los Muertos that is the southern entrance is Basilio Badillo with runs from west to east. Be careful of traffic at intersections when in doubt give the other vehicle the right of way. In the beach area are loads of nice little sidewalk cafes, ice cream parlors and gift shops.

Your ATM will work and most banks and they are numerous. For those with American or some other currency cambios are available in many areas. If you exchange money wait until the exchange rate is at least 10 Pesos to one dollar. The rate fluctuates from day to day and even for different parts of Puerto Vallarta.

Cobblestone streets and pot holes

Cobblestone streets are rough on your vehicle's suspension and in high traffic areas pot holes are numerous. Drive slowly and safely. It would be a shame to ruin your holiday because of car repairs or accidents. The small print in your vehicle liability says that if you have an accident and are found to have been drinking the insurance is worthless and you will probably go to jail. Raving and drinking is fine, just take a cab because they are inexpensive and safe.

There are several kinds of police in Mexico. Some drive black and white cars, some drive pickups, some have whistles and some walk the beat but the common thread is that you are a guest of the Mexican people and you will be treated with respect. Anger does not translate well and may be detrimental to your stay.