Travel to a new place can be overwhelming, but here are some links to help you plan your trip. Quimixto is very remote and only accessible by boat, but if you plan ahead, it’s very easy to get there. There are certain things that are hard to get once you arrive in Mexico and sometimes it’s easier to travel with some basics. We suggest you plan to travel with the following:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Good Coffee
1. Fly to Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Flights in to Puerto Vallarta are easily booked. Don’t forget your passport! Your goal is to get from the airport to Boca Tomatlan with everything you need to not have to leave Casa Pelicanos once you arrive.
2. Currency Exchange at the airport
We suggest that you exchange enough currency in the airport at a currency exchange to book your taxi from the airport to Boca Tomatlan. Expect to pay between 500 – 1000 pesos for a taxi. Remember U.S. dollars are accepted by many of vendors in Mexico and it can be a good idea to keep some of your currency in USD.
3. Book a taxi at the Airport
After customs, ignore all of the individuals standing in the airport trying to get you to buy their services and head directly to the official taxi stand to book your taxi. The rates are fixed, but you should let them know if you need to stop anywhere on your way down to Boca Tomatlan. Quimixto has some small grocery stores that sell most of the basic foods and household items you will need, but if you want anything special you should plan on buying it in Puerto Vallarta. We suggest that you book a taxi that will take you to a local supermarket that has an ATM.
4. Currency exchange at an ATM
If you want the best deal possible on your currencty exchange, ATM’s usually offer the most competitive rates. This entirely depends on your debit card so make sure you check with your bank regarding international travel fees before you leave, and let them know where you will be traveling to so that they don’t shut down your bank card after you use it once. There is no way to exchange currency once you arrive at Casa Pelicanos. In order to get to an ATM you would have to travel back to Puerto Vallarta, which can be a great day trip, but if you plan ahead you won’t have to! Many of the locals will accept USD for their services, but we suggest you budget accordingly.
5. Stock up on specialty items
Depending on the season there are 2 – 6 restaurants available within walking distance of Casa Pelicanos that serve food, beer, and cocktails. There are also a few local markets that sell basic food and household items. You can usually buy water, eggs, cheese, butter, tortillas (not super fresh), onions, basic vegetables, soda, beer, candy, soap, etc… You can try and ask Raul for fresh fish. If you need something special, buy it in Puerto Vallarta. You cannot buy sunscreen or bug spray once you get to Casa Pelicanos.
6. Head to Boca Tomatlan
Boca is a beautiful little fishing community and becomes your access point to Casa Pelicanos. If you let us know, we can have Raul pick you up at a specific time. If you get to Boca early, settle into the restaurant on the beach, have a snack and a beer while waiting for Raul to find you. If you are waiting for Raul, just let all of the people asking you where you are going that you are waiting for Raul. If you didn’t book Raul to pick you up, you can find someone on the beach that will take you over. We highly suggest you book Raul to pick you up, he will drop you off on the beach very close to Casa Pelicanos and he will prove to be a great asset during your stay! He usually charges $30 (USD) to pick you up at the begining of your trip and can return you to Boca the day you leave for the same amount. Make sure you bring enough cash to pay him directly.
7. Arrive at Casa Pelicanos
Regardless of how you arrive, it’s hard to miss Casa Pelicanos. It’s right on the beach close to Coco’s. If Raul taxi’s you over, he’ll help you in to the house. If you arrive by another boat, you can ask them to drop you off in front of Coco’s. If you take a taxi that drops you off at the pier, you will have a decent walk ahead of you. We highly suggest you have us book Raul as your personal pickup to help you get to the house, it will make your arrival much easier!