It was Holy Week and PV was filled with vacationers from the interior of Mexico. The streets were packed with people, not all of them orderly. The Azteca was a perfect place to stay. Situated in the “Romantic Zone,” it is a suspension bridge away from the serene Isla Rio Cuale and 6 1/2 blocks from the bay and about the same to the Malecon. The rooms are good sized, kept very clean and the hotel is quiet. The roof is open and is a great place to view the bay and city. There is always hot water. Because of the week we were there, the rate was 400 Pesos per night (about US$36) for two beds. The staff is very nice and helpful. The Gil Mar restaurant, across the street, has a special menu for hotel patrons, but you have to ask for it. It’s good, but not cheap. Parking is available on the street. There are some great taco stands down Madero toward the bay. Two women have a stand at Ignacio L Vallarta and Madero that is wonderful. Meticulously clean and good food (Tacos 7 pesos with beef, pork or tripe). One block further on is a great place with gyros style pork tacos (also 7 pesos).

If you fall for a time share demonstration in order to get some deal, (free boat ride, horseback riding adventure, liquor etc.) be sure you don’t ask any questions. NO questions. Questions indicate you are interested and they WILL peruse you. A news article while we were there indicated that a time share adventure had been sold to a number of different owners and each new one respected the individual’s rights to ownership, until the last buyer. They said they would not honor the contract, and had lots of lawyers to keep it that way. The people went to the government who said they were right, but would have to hire (expensive) lawyers if they were to protect their rights. I have no idea to the validity of this article. All I do know is that time shares are more about investments than they are about vacations. Buyer beware.

A great trip out of town is to San Francisco, about an hour north of town, just outside the bay. It has a nice fairly uncrowded beach and some nice beach side restaurants. A lot of the closer beaches are dirty, crowded, and unpleasant.

If you need a quick way to get to the Romantic Zone, Take the tunnel route from the Salida A Tepic. When you get through the second tunnel, take an immediate right on Naranjo, go two blocks, take a left and you are right in front of the Azteca.