We’re up early enough to watch Island Princess slide into Puerto Vallarta port just after dawn and already it’s feeling hot and humid. The ship pulls in alongside a well appointed quay and hoards of passengers disembark, seeking adventures and bargains in the sweaty Mexican heat.
We take our time, dawdling off the gangway on deck 4, where we are ushered into the cruise terminal proper past a woman with a suspicious-looking blue macaw.
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To the right, there is a small flea market, housing 25 or so stalls. There are ponchos and leather goods, silver jewellery, tacky tourist t-shirts and dozens of counterfeit sports jerseys. The merchandise all looks reasonable and is suitably over-priced for the cruise passengers.
After some gentle haggling, Linda buys a large sun hat from one of the stalls for $15 USD. Probably still over-priced for Mexico, but it’s well constructed and suits her, so we have no complaints.
What is infuriating, is the pushy, border-line aggressive tone of the stallholders, all desperate to hawk their goods. We understand that these stalls are their livelihoods, but the shopping experience is less-than-enjoyable.
There’s also a shopping mall attached to the cruise terminal. It is filled with more stores selling tourist tat, tequila, beauty salons and cut-price medications for the Americans. And of course, a Diamonds International outlet.
Exiting the mall, we head south, in the general direction of the Romantic Zone. This is the picturesque part of town for which Puerto Vallarta is best known. There’s also an escape room[1] located about one mile from the port which we would like to check out.
Sadly, we only make it a few blocks, stymied by the heat and atrocious pavement conditions. This is not a town for mobility scooters.
Somewhat disheartened, we’re forced back to the ship. Our first Mexican adventure has lasted less than an hour.
Accessibility info
Batteries used: -66%
Terrain: Highly variable. Very smooth at the marina, mostly broken cement, high kerbs and lots of traffic everywhere else. Once you leave the cruise terminal, you’re on your own.
Public transport: There are dozens of buses that will transport you to the centre of Puerto Vallarta for a few dollars. However, these vehicles are very basic. You will have to climb stairs to get onboard and there is nowhere to store a scooter.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap. There are many larger vehicles around the terminal area which have plenty of space for scooters and luggage.
Overall accessibility rating: 2 out of 5
Did you get a passport stamp?
No. “We don’t do that any more.”
Would we re-visit Puerto Vallarta?
Given the aggression of the local vendors, no.
Other things to do in Puerto Vallarta
If you’re more mobile than we are, these look activities look great:
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References
- ^ escape room (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Affiliate Disclosure Policy (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)