We’re up early sufficient to observe Island Princess slide into Puerto Vallarta port simply after daybreak and already it’s feeling scorching and humid. The ship pulls in alongside a properly appointed quay and hoards of passengers disembark, searching for adventures and bargains within the sweaty Mexican warmth.
We take our time, dawdling off the gangway on deck 4, the place we’re ushered into the cruise terminal correct previous a lady with a suspicious-looking blue macaw.
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To the best, there’s a small flea market, housing 25 or so stalls. There are ponchos and leather-based items, silver jewelry, cheesy vacationer t-shirts and dozens of counterfeit sports activities jerseys. The merchandise all seems to be cheap and is suitably over-priced for the cruise passengers.
After some light haggling, Linda buys a big solar hat from one of many stalls for $15 USD. In all probability nonetheless over-priced for Mexico, however it’s properly constructed and fits her, so we now have no complaints.
What’s infuriating, is the pushy, border-line aggressive tone of the stallholders, all determined to hawk their items. We perceive that these stalls are their livelihoods, however the buying expertise is less-than-enjoyable.
There’s additionally a shopping center connected to the cruise terminal. It’s crammed with extra shops promoting vacationer tat, tequila, magnificence salons and cut-price medicines for the People. And naturally, a Diamonds Worldwide outlet.
Exiting the mall, we head south, within the common route of the Romantic Zone. That is the picturesque a part of city for which Puerto Vallarta is greatest recognized. There’s additionally an escape room positioned about one mile from the port which we want to take a look at.
Sadly, we solely make it a couple of blocks, stymied by the warmth and atrocious pavement circumstances. This isn’t a city for mobility scooters.
Considerably disheartened, we’re pressured again to the ship. Our first Mexican journey has lasted lower than an hour.
Accessibility data
Batteries used: -66%
Terrain: Extremely variable. Very clean on the marina, largely damaged cement, excessive kerbs and many site visitors in every single place else. As soon as you permit the cruise terminal, you’re by yourself.
Public transport: There are dozens of buses that may transport you to the centre of Puerto Vallarta for a couple of {dollars}. Nevertheless, these automobiles are very primary. You’ll have to climb stairs to get onboard and there’s nowhere to retailer a scooter.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and comparatively low cost. There are numerous bigger automobiles across the terminal space which have loads of house for scooters and baggage.
Total accessibility score: 2 out of 5
Did you get a passport stamp?
No. “We don’t try this any extra.”
Would we re-visit Puerto Vallarta?
Given the aggression of the native distributors, no.
Different issues to do in Puerto Vallarta
If you happen to’re extra cellular than we’re, these look actions look nice:
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