Apartment Cleaning - Should you wish it, a mid-stay cleaning of your apartment may be arranged through reception. A simple cleaning of the bathroom and floors will take about 1 hour and costs $70.00 pesos / hour. Full cleaning, including changing the linen can also be requested. Please arrange for this service one day in advance through the front desk.
ATM Machine - A 24 hour ATM is available on the main Avenida of La Peñita in the Bancomer. A second ATM (Banamex) is located beside the CMQ Pharmacy near the highway at the top of the Avenida.
Bakery - Walk up to the corner and across the street and you will find the local ‘panaderia’ or wholesale bakery. Boleo buns are ready very early in the morning and sweeter treats are ready around noon. They send their baking out to all the stores and restaurants but will also sell to our guests. Pick up a bag on the wall on the left and help yourself. Very little English is spoken but they will count your pieces and tell you the price.
Banks - (For ATM information see ‘A’) Traveller’s cheques can only be cashed at the bank between 9:00am and 2:00 pm Mon. - Fri. Photo I.D. is normally required. Canadian or U.S. cash or traveller’s cheques may also be exchanged at the exchange booth across from the bank. A nominal fee is paid for the service.
Beaches - The beach in front of the Casita is great for swimming and body surfing when the waves are right. We have umbrellas and chairs which can be taken to the beach. In addition, there are a number of beaches such as Sayulita, Boca de Naranja and Chacala and of course, Rincon which are all easily accessible by foot, taxi or bus.
Beer - The familiar drink of Mexico is good and inexpensive. Corona and Pacifico, the two most popular can be delivered to your apartment upon request. A 20 bottle carton is $130.00 pesos. Remember to save the bottles, the deposit is $50.00 pesos per carton!!
Binoculars - Forgot yours? We have a set available to borrow at reception. Please do not remove them from the property. Keep lens covers on when not in use and return them to reception when not in use for an extended period. Make sure to tell everyone when you see whales or dolphins!!
Blender - Anxious to blend up a Margarita, Piña Colada or fruit smoothie. A blender is available to borrow from the reception desk. Please return the clean blender when you are finished.
Boat Trips - See Tours.
Boogie (Body) Boards - are available for guests use. They are located in the storage room beside the library near the stairway to the upper apartments. Please wash excess sand off in the ocean, and rinse the boards with fresh water in the shower.
Bull Fights - Only happen in Puerto Vallarta at the bull ring Wednesdays at 5:00pm. If you haven’t seen one, be prepared for some blood and gore!!
Car Rentals - If you’d like to rent a car for a few days, it is recommended that you bus into the Puerto Vallarta airport and rent it there. Consider renting on your last few days then you can return it to the airport the day you leave. All car rental companies rates vary so you can negotiate your best price at the airport.
Chairs (Beach) - The blue or red chairs, with the cut off legs, can be taken to the beach to provide a comfortable seat to watch the ocean and birds. Please wipe of wet sand on the beach before returning the chairs to the Casita.
Cleaning - For clothing etc. see Laundry
Clothing - There are plenty of places to buy T-shirts, shorts and more in La Peñita and Rincon. Another idea is Casa de La Mujeres, or house of women in the Plaza near the church. Designers there can custom make shorts, tops, dresses and more with beautiful hand painted designs. Prices are very reasonable.
Coffee - Fresh roasted coffee - beans or ground, light or dark roast is available at the ‘Cafeteria’ which is located on the main highway, just north of the main avenida. When available, another excellent variety of coffee may also be purchased from the reception desk. (This coffee makes a perfect gift for coffee lovers at home!)
Diving - See Snorkeling & Skin Diving
Documents - Mexican law states that non-nationals must carry their visa and photo I.D. with them at all times. Should you wish, we have a safe available to store documents in reception.
Dogs - There are many dogs in La Peñita and area. For the most part, they are quite docile because of the heat. If you wish to feed them leftovers, please do so a distance away from the Casita.
Dolphins - Pods of Dolphins are often seen by our guests during fishing or whale watching excursions. These highly intelligent creatures will often surround a boat and swim with you for 10 - 15 minutes or more! Small groups of dolphins have often been sighted close to shore from the balconies of the Casita. Remember, we have binoculars for use should you want to watch the waters of the bay for dolphins and whales. See “Fishing” and “Whale Watching”.
Drycleaning - Not available in La Peñita or Guayabitos - See Laundry.
Electricity - All plugs at Casita de La Peñita are standard 120V 60Hz. ‘Brownouts’ , because of high usage in the La Peñita and Guayabitos areas may happen from time to time. Please report any electrical malfunction to the receptions desk as soon as possible. NOTE: Electrical costs in Mexico are very high. Please conserve energy by ensuring that you turn off lights and fans when rooms are not occupied. Your conservation will help us maintain lower rates!
Film - Purchase or one hour developing is available just through the Plaza around the corner on the Avenida. Look for a bright “Kodak” sign on your right.
Fishing - Expeditions can be arranged through reception. It is most economical to have 4 to 6 participants. Generally, boats leave from the main beach at Guayabitos at 7:00 a.m. Duration of the trip is normally 4 hours, however longer stays can be arranged. Besides fishing, be prepared for whale watching and observing sea turtles and dolphins. Cost is approximately $350.00 pesos per hour per boat, plus gratuity. See Whale Watching.
Flea Market - See Tianguis Market
Food - If you have questions or want something special please ask us..
Fruits & Vegetables - Fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance in La Peñita. Some are better during different seasons. The Tiangus Market, every Thursday, has two fruit and vegetable stands. In addition, you can purchase produce at several stores along the main ‘avenida’. From time to time, small trucks or ‘camiones’ will pass by the Casita selling watermelon, chayuta, tomatoes, potatoes and more! Don’t hesitate to support these entrepreneurial sellers. All ‘peelable’ fruits and vegetables should be rinsed in clean tap water before peeling. Any that do not require peeling (such as tomatoes, apples, lettuce) should be soaked in a Microdyn (available at reception) and water solution. Let soak for 10 minutes. Do not rinse. Air dry on paper towel and place in the vegetable drawer in your refridgerator.
Garbage - Three bins are located on the ocean side of the property to the right of the pool. Garbage should be bagged and well sealed before placing in the bins. Shrimp shells or fish and meat waste may be frozen in your freezer until the morning of garbage pick up, which is normally Monday and Thursday mornings. Garbage bags are available at reception at a nominal cost.
Geckos - The common reptile seen at night on ceilings and around lights are our friends, consuming lots of little insects each night. They run from people. They are reportedly the only reptile that can vocalize and you may often hear a “clicking” or “smooching” sound at night as they communicate with one another. They range from tiny to about 4 inches long (nose to tail) and might be found behind pictures, mirrors, wall hangings and other good hiding places throughout the Casita. Beware of the attack gecko near reception!!
Gift Shop - We have a small gift shop in reception which has a number of small (easily transportable!) items for souvenirs or gifts. Very typically Mexican, and mostly found in the Tonala or Guadalajara region.
Golf - Campo de Sueños (Field of Dreams) A 9 hole “Par 3” golf course is located about 10 minutes away on the road to Puerto Vallarta. Transportation by taxi costs about $50.00 pesos . Green fees vary by day, but a high is $150.00 pesos. Clubs and balls are available at the course. There is a small palapa bar near the club house and special events and fun tournaments are quite frequent. For the more serious golfer, 18 hole quality courses are available in Puerto Vallart and near Bucerias. Green fees at these course are approximately $100.00 U.S.
Grocery Stores - The main ‘avenida’ is lined with several small grocery stores or ‘mercados’. Shop them all! Each has is own unique flavour and may carry different varieties. Sometimes the fruits and vegetables will be a little better either here or there. If you are looking for something in particular, please inquire at the desk; we will be pleased to help…
Hair Cuts - There are several ‘Esteticas Unisex’ in La Peñita. Most do not take appointments but the wait is usually not very long. Most haircuts cost between $30 - $50 pesos.
Internet Cafes - There are a number of Internet providers in La Peñita. Signs indicate “Internet” on buildings, windows or sidewalk sandwich boards. Rates are very reasonable. High speed internet is not available, so expect response times somewhat slower than you may be used to.
Island - The larger of the two islands in the bay seems to have various names, depending on who you ask. We have been told the name is Tortuga (Turtle) Island, Coral Island, Isla Islota among a few. Whatever the name, it has a nice beach on the lee side and, again intermittently, a restaurant open only for lunch (when it is open!). The small beach can be easily reached by boat from Rincon and is a nice spot for a day trip and picnic. Snorkeling in the waters of the island can also be enjoyable. See Tours - Snorkeling.
Jewellery - There a number of jewellery booths at the Tianguis Market on Thursdays, and silver is the main type available. Some booths also offer shell and colorful handmade stone jewellery. For finer things, in gold and silver, Armando’s on the Avenida offers a good selection and quality with affordable prices. In addition, he can custom make bangles, rings etc. during your stay.
Juice - Oranges are usually plentiful and inexpensive. A 50 lb. Bag can be purchased and shared between 2 or 3 guests if you so desire. We have electronic juicers available at reception, so enjoy the fresh squeezed flavour! There are also corner stands which sell fresh juice by the bag for you to enjoy as you tour the town.
Keys - It is wise to take your keys with you whenever you leave the property. While the street gate is most often open during the day, it is sometimes locked if we are away from the property. Please remember to return your keys to reception when you check out.
Kites - Feel like flying a kite? We might have one or two around… Ask at reception.
Kodak Store - See Film.
Language - See Spanish.
Laundry - There are two laundry facilities within easy walking distance of the Casita. Laundry is priced by weight so it is less expensive if towels, for instance, are dry. If you take your laundry in before 10:00am, you should be able to pick it up the same day, generally after 4:00pm. Laundry is washed, dried, folded neatly and wrapped in plastic. Dry cleaning is not available in La Peñita or Rincon de Guayabitos.
Library - Our “Put & Take” library is located on the lower patio at the base of the stairway. Please feel free to borrow a book, and leave any books you feel other guests might enjoy.
Linen - Linen changes are available twice per week at reception. Simply bring your sheets, pillowcases, towels and face cloths to the desk for exchange. We prefer to make linen exchanges between 9:00am and 12:00pm if convenient for you. Many thanks.
Liquors - We carry a supply of rum, beer and red & white wine in reception for your convenience. In addition, most grocery stores along the Avenida also carry a good supply. “Don Pedro’s”, a small grocery store down the left side of the Avenida normally discounts for our guests. Just tell them you are staying at Casita de La Peñita. Supermercado Lorena’s also has a good supply of liquors. A good local rum is Antillano, which is available in white, amber and sometimes dark. Some local wines are Padre Kino and Domecq.. Concha Y Toro Chilean wines are also readily available.
Manicures & Pedicure - Are available for reasonable rates at most Estetica (Beauty) Shops. Rates vary however a simple manicure with polish is approximately $100 pesos. Pedicures are about the same. In addition, some shops will do nail extensions, gels and paint wonderful designs!. Some shops may take appointments.
Market - See Tianguis Market.
Medical - There are a number of 24 hour medical clinics in La Peñita. We normally use “Clinica Renteria” . They have X-ray and Pharmacy and speak some English. Please advise us immediately if you require medical assistance.
Money Changer - See Banks.
Music - You will find the music of Mexico everywhere. Mexicans love their music and generally like it loud, whether it is Salsa, Ranchera, Mariachi, or Latino. CD’s and tapes with Mexican music can be found in abundance at the Tianguis Market on Thursdays, and at a few street stands in La Peñita. Beware though, a high percentage of these CD’s are copies, and won’t always work in all machines. Make sure you try yours soon after purchase in case it doesn’t play!!
Oranges & Orange Juice - Oranges and their juice are plentiful in La Peñita. You will find street vendors in the residential streets and on the Avenida selling fresh squeezed juice (usually in plastic bags with a straw) in the mornings. Or you can buy fresh oranges and use the available juicers we have in reception to make your own!! A 50 pound bag of oranges is about $5.00 dollars.
Parades - Can be seen in La Peñita on September 16 and November 20, and perhaps ad hoc at other times.. Don’t miss it if there is one on while you are here.. The school children go all out and they are festive and colorful events.
Pedicures - See Manicures & Pedicures.
Pharmacies - There are several pharmacies on the Avenida. “Farmacia Sota” is conveniently located just around the corner from the Plaza, beside the Kodak Store. The CMQ Pharmacy is open 24 hours, and is located at the top end of the Avenida just this side of the highway. Many drugs, such as antibiotics can be purchased in Mexico without prescription. We highly recommend you consult your own physician or a local one before taking any drugs which, in Canada, would be available through prescription.
Phone Calls - See Telephone Calls.
Pool - Pool is open 9:00am - 9:00pm daily. Please personal towels in the pool area and when using the padded lounges. White room towels are not for pool use. If possible, avoid entering the pool soon after applying oils or sunscreen. Upon return from the beach, please rinse salt water and sand off in the shower located just inside the gate. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For obvious reasons, glass containers are not permitted on the upper pool deck.
Postcards - Exclusive postcards showing La Peñita and the Casita are available at reception and are great for sending or saving as a souvenir.
Questions? - We are always happy to answer your questions and be of help. If we don’t have an answer right away, we will try our best to get the answer as soon as possible.
Reception Desk - The reception desk is located at the North end of the pool; just turn right before you fall in!! We are open throughout the day, starting at 8:00am. Should there be a need for the office to be closed for brief periods, a sign in the widow adjacent to the door will indicate “Closed”.
Reservations - For your next vacation, reserve early. Contact us at holiday@casitadelapenita.ws.
Restaurants - There are too many restaurants, all of them good, to mention here. Check our bulletin board on the walkway for menus from a few of them. All of the restaurants in La Peñita use purified water and wash their produce with a cleansing agent.
Rodeos - From time to time, rodeos are put on in the stadium, just a few blocks south of the Casita. They differ a little from the “Calgary Stampede” type, and include rope tricks, and more.. They are an interesting and inexpensive entertainment.
Rum - See Liquors.
Sailing - Alas Matey! Sailboat rentals have not yet been made available in this area.
Sandals - You can buy sandals at a number of stores, or get them custom made at “Huachereria Cocotlan” just around the corner in the Plaza. Custom made sandals can be purchased for about $15-20 dollars!
Shrimp - One of the staple sea foods of the area, shrimp are usually plentiful and inexpensive compared to Canada or the U.S. If you buy fresh or frozen to cook on site, we have “shrimp baskets” which can be used on the barbecues to make delicious stir fry’s or “camarones asada”.
Snorkeling & Skin Diving - There is a small shop two blocks north (Across from the Alegre Restaurant), which sells snorkeling gear.
Soft Drinks - We carry a supply of common soft drinks at reception. See the Shopping List in your room. There are most normal types available in La Peñita. Coca Cola, Coke Light, Sprite, Pepsi, Pepsi Light and 7-Up are available. In addtion, Squirt - a grapefruit drink is available. Also you might try Manzana - a carbonated apple based drink made by Coke, Pepsi and Penafiel.
Spanish - If you are here for a few weeks, you might consider taking some Spanish Lessons!! The local school has beginner classes, and the Director will fit you in. We can make arrangements.
Sun - There is a lot of it!! Please be careful. Wear a hat, and use sun screen, especially if you go fishing or whale watching. Sun stroke is common and is often mistaken for food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, chills, headache.
Taxi - Local private taxis, which are reasonably priced, can be arranged for at the reception desk. “Collectivos” which are public transportation (generally in 15 passenger vans) operate regularly between La Peñita, Rincon de Guayabitos, Los Ayala and Las Varas. The boarding point is at the top of the “Avenida” or main street near the highway. These collectivos run continuously in a circle between early morning and 8:00pm and cost 4.5 pesos per person.
Telephone Calls - Local calls to order a Taxi - no charge. Other calls to 274 prefix such as restaurant reservations - $5.00 pesos per call. Calls to cellular telephones and other long distance calls will be charged at $5.00 pesos per minute. International and local Lada cards are available at a number of outlets in La Peñita.
Calls within North America can now be done directly from Casita de La Penita. Ask for the Guest phone at main reception and for 10 pesos you are welcome to call anywhere in North America for 10 minutes.
Tianguis Market - Each Thursday, year round, the market sets up just 1 ½ blocks up our street. It stretches several blocks to the south, and branches down our street as well. Many local artisans display silver, sarapes, regional hand made jewelry, clothing, lingerie, leather, Huichol Indian Art and much more. You might be able to barter on silver, jewelry and art goods, but be prepared the asked price for clothing, household goods, tools etc. If they let you walk away, you are offering too little!! Should you see and item you like, and the price is right, buy it! You may not see it again during your stay!! If you are looking for something in particular, ask us. Perhaps we can help.
Time Clocks - Forget them, they do not exist!!!
Tonic Water - See Soft Drinks.
Tours - Fishing & Whale Watching - Fishing and Whale Watching tours can be arranged through reception. For more information see “Fishing” and “Whale Watching”
Tours - San Blas - A day trip to historical San Blas, the first bastion of the Spanish Armada in Mexico, is a wonderful experience. It includes a 2 - 3 hour boat trip into the jungle at La Tovara, where you will see crocodiles, turtles and wonderful bird life in their natural habitat. The price is normally $700.00 pesos per person and includes admissions, some refreshments, and some snacks. Ask for more information at reception.
Tours - Snorkeling - Snorkeling tours can be arranged with local boat operators from Guayabitos Beach. Generally, the best snorkeling is found on the lee side of the island in the bay. While the snorkeling is not considered to be “world class”, you will likely see an abundance of small colorful fish, live coral and crabs. The cost for boat transportation to the island and back is about $450.00 pesos for a small group. Think about taking cold drinks and perhaps a lunch to enjoy the calm waters and the beach on the island.
Tours General - Tours on a large scale are in their infancy in this area, however some very good day tours are available. Overnight tours can be arranged to Guadalajara and day trips are easy to facilitate to Puerto Vallarta and Tepic, the capital city of Nayarit.
Towels - The white towels in your room are not for pool or beach use. Please use your personal beach towel on the padded lounges. Towels can be exchanged at reception twice per week.
Umbrellas - Beach umbrellas are available. They can be found under the stairs leading to the upper apartments, adjacent to the library. Please return free of sand.
Valuables - Casita de La Peñita is not responsible for personal items, money or valuables left in your apartment. We have a small safe available if you feel more comfortable placing important documents such as passports or airline tickets in it.
Vegetables - See Fruits & Vegetables.
Walking - The distance is up to you, as is the direction... Walk the beach to the right for up to 7 kilometers, or go left along the road to the river, right to the beach and left again to Rincon’ beach. Or just walk the streets of La Peñita.
Water - Tap water is not suitable for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice cubes. 19 Liter bottles of purified drinking water are available for purchase at reception and will be delivered in installed in your dispenser upon request. All restaurants in this area serve only purified water. Tap and shower water is a precious commodity in this part of Mexico and your efforts to conserve water would be greatly appreciated.
Whales & Whale Watching - Humback whales are a common sight in the waters around La Peñita between the end of November and, depending on the water temperature, early March. They migrate south to enjoy the cooler water in fall, then head back north when the Pacific waters begin to warm. Feeding and breaching humpbacks have often been sighted from the balconies of the Casita! Whale watching can be arranged through reception. The cost is $350.00 pesos per hour per boat plus gratuity, for up to about 8 persons. Tours generally run 3
Wine - See Liquors.
X-Rays - Should medical x-rays be necessary, they can be made at Clinica Renteria, a medical clinic just north of the Avenida.
Yucca Plant - The yucca plant is a large, rough-skinned fruit which can be found in the area. Beware, they are very difficult and messy to clean. Should you wish to try the fruit, often called the “fruit of a thousand flavours”, it is best to buy small packages, already cleaned by the vendor!
Zorro - “the Fox” - Not related to President Vicente Fox, El Zorro, as he is correctly called, was best known in southern California. Visions of El Zorro were apparently once seen is this location….. watch for the telltale ‘Z’…