Q. WHERE IS THE CLOSEST ATM MACHINE OR BANK?

     There is an ATM machine located at Super Che (our local supermarket) and also at HSBC Bank (pronounced in Spanish as eh-che esse be se) or Bannamex. There is also an ATM located in the area of the Adouqin (pronounce owdowkin), the tourist strip on a small beach.FYI bring an ATM card you will get the best exchange in the country by withdrawing this way. Also as of March 09 US or Canadian dollars were preferred, travelers checks were harder to cash and the exchange was low.

        Q. SAFETY?

     In Puerto we recommend the following: take a taxi at night after 11pm, don't flash a lot of Money or jewelry, don't buy drugs, if you have a problem with the police call our concierge we can help you, don't argue and don't fight.We have been coming to Puerto for a long time and in all that time we have had a pair of board shorts and some shoes taken. Be aware that the people here are wonderful but there are some bad eggs everywhere you go and also remember you are in another country and be sensitive to this.

        Q. HOW DO I GET AROUND?

     Taxis are around 20 to 30 pesos to get you anywhere in town get a set price if your going out of town. Collectivo - you will see these white pickups with covered canvas top and benches in the back flag them down jump in the back and pay when you get off (about 2 pesos) just bang the track with your fist to stop.Our concierge is available to hire and can drive you around. I recommend this for the first time you need to hit the banks, super market and the mercado It's way easier.

        Q. WHERE DO I BUY GROCERIES?

     There is a small corner store on Calle Jacarandas directly up the street from Dan's hotel at the top of the hill. They sell milk, bread and all the basics. Down on Zicatela beach there's Rockaway next to the Cafecito restaurant and at the other end of the strip there's Merlins they also sell a small selection of deli items. Uptown ask for the Super Che it's a large super market and carries most things you would Need.
     Tip: It is better to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the local Mercado. It is also fun at the local market! Take your time, get a fresh juice, buy fresh flowers and stop for lunch this is the real heart of Puerto .

        Q. WHERE TO EAT?

     Breakfast:
· We really like to walk up the hill and next to Dan's hotel is his Cafe Delux great fresh food and he is very hospitable. $
· Cafecito great baked goods and coffee on the strip. $
· Walk past Dan's down the hill and across the little red bridge and there is a great juice bar with great food I recommend you try it $
· Lunch and Dinner on the strip try the following:
· Charlies – people watch upstairs great food. $$$
· Bananas – great food and pizza and the margaritas rock. $$
· Tios – great views on the beach great surfer food Ice cold beer. We recommend the huachinango (whole baked red snapper)$
· El Jardin – beautiful food made with love. Salads, pizzas, vegetarian, pasta. It is in the middle of the strip but is moving to the end of the strip on the corner of las brisas look for the ice cream parlor in the front. $$
· Sushi the Aquario on the strip beach side great views and fresh fish.$$ · For a sunset dinner ask the taxi for Las Palmas overlooking the beach Carizzalio beautiful atmosphere.$$$

        Q. LOCAL BARS?

     Try Barfly upstairs on the strip if you want a late late night, its fun and you can dance under the stairs to the wee hours Arcoiris on the strip happy hour at 5.30 sunset cocktails and a killer view of the beach food is ok. Flyitas on the beach hot pink has sofas and hammocks is lazy hip good music sunset is great.

        Q. ARE THERE DIFFERENT BEACHES?

     Playa Carrizzalio or Playa Manzanio both great swimming beaches. Go to playa Merino the small town beach and take a boat when your done you can take a boat back or take the steps (very steep(and walk to the main road and flag a taxi. Both beaches have toilets and small beach restaurants you can also hire snorkeling gear and surfboards. Also try La Punta (the point) beautiful local restaurants and midday shelter.

        Q. TRAVELLING WITH SMALL CHILDREN?

     If you have small children and want a kid day out there are 2 clubs. First is Club Cocos ask the taxi they have a great park surrounding the pool area and kids pool directly on the beach area with lots of shade, swing set and a trampoline. There is a restaurant/bar and they also serve basic kid food on the menu. You can pay for the buffet and use of the facilities or just the facilities and order ala cart. If you do the buffet I highly recommend to eat very little before going. Also a note of caution do not swim at this beach unless you are very experienced, its very beautiful but has very bad undercurrents. Second is Club Sol, it is right next door and is just as much fun but is cheaper. Many Mexican families use this place as it is fun for the kids. Both places will call a taxi for you when you are ready to leave.

        Q. DO YOU HAVE A BAYSITTER?

     YES! Contact our concierge.

        Q. WHAT IF I NEED A DR? (YO QIUERO DOKTOR)?

     Please, if you are not well tell our staff and they will call the concierge he will either take you to or call Dr. Mario and he will come to you. Dr Mario has looked after my family and friends for many years he is bilingual, well trained, very thorough and will not overmedicate you. Also if you are sick at one of our homes, do not worry our staff will take care of you and your needs.

        Q. CAN I BRING MY PET?

     YES! We are pet friendly, so long as it's not an elephant. That means he/she is well behaved and does not disturb our neighbors or other renters.

        Q. WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?

      Puerto has a lot of other things going on besides the beach. Ask our concierge and let him help you makes some choices.
     Here are some ideas:
          – Bike Riding–  There are 2 in the garage. Have our concierge ride you to the point and around.
          – Hire motos and cruise around town
          – Go to the turtle farm
          – Surf down the coast at isolated beaches
          – Snorkle
          – Waterfalls
          – River
          – Coffee ranch
          – Fishing
          – Turtle Spotting
          – Check out real estate
          – Learn how to salsa dance ,really salsa dance
          – Yoga at the house or go to the class
          –  Learn to cook authentic Oaxacan food
          –  Learn how to surf
          –  Ride a horse on the beach at sunset
          – Go to weavers and pick out your own colors and get bedspreads and table clothes made..
          – Buy beautiful Mexican tiles
          – Buy authentic handmade hammocks made by men pick your color
          – Go the local rodeo
          – Get a massage at Temescali
          – Walking tours go early in the morning, do the cliffs or go into the original area of Lazaro where the original fisherman lived and watch Mexico wake up
          – RELAX– it costs nothing and its kinda why you're here!