Barb,
Another good thing about the ATMs is you get a way better rate than the
cambios. For instance, last year I got the cambio rate of 5 pesos to
the Cdn. dollar (what one pays, they all pay although its negotiable)
The ATMs gave me 7.5!
I say one of the things I enjoyed most about PV were the day trips we
took. Avoid at all costs the Jungle Tour which was a tremendous waste
of time and money - the tour operator availed himself of a busload of
tourists flush with pesos to patronize his friends' stores.
A day trip I took that was lots of fun was Chico's Paradise. You can
rent a jeep, or hitch on to one of the hotel tours. But take a
sandwich. Some of our party who stayed at the restaurant said the food
was dreadful AND incredibly expensive. The restaurant itself is
spectacular! Built in to and of the rocks on many different levels using
natural caverns as open dining rooms.Have a drink there by all means.
Follow the walk along the river, its just amazing but quite a workout
with some climbing. (Some one told me they filmed an Arnold
Schwartzennegger movie there - can't remember the name - probably why
the planet Hollywood has Arnold's terminator outfit on display although
I think that is not the movie)
I think you'll need to have a drink there as you need to go through the
restaurant to get to the river, of course, bring your swim suit.
Also, horse riding in the Sierra Madre was a blast! So rugged. In
some places, yOu ford rivers where people are washing their clothes and
all outfitters stop at a restaurant in the mountain where they serve the
most amazing salsa I had while there!
I know you'll have a great time. The nightlife in town's not bad
either.
by