FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Casa Terra is house #9-A, located directly on the beach in the gated and secure complex of La Puntillla near the fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in the state of Nayarit, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico
We recommend you fly into the Puerto Vallarta airport. The airport code is PVR.
You can book a vehicle and be picked up at the airport or you can take a taxi to Casa Terra. It is best to purchase your taxi voucher from the kiosk INSIDE the Puerto Vallarta airport as those taxis are authorized airport taxis and will get you safely to Casa Terra.
On your return to the airport, you can get a taxi from the taxi stand in La Cruz. The taxi fare back to the airport is less then the fare from the airport as there is a tax on taxis leaving the airport, but not returning to the airport.
There are several companies who offer airport pick-up with a stop for groceries along the way and several of these companies can be located with a google search.
While we do recommend renting a vehicle it is absolutely not necessary as bus service is very good as a bus leaves every 20 minutes from the top of the driveway and heads directly into downtown Puerto Vallarta (via the many stops along the way). You can easily take the bus to Punta De Mita or Destaladaros beach–about 15 minutes away.
Buses are privately owned and some look a bit funky but they get you where you want to go and you are woven into the Mexican fabric as you journey. Don’t be surprised if an entertainer leaps on board to belt out a song about lost love and overdue rent. Mexicans tend to tip a few pesos whether the entertainment is Vegas caliber or not.
Taxis are readily available from the taxi stand in the village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and can be at the house within 5 minutes of your call. Taxis are very reasonable and safe.
There are several good grocery stores in the area. You probably will want to stop on your way from the airport to pick up some supplies and we will provide that information with your final documents. Unless you are on a special diet, most foods can be obtained in the Puerto Vallarta area. Be sure to bring along your Sam’s Club and Costco Cards as there is a Sam’s Club as well as a new Costco not far from the airport.
It’s an easy 10 minute walk along the beach, 15 minutes by road or a 3 minute drive or taxi ride from Casa Terra to the Marina Riviera in La Cruz. There are several fresh fish markets at the marina and a wonderful Sunday Market (November through April) that is not to be missed.
Shorts, tee shirts, sun dresses and bathing suites. Long pants aren’t necessary unless you really like dressing up for dinner. There are only a few place in downtown Puerto Vallarta that have a dress code and require long pants–other than that a clean tee shirt and shorts will do. January through March the evenings may get a little cool, so a sweater or lightweight jacket might be in order. If you plan to travel inland, the evenings are considerable cooler so long pants and a jacket should be packed. As with any tropical area you could experience rain showers so it would be wise to pack a lightweight fold up umbrella. Don’t worry though, if you do get wet the sun will dry you off in no time! Be sure to pack good walking shoes as the streets are paved with cobblestones and you won’t want to twist an ankle. Remember not to over pack–although everyone does!
As much, or as little as you want to do. We keep an updated list at the Casa that details the many nearby activities that include the best places for swimming, snorkelling and diving, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, boating, surfing, wind surfing, parasailing, horseback riding, golfing, and shopping.
You might just want to relax poolside or sip on a cool one as you float around on one of the pool loungers with a good book. And don’t forget, beachcombing is just steps from your front door!
Remember, it’s your vacation, so do it your way.
We keep an updated list at the Casa of great local restaurants in La Cruz and Bucerias, including a wonderful street taco restaurant in La Cruz that you won’t want to miss. We also have a listing of establishments that provide evening entertainment.
Yes, the kids can play just steps away from the front door where they can explore tide pools, capture sea life, and comb the beach for shells and other treasures. The ocean floor is slightly rocky at La Puntilla beach, but this keeps tourists and locals away from the area in front of the Casa, thus allowing for more privacy. Parents can enjoy the common grassy area and relax with a tall cool one under the shade of one of the many palm trees as they watch the kids play.
- Marina Vallarta Golf
Located in Marina Vallarta, (about 30 minutes from La Puntilla) operated by Club Corporation of America, this 18-hole course offers clubhouse, golf carts, caddies, pro shop, dining, driving range, putting green, pro service, golf lessons, course snack cart and showers. - Flamingos Golf Course
Located in Marina Vallarta (about 15 minutes from La Puntilla) this public 18-hole course offers a driving range, putting green, snack bar and golf lessons. Also has tennis courts. - Four Seasons Golf Club
This Punta de Mita gem boasts an 18-hole course of which eight fairways are waterfront. Jack Nicklaus designed this private course with a spectacular optional island green for the third hole. Planned for the future are two more 18-hole golf courses. - Mayan Palace Resort
in Nuevo Vallarta has a full service 18-hole course. - El Tigre Golf Club
at the Paradise Village Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. - Club Vista
Operated by Club Corporation of America, was the site of the EMC World Cup Golf Championship from December 12-15, 2002. It has two 18-hole golf courses now open. They are located on the hillside behind Puerto Vallarta.