• proof of ownership (vehicle title)
  
• original of the vehicle registration
  
• valid driver's license for identification
  
• proof of citizenship
  
• current Mexican Tourist Permit (get it stamped at the Migración office next door)

You MUST surrender the sticker as you cross into the US. You may not travel outside of Sonora with this sticker.


By Air

Puerto Penasco does have a small airport. Most visitors will fly into airports in Phoenix or Tucson, then rent a car or make arrangements for transportation. Those who fly to Puerto Penasco come in private planes.

The airport has a paved 5,000 ft. air strip and is about 3 miles from town. There is a small landing fee of between $5-$10 dollars, but you can leave your plane overnight free. The local airport is under reconstruction and very soon we'll have fuel available by October, 2005.

The resort is growing rapidly. You will find a couple beach hotels, more and more beach condominiums and many beachfront RV parks. In town (and close to the beach) hotels are many and of good quality. You will also find some "budget" accommodations in Old Port, on Calle 13 and in Playa Mirador areas. Vacation Rentals are available up and down the coast.

During Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Spring Break, Easter and 4th of July, it is wise to make reservations a minimum of two months in advance. Note: Spring Break in Puerto Penasco can last weeks as different schools have their break at different times.


Getting Around

Taxi's are available in Puerto Penasco, but it's simple to drive your own car around town. Pick up one of tourist publications and use their maps to navigate the town. If you are in Old Port, Calle 13 area or Playa Mirador area, you will find restaurants, bars, shops and more within walking distance. Sandy Beach, Cholla Bay and Las Conchas areas require a car. Remember all vehicles are prohibited on the beaches of Puerto Penasco.


Currency

Almost all establishments will readily accept US currency. The issue in that case will be the exchange rate that they offer; it is advisable to ask first in order to avoid any disappointments. Many businesses will not be able to make change for anything higher than a $20 U.S. dollars so it is a good idea to carry small bills with you, or pesos.

The Peso presently values between 10-11 Pesos to 1 US dollar. Banks generally have the best exchange rates & open at 9am (M-F), make sure you check what hours they do money exchanges. Lines may be longer at banks, but rates are probably a little better than exchange houses.

Credit Cards are accepted by most of the hotels, with some or no surcharge, but not all of them. ATM's are found t local banks and can be used to secure funds, although it will be in Pesos. This is one of the easier ways to travel, although there will be a small fee attached to your withdrawal. While you are planning your trip, make sure that you carry - or have access to, enough cash or traveler's checks.
Time & Pace

Puerto Penasco is in the Mountain Time Zone and does observe daylight savings time. Businesses are open throughout the day. Since Puerto Penasco doesn't really have slow season (except in the hottest months of July-August), the traditional siesta isn't usually observed. Siesta or the mid-day break is a tradition that reflects not only the necessity of avoiding heat-related fatigue, but is also a traditional time to spend with family, eat the meal of the day and recharge the batteries so to speak.


Communications

Internet access is available in a few places on/off Calle 13 and some RV parks in Playa Mirador, some hotels may offer the service. You can call (direct dialing) and fax to anywhere in the world from Puerto Penasco, using the facilities at your hotel or at Larga Distancia office. You can also purchase prepaid phone cards throughout town and use them on the local phone stands on the street.


Article and Pictures From Mexico Online