Visit to Bucerias

Just for something to do, we decided to take the local bus in to the town of Bucerias. We had never been there before, even though it's only about 14 kms (8.5 miles) away.

We figured there would be a bus from the local town here, and there is. But instead of going the direct and easy route there, it goes through all of the local communities and then you have to change to another bus on the main highway.

But, we've got lots of time, so who really cares how long it takes to get there! Here, I'll show you a map so you have a better idea...

The Rancho Altarose Campground is located at (A). First, we had to walk about 2 kms (1.2 miles) from there to the central plaza in Valle de Banderas. We left the RV Park at just after 9:30am.

Walking into Valle, we saw this tree with these big funny looking fruits. No idea what they are, but they were bigger than a cantaloupe.

Ruth, at the central plaza in Valle de Banderas.

Then, we had to take a colectivo minivan bus about 13.5 kms from Valle de Banderas to the town of Mezcales on the main highway. That ride cost 12 pesos ($1.05) each.

Neat statue along the way.

There's always room for one more!

When we got to Mezcales, we had to take a full size bus that makes a lot of stops along the main highway. It cost 9 pesos (80 cents) each for the 7 km (4.3 mile) bus ride to Bucerias.

We were let off at an area where there was a Sunday market going on. We wandered the market for a bit, but decided to go for a walk on the beach and then return to the market. First, we had to cross the busy highway, but they have pedestrian walkways (that hardly anybody uses!) over the highway.

Crossing busy highway #200 as it goes through Bucerias.

A few steps further, and you're at the beach!

This stretch of beach runs uninterrupted for 29 kms (18 miles)! We were surprised that it wasn't busier, being a Sunday. But, a lot of the tourists and expats have already headed north. It probably won't be busy again until Semana Santa (Easter Week) when all of the Mexicans head to the beach.

You can walk for miles.

Came across this puffer fish washed up on the beach. We thought it was funny because he looks like he's smiling!

We didn't walk that far though, and ended up heading back to the market. We only bought some carrots and a green pepper because Monday is actually market day in Valle de Banderas so we'll do our fruit and veggie shopping for the week when we go there today. But we did buy a yummy snack!

Peppers anyone?

We bought a big container that had jicama, pineapple, watermelon, and cucumber. Sprinkled liberally with red pepper!

This is where we had bought our snack. They also had a large variety of what they typically call "fruit water". It's very popular in Mexico to make these delicious refreshing drinks out of a large variety of fruits. Usually mashed fruit, water, and sugar. They also make it from rice!

Then, we caught the buses back to the trailer park. Another fun day in Mexico, and we only spent 84 pesos ($7.40) on buses. 

It was 3:00pm by the time we made it back. Relaxed and read our books, and had happy hour with Garry and Jean.

Today, we'll walk back into Valle and do our fruit and veggie shopping for the week.