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Vallarta Bound

Jun 11, 2002, 6:23 AM

Post #1 of 6 (1488 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende

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Hi,I just want to know which is the best way to get from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende. I have heard that there two options using a dirt road or a paved one. I would like some info on these routes if there is any available.

BoneDoggie

Jun 11, 2002, 7:20 AM

Post #2 of 6 (1487 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende

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The best way I would suggest to get there would be by air taxi or by bus. I would not suggest taking the trip yourself unless you're driving a 4-wheel drive. The road is very treacherous and there are portions where a normal car might get stuck in the mud or not be able to navigate a ditch.I would suggest flying with Cap. P.A. Joel Sanchez Gonzalez or his other piloto, Juan. You may reach them at either number, 1-19-90 or 5-02-81 when you get into P.V. It's 80USD round trip, just schedule with him the exact times and days you need to fly there. He flies to San Sebastian Del Oeste, which I highly suggest also visiting, as well as Mascota and Talpa as far as I know. He flies out of the Aeropuerto General, very near PVR. Otherwise, I believe the bus runs there from the airport bus station and is very cheap. I've never taken this route, but from what I understand, it's very long and not much fun.Hope this helps a little,BoneDoggie: Hi,: I just want to know which is the best way to get from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende. I have heard that there two options using a dirt road or a paved one. I would like some info on these routes if there is any available.

Vallarta Bound

Jun 11, 2002, 1:22 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1484 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende / TIP for Winding Roads

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Thanks, but going by air taxi or bus are not options for me. My party is 7 people and the cost will be to much. In addition, I have a child with special needs that requires immediate medical attention, and may not be able to stay overnight.I am driving a brand new Ford Expedition SUV with hight ground clearance. The roads are no problem, I have driven from Tomatlan, Jalisco to Rancho Puentecillas, all dirt roads and crossed a couple of rivers on a Dodge Ram Van.In reference to the roads without shoulders, I am from Puerto Rico, and there is nothing worst in the world like "La Piquina" the itch. There you are really talking about narrow, winding, no shoulders, semis, livestock, and bridges that only one car can pass at time. Have done it many times and in the dark, and I mean dark!Now, if I can avoid the dirt roads, I would love to do just that. But I heard that there is another route that is all paved, it does not matter if it is winding and treacherous. I can handle that part, even at night, but of course I would not drive at night.TIP FOR WINDING ROADS:Keep your lights on and before you reach a blind curve honk your claxon several times. The chances are that if a semi or another vehicle is in the other side they will hear you and either stop or honk back at you. Good way to know.

Tom Gardner

Jun 11, 2002, 8:36 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1487 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende / TIP for Winding Roads

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OK - you asked for it. You have 3 choices - decent boring, long paved road (estimated time 5 hours); shorter interesting somewhat adventurous one lane with pullouts dirt road with paved road at each end (estimated time - 3.5 hours); and one very interesting, rough, single lane dirt, rock, sand road that will make you wonder why the hell you drove it (6 hours).
Easiest route is to take Hwy 200 north from PV to cutoff to Tepic/Guadalahara 15D Toll Rd, east on 200D toll road cutoff, South on 15D toll road to Ameca turnoff (Hwy 70 I think) where 15D ends. West towards Ameca, then South to Tapa. Good road, long! If you want an safe adventure, and are a little adventureous and a bit nuts (your vehicle will do fine), take the paved road on the North side of PV to Ixtapa (north of bus station road), El Ranchito, and several miles up the canyon to Las Palmas (ask - everyone knows where Las Palmas is). On the edge of Las Palmas as you enter town, turn right on a unmarked dirt road (ask for directions to San Sebastian and Mascota) and then curve east and head into the Sierra Madre del Sur. You will travel 30 to 40 miles through the hills, drop down into and climb out of a very deep canyon, and eventually enter La Estancia (may be toll shack just before town) Here you can either turn north and go to San Sebastian or head to Mascota and Talpa. Take the paved road to Mascota, go through Mascota for about 10 miles, and turn right to Talpa. Well signed.
And if you are stark raving nuts, a real adventure seeker, and missing all your marbles, take the 3rd route which starts off Hwy 200 about 100 km south of PV, and heads off cross country from Tomatlan to Talpa. Sandy washes, beautiful valleys, a couple of small isolated towns, and lots of slow (5mph) driving all day. I know from personal experience.
Best bet - take the road through Las Palmas.
Have fun. 
: Thanks, but going by air taxi or bus are not options for me. My party is 7 people and the cost will be to much. In addition, I have a child with special needs that requires immediate medical attention, and may not be able to stay overnight.: I am driving a brand new Ford Expedition SUV with hight ground clearance. The roads are no problem, I have driven from Tomatlan, Jalisco to Rancho Puentecillas, all dirt roads and crossed a couple of rivers on a Dodge Ram Van.: In reference to the roads without shoulders, I am from Puerto Rico, and there is nothing worst in the world like "La Piquina" the itch. There you are really talking about narrow, winding, no shoulders, semis, livestock, and bridges that only one car can pass at time. Have done it many times and in the dark, and I mean dark!: Now, if I can avoid the dirt roads, I would love to do just that. But I heard that there is another route that is all paved, it does not matter if it is winding and treacherous. I can handle that part, even at night, but of course I would not drive at night.: TIP FOR WINDING ROADS:: Keep your lights on and before you reach a blind curve honk your claxon several times. The chances are that if a semi or another vehicle is in the other side they will hear you and either stop or honk back at you. Good way to know.

Vallarta Bound

Jun 11, 2002, 9:54 PM

Post #5 of 6 (1484 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende / TIP for Winding Roads

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Thanks Tom your insight is appreciated.

fernando

Sep 24, 2002, 4:56 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1485 views)

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Best Route from Pto. Vallarta to Talpa de Allende / TIP for Winding Roads

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: Thanks, but going by air taxi or bus are not options for me. My party is 7 people and the cost will be to much. In addition, I have a child with special needs that requires immediate medical attention, and may not be able to stay overnight.: I am driving a brand new Ford Expedition SUV with hight ground clearance. The roads are no problem, I have driven from Tomatlan, Jalisco to Rancho Puentecillas, all dirt roads and crossed a couple of rivers on a Dodge Ram Van.: In reference to the roads without shoulders, I am from Puerto Rico, and there is nothing worst in the world like "La Piquina" the itch. There you are really talking about narrow, winding, no shoulders, semis, livestock, and bridges that only one car can pass at time. Have done it many times and in the dark, and I mean dark!: Now, if I can avoid the dirt roads, I would love to do just that. But I heard that there is another route that is all paved, it does not matter if it is winding and treacherous. I can handle that part, even at night, but of course I would not drive at night.: TIP FOR WINDING ROADS:: Keep your lights on and before you reach a blind curve honk your claxon several times. The chances are that if a semi or another vehicle is in the other side they will hear you and either stop or honk back at you. Good way to know.