This article is from the July 2004 The Mexico File newsletter.
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Hotels and Transit in Mascota and Talpa 

Mascota and Talpa are only about 30 to 35 miles from Puerto Vallarta as the crow flies, but for now, until the new highway is completed, it takes about four hours to drive there. You need a high-clearance vehicle and you probably don’t want to try it in the rainy season, as there are several streams to negotiate. Or you can drive 110 miles from Guadalajara on a paved road that takes a good 5½ hours. 

There is a bus service that leaves from Parque Hidalgo in Vallarta daily at 7:00 am and 8:00 am. And Aero Taxis de la Bahia flies from the PV airport, landing in both Talpa and Mascota. The flight is only about 15 to 20 minutes and costs around $80 round-trip. 

The best hotel in Mascota is Hotel Meson de Santa Elena near the main plaza. Housed in a restored colonial building, the hotel has 13 nicely furnished rooms around a traditional courtyard and a small bar and restaurant. Doubles run about $40US. There are two or three other hotels in Mascota and finding a room should be no problem in this small town. 

Talpa has several good hotels, most  located right around the main plaza. The Hotel Plaza looked to be a  good choice with a location right across from the church. Tel. # 011 52 338-500-86. Doubles are $18.00  to $24.00. 

Even better is the Hotel la Mision, behind the church in a quieter location. This would be my choice after reviewing both hotels. Tel.# 011 52 338-502-02. Doubles run around $18.00 

Hacienda Jacarandas has five guest rooms, a 55-foot lap pool, two stocked lakes for fishing, a hot tub, and great food. See more in the classified insert accompanying this newsletter. Tel. # 011 52 333-447-7366. Email guylawlor@hotmail.com