Getting About w/o a car

Hello All, I finally arrived last Saturday and am now in my condo at the Villas Del Sol Condos next to the Waffle House on the Carretera. I don't have a car and was wondering if there is a service/business that you can hire to drive you around the villages for errands. I took a cab to get some essentials on Monday, the driver wouldn't wait even for an extra fee. So after shopping at Super Lake there I was with every frozen item defrosting waiting for a cab. I need to do a lot more shopping and was wondering what others without cars do when they need to shop or run multiple errands. TIA Ken

There are two people in town who rent vehicles daily or so. This would probably be your best bet to getting around at first and finding your way. Unless of course you do not drive at all. Then you should ask around for a driver who hires out by the day or half day, not the hour.

I am sure others will have contact info for you. I am sorry I only have ideas.

Welcome, and enjoy!

Welcome, Calexico! I am about to send you a private message (PM).

During the day the buses run so frequently you probably could have just walked across the street in front of SuperLake and gotten on one immediately. I doubt you would have waited even 10 minutes.

Thanks Mainecoons, that's definitely an option when I have a single place to go. BTW what is the fare from Ajjic to Chapala?

7-10 pesos depending on bus type.

Mainecoons wrote:During the day the buses run so frequently you probably could have just walked across the street in front of SuperLake and gotten on one immediately.  I doubt you would have waited even 10 minutes.

The local buses, which run the most frequently, turn south from the Carretera on calle Gonzalez Gallo, 1 1/2 blocks east of SuperLake and return to the Carretera on calle San Jose, 1/2 block west of SuperLake (going west). They also meander down into the centro of Ajijic  before continuing on to Villa Nova/West Ajijic, but as MC said, easier than looking for a taxi, most of the time.

The cheapies are the older smaller ones that look like "chicken" buses.

If you're living fairly close to the Carretera, these buses are a real alternative. I see people using them to go shopping at WalMart or SuperLake all the time.

Living right on the carretera the bus will be great for you. Cabs would be a waste IMO compared to 7 pesos
(I've lived years here without a car , shopping & errands are no problem . I miss a car only when I might like to just take a 'Sunday drive' )

Welcome.
I totally understand being new and having a ton of errands to run and not knowing exactly you're way around. A good taxi driver will be your saving grace in the beginning. I've learned that taxis here are not all created equally. Some are busy and will send their friend who has a car. Well, that car is a junker with no seat belts, no a/c, etc etc.
I would suggest you contact either of the following taxis drivers and explain what you need, example: possibly 2 hours of service. Ask them if they are available, if it will be them going, when will they arrive and the cost for their service for the period of time you need them.

Francisco Miramontes - cell: (333) 157-8060

Alex Peterson - cell: Cell: 333-577-7765

Later on when you only have 1 or 2 stops, buses do run quite often and are quite reliable. They aren't as convenient when you have a bunch of groceries though. You could take a bus to the store and a taxi back with your groceries.

Good luck

Just chill Ken. It's all good here. Start walking for a start if you are so disposed. Mexico is a land of fresh everything, just sweat the ice cream. Patronize your corner stores, be nice and they'll take care of you. No spanglish - just muddle along. Ask about, and enthuse over their children. Go see a first run movie on a Mon. or Tues. when they are dirt cheap. Enjoy.

Mainecoons wrote:During the day the buses run so frequently you probably could have just walked across the street in front of SuperLake and gotten on one immediately.  I doubt you would have waited even 10 minutes.

You've obviously never seen a ''chicken bus''. There are no buses here that even remotely resemble a true ''chicken bus''.

casi nada wrote:

Mainecoons wrote:During the day the buses run so frequently you probably could have just walked across the street in front of SuperLake and gotten on one immediately.  I doubt you would have waited even 10 minutes.

You've obviously never seen a ''chicken bus''.   There are no buses here that even remotely resemble a true ''chicken bus''.  

jaja! good one,casi nada!

It was a joke hence the quote marks.  Of course some of you have the sense of humor of a stump and never hesitate to show your nasty side at even the slightest opportunity.

The "chill" recommendation is definitely a good one for you two.

Mainecoons wrote:It was a joke hence the quote marks.  Of course some of you have the sense of humor of a stump and never hesitate to show your nasty side at even the slightest opportunity.

The "chill" recommendation is definitely a good one for you two.

some peoples "jokes" are just plain stupid and make no sense whatsoever and can be misleading to boot. ya don't wanna mislead do ya-SNORK!

Thanks all for the info on the local transportation and car for hire options, I'll be trying all of them!

It made me laugh, but I don't know if it was because I thought it was funny or stupid.
Either way, it was certainly unexpected.

You are going to do just fine, Ken. You have the perfect attitude. Welcome!