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tourists as well as families. Always bargain the fare
before accepting the ride. Stop at the front desk of
your hotel and ask a fair taxi price from the hotel
to where you want to go. As I mentioned earlier,
don't tip the driver unless you ask him to make a
stop along the way or he provides some other serv-
ice, such as carrying your bags to the hotel.
Remember that the price of taxis increase when
bus service ends. Ever hear of "the law of supply
and demand?"
Pulmonias: These gasoline-powered, large size golf carts can be seen scur-
rying around town all hours of the night and day. One of the trademarks of
Mazatlán, these little vehicles are large in numbers, and are unique to the
Western Hemisphere. They are supposed to hold three passengers, but most
drivers will attempt to accommodate more if you ask. The cute little vehicles
with low-powered engines and high-powered amplifiers usually cost a little
more than the taxis, and provide the thrill of the wind in your hair and
absolutely no protection in an accident.
Be sure to bargain the price prior to entering. I had only one occasion to
argue with a driver during my ride. We bargained for a ride from the fishing
fleet to The Inn at Mazatlán and he tried to say I owed him the price in U.S.
dollars, and I said we agreed on a price in pesos. My three companions agreed
with me, and when he threatened to call the police, I did him one better and
started shouting for the police. He drove off mumbling something about
"Pancho Villa."
Taxi/pulmonia accidents: The drivers always seem to weave in and out of
traffic like madmen, but I have never actually witnessed an accident. Generally,
I take the pulmonia when I want to feel the wind in my face. We take the taxi
when my wife does not want to feel the wind in her hair.
Tour van drivers: When I have had a large number of friends visiting, and
would like to take them on a tour of the city or country, I always hire a van
driver. They are excellent drivers, know the tour business, and are willing to
deviate from the regular tour upon request. The company is called Mazatlán's
Tour Guide Association, Calle Laguna. The telephone number is 916-5714, and
email, Tourguides@Mazatlán.com.mx. They have air-conditioned vans that
accommodate up to ten passengers. Rates for half day (three-four hours) are
$150 U.S. and $180 U.S. for a full day. They also have a special for two people--
$36 U.S. for a three- to four-hour city tour. You can read more and pre-book a
reservation at www.mazinfo.com/tourguides.
The ubiquitous Pulmonia
Photo by Tom Tolman
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