We are looking at renting a minivan for the day in Puerto Vallarta. Cost is about $85, plus gas and taxis to and from airport for the van. There are 6 in our group, including 1 who doesn't walk very well, so seems like having our own transportation could help minimize her walking. We are going to Vallarta Adventures in the morning for the dolphin swim, lunch in downtown, and Canapy Tours Los Veranos in the afternoon (all booked on our own).

Any feedback on pros and cons of renting a car there? Any difficulties in navigating around? How was parking? How far by taxi from the cruise ship port to the airport to pick up the car? Would we make it alot easier on ourselves to just get taxis? Any comments or suggestions would be very appreciated. Thanks.

Having spent a lot of time in my youth in and around Mexico City, I would STRONGLY advise you take taxis and forget renting anything.

I would totally disagree with ChuckOK. We have been to Mexico many times and always rent our own vehicle. We like to be on our own timetable. The reason I saw your posting was I was looking for the exact same thing in car rental. Our grandchildren are younger and we like the freedom of having our own vehicle for the day. I actually just found Dollar Rent A Car has a facility right there in Marina Vallarta and offers minivans. Have fun our your trip - we LOVE cruising and always try to rent in the ports. Good luck.

Thank you, Tulip, for your encouragement and the tip on the Dollar rental facility at the marina.