Tourists who come to town often find themselves in need of some odd things. Here are some items for your consideration:

Maps

Here is a simple map of the town. Note that the street everyone calls mar caribe Sur (airport road) is labelled as Av. Camino del Sur. Othe maps of the region are here.

Safety and Security.

Before you come, make sure your cellphone works in Mexico (call your company). Then, for an emergency you can call the police (dial 577-1134), or the State Tourist Office (577-1155) who have interpreters and counsellors to help you in disputes. If you are on the highway, dial 066 for the Police or 078 for tourist help.

Car Problems

The most frequent problem is a flat tire. Be sure you have a good spare but definitely get the flat fixed before you drive back home. The deserts are inhospitable and are no place to get stuck with a second flat. You will find tire repair places along either side of Av. Mar Caribe South (the airport road) heading south from the Glorietta (roundabout). Generally you can get the repair made while you wait for under $5 dollars. You will also find mechanics in this area that can fix most problems. A welding shop is also on Mar caribe.

Illness

Montezuma's revenge - see Tavo at Botica Sagrado Corazon drug store in the center of town by Bancomer (577-1294). For more serious problems call Dr. Victor Abasolo (577-1706) whose office is on the main road into town between the Arches and the 7-11 gas station. In an emergency go to St. James Hospital (577-0117) next to the police station.

Beach Supplies

Ladies will appreciate the Boutique next to the Fandango Restaurant on Av Mar de Cortez just before the El Cortez Hotel. T-shirts, towels and swim trunks can be found at most of the shops along Mar de Cortez around Bancomer. Beach umbrellas are hard to find - we recommend you bring your own. Suntan lotion is also readily available at these stores and any pharmacy.

Gifts and Souvenirs

Without a doubt, Curios Mitla at the very center of town by the traffic light, is the place to shop for quality merchandise. You may also find some fine articles at the gift store of the El Cortez Hotel. Another good place to pick up something made locally is the People's gallery near the El Cortez hotel. Also consider taking back some really fresh fish or, in season, a few pounds of San Felipe shrimp. There are always people selling shrimp along the Malecon; also go down to the harbor when you see the pangas coming in. Shrimp cost around $15 to $20 per kilo. Be sure that you see that the scale reads zero before they weigh the shrimp.

Massage

Call Yolanda's massage (577-2851) at the north end of Mar de Cortez at the junction with the Malecon.

Gym

Men can pay for a daily workout at the Golden Gym on Puerto Penasco. Hours are generally early morning before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Fitness & Exercise

Ken Sue Martial Arts / 893 EUCALIPTOS AVENUE (between Chetumal and Topolobampo).
Phone: 011-52-686-577-6023 (US or Canada) Local: 577-6023 email: kensuemartialarts@gmail.com
Mail: Ken Pottie PMB 5167 233 Paulin Avenue Calexico, CA 92231-2646.

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO.

Barbeque

If you want to make a barbeque on the beach, get "carne asada preparada" at Felipe's meat market (called Zamaniegos) at Mar Caribe north and Calle Puerto Penasco. A kilo, with tortillas, will cost you around $10. The meat is beautifully marinated and cooks very quickly over hot coals.

Digital camera downloading, CD burning, email

You forgot to bring the correct cable for the camera. Go to the Net (that's us) at Plaza Canela, just north of the El Cortez Hotel. You can do it, we can help.