Worry-free Airport Conveyance: Jaltemba Transport
Tara A. Spears
For many international visitors coming to small town La Penita the biggest hurdle is getting from the Puerto Vallarta airport to the village. Worry no more because a hometown family provides stress-free, professional driving service. Gilberto and Vivian Hernandez have operated a personalized taxi business since 2002.
Jaltemba Transport is known for their prompt, reliable and personalized customer service. “We offer round-trip transportation to and from the Puerto Vallarta airport, as well as private and group tours to anywhere you’d like to go in the Jaltemba Bay/Nayarit area, “ said Gilberto in perfect English. “Our drivers are certified, licensed and insured. Please contact us in advance to schedule an airport pickup or drop-off.” In addition, Jaltemba Transport is pet friendly and can provide child car seats upon request. While Jaltemba Transport vehicles are smoke-free for travelers’ comfort, Gilberto says that he will make stops for smokers to have a puff outside.
“At first we started driving people that were friends, or friends of friends of ours,” explained Gilberto. “I enjoyed meeting new people so much that I decided to make the transportation a family business.” It must be in his genes because his father was a taxi driver in Guayabitos for thirty years. Because of this, Gilberto knew what steps to take to start a professional service.
What people need to understand is that the fare for making the trip is not just a number that is pulled out of the air; those who are professional drivers have rigid expenses that go with this business. As a person with a car, I know what regular vehicle expenses are involved: tires, insurance, mechanic, car plates and of course, gas. Currently, gasoline is a whopping 19.9 pesos per liter! What the professional drivers must pay over and above the individual costs are that he must have a special license, special passenger insurance, special government fee for transporting, in addition to the individual person’s operating expenses. This is what drives the the amount of the fare.
“My satisfaction is seeing people so excited as they arrive to Mexico,” said Gilberto. “I feel good that I get to help them get to their lodging safely. Besides, I love to talk about my beautiful country!” Because over the years, international visitors have asked Gilberto to take them to places in the area, he added day trips to his service. Enjoy seeing the hot springs, Chacala beach or get a different view of the Pacific Ocean in San Blas-Gilberto will make the trip safe and fun.
The biggest tribute to Jaltemba Transport is that they have so many repeat customers. As the following photos show, Gilberto and his wife of 21 years, Vivian, become more than employees; they become true friends!
Gilberto stands out because he has worked hard to provide a service that is needed in this coastal area. He chose to return to Jaltemba Bay area after working in the USA for five years to raise his two children in this community and to be close to his extended family. “It’s important to me to have time with my wife and family,” said Gilberto. “ I enjoy working in my little garden where I grow fruit for my family when I have some free time.”
As you finalize travel plans to come to Mexico, now you can take it a step farther by booking personalized pick up at the airport! You’ll be able to relax and enjoy the ride to our piece of paradise. Let Gilberto and Vivian be your guide.
Email: gilbertours@hotmail.com FB page: Jaltemba Transport
Cell (from outside the country) 011 521 322 190 1386