Cigars in Mexico....

[winnie]

I'm heading off in three weeks for some fun in the sun. We're landing in Peurto Vallarta and staying near Punta de Mita as far as I can tell. I've been to Cuba and DR, but this is my first time in Mexico, so I'm not familiar with the area at all.

Anyone been there and can point me to a good place to stock up on cigars while I'm there? I'd love to bring back some duty free smokes, but got ripped of in DR last year, and it's not going to happen again!

I'm much better informed that last year, thanks to this forum, but would still appreciate some guidance from someone who's been to this are before.

[Cigar Hound]

I was in Puerta Vallarta in July (2007). I also stayed near Punta de Mita. I would only recommend the LCdH in Puerta Vallarta. The selection isn't great and prices are typical LCdH, but you don't have to worry that you're getting counterfeits. Also, allow plenty of time to get from Punta de Mita to PV. The traffic was backed up everyday we went into town and took as much as 1.5 hours to get there, when it should only take 20-30 minutes driving. Have a great time!

Originally Posted by winnie

I'm heading off in three weeks for some fun in the sun. We're landing in Peurto Vallarta and staying near Punta de Mita as far as I can tell. I've been to Cuba and DR, but this is my first time in Mexico, so I'm not familiar with the area at all.

Anyone been there and can point me to a good place to stock up on cigars while I'm there? I'd love to bring back some duty free smokes, but got ripped of in DR last year, and it's not going to happen again!

I'm much better informed that last year, thanks to this forum, but would still appreciate some guidance from someone who's been to this are before.

[JPH]

Advice is to not buy from any street vendor.

[winnie]

Originally Posted by JPH

Advice is to not buy from any street vendor.

Thanks, I learned that last year.

[Texan in Mexico]

Originally Posted by winnie

Thanks, I learned that last year.

We have a location in Vallarta and I am out there quite a bit. As they said above, you are going to find lots of small stores and vendors on the streets that will sell you the finest CCs handmade in downtown Vallarta - there is one place on the main street there in PV that sells CCs and as you guessed.... its a Bodeguita del Medio.

Many of the hotels will have real CCs and a couple upscale bars but the prices will make your head spin. My experience is not the end all but I have hiked back and forth lots of streets and thats about it.

Let me throw you a curve ball here - give these guys a try (Vallarta Cigar Factory (2 locations) on Vallarta #252 at 5 de Febrero and at Libertad #100 at the Fisherman statue. Phone number 322 222-0300)

They have some very good sticks that once they have settled down in your humi are quite tasty. I just worry about folks coming down and getting ripped off thinking they are buying the CCs.

I have smoked several and like them - when in Rome...

[winnie]

Originally Posted by Texan in Mexico

We have a location in Vallarta and I am out there quite a bit. As they said above, you are going to find lots of small stores and vendors on the streets that will sell you the finest CCs handmade in downtown Vallarta - there is one place on the main street there in PV that sells CCs and as you guessed.... its a Bodeguita del Medio.

Many of the hotels will have real CCs and a couple upscale bars but the prices will make your head spin. My experience is not the end all but I have hiked back and forth lots of streets and thats about it.

Let me throw you a curve ball here - give these guys a try (Vallarta Cigar Factory (2 locations) on Vallarta #252 at 5 de Febrero and at Libertad #100 at the Fisherman statue. Phone number 322 222-0300)

They have some very good sticks that once they have settled down in your humi are quite tasty. I just worry about folks coming down and getting ripped off thinking they are buying the CCs.

I have smoked several and like them - when in Rome...

Thanks Texan, I appreciate the info.

[Harpo]

Don't buy Cohibas in a glass-top box.

[CigarGal]

When I was there at the end of October I was told that the LCH was closed. I found a sunglasses place with a small walk-in humidor that had a small selection of cubans. I spent a couple of afternoons sitting in the Cigar Factory drinking Coronas and smoking their house cigars as well as cubans.



It is located across the street from the Mercado on the Rio Cuale.




This guy is there everyday in case you want a fresh rolled.

[MeNimbus]

I think Mexico has a regional release cigar called Conde #9. I have not been to Mexico yet, but would like to visit in the near future.

[Pyro]

Originally Posted by Texan in Mexico

...give these guys a try (Vallarta Cigar Factory (2 locations) on Vallarta #252 at 5 de Febrero and at Libertad #100 at the Fisherman statue. Phone number 322 222-0300)...

I will also go to Puerto Vallarta, but for a Fireworks Symposium and not until April 2009 though! Anyway, could you please describe the quality and character of these Mexican cigars a little? Are they similar to something from A. Turrent for example?

[DBall]

Originally Posted by MeNimbus

I think Mexico has a regional release cigar called Conde #9. I have not been to Mexico yet, but would like to visit in the near future.

it's the conde 109

...here's a LINK to a review

[Freight]

Any of you know any good places in Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, or Leon? I will be heading down to Jalisco next Thursday and was wondering if there are any good places to go shopping at any of those cities, thanks in advance.

[Dr_Trac]

those are some cool pics CigarGal! makes me want to go back and visit some family in Acapulco and just stroll down the beachfront/beach smoking some fine cigars in the warmth.

[CigarGal]

Originally Posted by Dr_Trac

those are some cool pics CigarGal! makes me want to go back and visit some family in Acapulco and just stroll down the beachfront/beach smoking some fine cigars in the warmth.

Nothing like it in the world! I love PV!

[winnie]

Originally Posted by CigarGal

When I was there at the end of October I was told that the LCH was closed. I found a sunglasses place with a small walk-in humidor that had a small selection of cubans. I spent a couple of afternoons sitting in the Cigar Factory drinking Coronas and smoking their house cigars as well as cubans.



It is located across the street from the Mercado on the Rio Cuale.




This guy is there everyday in case you want a fresh rolled.

Looks like a cool place, thanks CigarGal!