Located a short 10-mile cab ride north of Puerto Vallarta is the beach village of Bucerias - "place of the divers". The town square, dominated by its large whitewashed church and spire, is the cultural and religious hub of Bucerias. It is also the center of businesses in the town square. The taxi stand and school are nearby, as are any number of small shops, storefront merchants, and street vendors. The ice cream stand is especially popular at nighttime, as are the string of open-air and patio restaurants and bars along the beachfront. Walking along the beach and cobblestone streets in Bucerias is quite safe, day or night; the residents welcome the courteous traveler, and will shyly say "hola" as they pass you on the street.