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November 25, 2021
Puerto Vallarta is much more than just a beach destination. It is a vibrant town filled with activities for every kind of taste.
We all love shopping, no doubt about that, and when it comes to finding unique products there is no better place than a Farmers’ Market. Well, we’ve got good news for you, Farmers’ Market season in Puerto Vallarta is back! Two incredible markets are waiting for you to visit them so you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, whilst directly supporting the local economy. But, do you know the origin of these kinds of markets?
The origin of Farmers’ Markets can be traced back to Egypt over 5000 years ago. Farmers and producers all along the Nile River gathered to sell their fresh fruits, vegetables, jewelry, tools, furniture and more. At the beginning, it was all about trade, since money was not yet invented. Here in Mexico, the Aztec and Mayan civilizations had their own markets, and used cocoa as currency, very valuable at the time, so they could get the goods they needed, as well as offer the ones they produced.
In the United States the first Farmers’ Market opened in 1634 in Boston Massachusetts. It became so popular that very soon other communities in different states followed and started to open their very own markets, with local and regional produce and artisans.
Puerto Vallarta is a cosmopolitan beach town that receives many visitors from around the world. Not only that, there are many expats coming especially from the US and Canada that have settled here and made it their home. So, it had to be a matter of time before the first Farmers’ Market, with a North-American influence opened. In 2010 the first one of them started, the Old Town Farmers’ Market (currently known as Olas Altas Farmers’ Market) in the Community Center in Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone. Local producers were invited to gather and sell their products with the concept of “Make it, bake it, grow it”. This market model was a hit all around the bay and impacted in many good ways the local economy. It opens for six months every year, making it more exciting to visit as it is not a year-round market. It became so popular that it started to grow in size and number of vendors, as more and more locals explored their talents to share with others. And very soon it became a very popular attraction for locals, for tourists, and for many 6-month residents that come every year to Puerto Vallarta to escape the harsh winters in their hometowns.
So, after more than 10 years, this market keeps receiving visitors with a friendly smile. On Saturdays, Olas Altas Farmers’ Market sets up at The Tile Park, also known as the Lazaro Cardenas Park, in the Romantic Zone. It is a North-American style Farmers’ Market with one-of-a-kind products. The park comes to life with more than 100 vendors offering products such as fresh vegetables and sprouts, handmade chocolate, baked goods, fresh pasta, flowers, designer clothes and jewelry, toys, musical instruments, lots of wonderful souvenirs, coconut-based products and all kinds of delicious National and International food and treats. You can even get an alignment from a local chiropractor or adopt a cat! Not only do you get wonderful products that you can’t find anywhere else, but you also get to meet the persons behind the making of these, as there is a direct link between you and the producer. Amazing, right?
A perfect place to spend your morning, talk to locals, make new friends, and do some shopping whilst listening to live musicians such as Mariachi and local bands with incredible talent. This market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, during the months of November thru April.
The other main market in town, which opens at the end of October thru April, is the Art & Market Marina Vallarta. On Thursdays, when the sun goes down, from 6 pm till 10 pm, this market sets up in the Marina Vallarta boardwalk. This is a market with more of a Mexican feeling, and a very friendly atmosphere as well. All vendors are placed all along the Marina boardwalk. A great place to admire a beautiful sunset and the boats in the background. You can visit this market and get wonderful souvenirs of your trip, enjoy the multiple cultural expressions of artisans, merchants, artists and young people promoting their creations. Not only that, you’ll be able to taste gastronomic delights that you won’t find anywhere else, whilst enjoying live music that sets up by the food area. You can also visit this market to get unique gifts, and then sit or dine in one of the many restaurants, cafes, and bars that are located along this boardwalk.
You can find the Art & Market Marina Vallarta from the end of October thru April, every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Two great shopping experiences to explore during your trip to Puerto Vallarta!
So, if you’re visiting this enchanting destination during Farmers’ Market season, make sure to stop by these two incredible markets! We’re sure you’ll find something new and exciting, and have a great time for sure.
See you soon!
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