October 07, 2016

SHOPPING? BE SURE TO VISIT THE PUERTO VALLARTA MARKETS

Whether it is your first visit to Puerto Vallarta, or you have been back many times, there is surely something that will interest you at one of the traditional mercados or farmers’ and artisans’ markets.

These markets are an experience in itself, whether you are purchasing or just browsing. Each one of these places offers an innumerable quantity of articles and handmade products. Local vendors offer fruit and organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade preserves, among many other things. Sometimes there may be live music and strolling musicians, like Mariachis and Trios, delighting the public with classic Mexican songs.

Here are 6 great options:

Traditional Rio Cuale Market

This traditional and oldest market is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Puerto Vallarta. It’s an ideal place to find a present or souvenir with its wide range of artisan work, jewelry and 100% Mexican products. It is a great place to try delicious typical Mexican samplings and dishes. While there, you can also visit the Anthropology Museum, just a few steps away on Rio Cuale Island, or get a picture taken at the John Huston sculpture.

Marina Vallarta Market

The Market on the Malecon at Marina Vallarta comes alive every Thursday from 6pm to 10pm. It is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the area and buy something. This market offers a wide variety of products such as decorative items, handmade soaps, homemade bread and much more. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon. You might even arrive before sunset and walk around or stop at one of the many restaurants, as there are all kind of options.

Although this is mainly a residential area, many new stores, restaurants and bars have transformed it into a must-do place to visit and explore.

Old Town Farmers’ Market

This market, located in Lazaro Cardenas Park, has become a classic. Open on Saturdays from November to April, from 9:30am to 2pm, it is one of the best places to find locally grown fruits and vegetables. Handmade jewelry, beautiful artisan work and clothing made by local designers can also be found here. This market offers live music and entertainment. It is worth mentioning that this market community as well as the hotels around it, take care of the gardens and make sure that the park is always clean and spruced up for its many visitors.

Marsol Friday Market

Every Friday from 9:30am to 1:30pm, from December through April, the Marsol Market is open, located just a few steps away from the Los Muertos Pier. There are more than 50 local vendors offering organic and gluten free food, including desserts and artisanal bread. You will also find jewelry, leather goods, candles and other things. Raffles are held, with excellent prizes, and there is also live music.

Pata Salada Market

The Pata Salada, the newest of the markets, began in December 2015, and is to run all year long. It is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm, and Sundays from 6pm to 10pm at Hidalgo Park. It offers organic products, artisan work, plants, traditional Mexican food and Mexican hand made products. Some cultural and artistic activities are also included. This is a great option for residents and tourists as well.

Three Hens and a Rooster

The mission of Three Hens and a Rooster, a market located in the Romantic Zone, is to support local artists, artisans and vendors of homemade products, providing a space where they can showcase their goods.

Here you will find a variety of creative artists and artisans, offering jewelry, shawls, hand made purses, antiques, medicinal plants, freshly baked bread, home made pizza, paninis, cakes and pastries as well as many other products.