It does not matter if you are a resident of Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings, if you are thinking of becoming soon a “pata salada” (the demonym for the people that live in Puerto Vallarta), or if you are visiting Puerto Vallarta. This guide will help you become a local shopping expert and feel part of this lovely community.
Mexico is a rich country in history, flavors, colors, and aromas, and we can appreciate it on our traditional “tianguis.” Tianquiz(tli) – means market in Nahuatl, which is different from the Middle west bazaar, placing merchandising on the floor over rugs or blankets in the street. Some “tianguis” change the location depending on the day of the week, and some of them open daily. In contrast, others open just on specific days, all that practice is still on this day, but some of them have changed entirely to markets, mostly the same, the difference is the comfort, the tiny stands and even restaurants with their chairs and tables.
Why Shop at Local Puerto Vallarta Markets?
Even though Puerto Vallarta’s Markets are not as fancy as some of other Mexico’s cities like Mexico City or Guadalajara’s Markets, you still can get amazing surprises with the people you get to meet in the zone, their art, or the food.
Usually, in this beach town and the whole country, these are the best places to eat truly traditional Mexican cuisine or street food, the best thing you can assure your food is still fresh of the day. Also, you can find local indigenous art already made or people creating more for selling; there is all kind of crafts. Buying them is a way to grow and support the town’s economy. So whether you’re living in Puerto Vallarta or you’re just passing by, locals will always appreciate that gesture.
We create a list of the ten most famous markets in Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings, hoping you visit the shops throughout the markets, enjoy their history, and even go for a shopping spree. We are positive that you will find something lovely like new paintings for your living room, new clothes, or a new favorite meal. Don’t forget to check our map to see the location of all the markets on our list.
Let’s start with Puerto Vallarta Markets:
Puerto Vallarta Markets
Downtown Rio Cuale Flea Market
This market, located in the center of the city and Puerto Vallarta’s primary market, was created in the early XX century but became a big deal at the end of the ’70s. Alejandro Zohn was in charge of the architectural project between 1977 and 1979.
With dozens of stalls, these corridors bring you a variety of aircraft, leather, regional products, typical state clothes, and jewelry at economical prices.
“Pueblo Viejo”, Artisan Market
Pueblo Viejo is an antique and artsy place located in Morelos Street, a block apart from the Malecon, in the Downtown of Puerto Vallarta. In this building, you’ll find mini-stores inside, check them all, and maybe even treat you with a shopping spree.
Location: Agustín Rodríguez 110, Centro. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Real Market (Mexico Real Flea Market)
Located in Juárez Street, a side of “pueblo Viejo” and near Isla Cuale’s Flea Market, you may find food, Huichol, regional handicrafts, and even tourism information.
Location: Juárez Street, Centro. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Marina Market in Marina Puerto Vallarta
In Marina Vallarta Art & Market, you’ll find a wide variety of food from the typical Mexican cuisine to more familiar and regular food, Mexican, Argentinian, Spanish, French dishes, and more. There’s dessert as well. If art is what you’re looking for marina’s market has typical Mexican handicrafts, art and clothes, jewelry, accessories, personal care products, and decorative pieces for your home. This Puerto Vallarta Market is all Thursdays with a festive live music ambiance from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (October to May).
Explore all about this community and learn everything about it.
Location: Dock, Marina Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Puerto Vallarta Market – Mercado del Mar 5 de Diciembre
Near the cemetery, this is one of the biggest markets in Puerto Vallarta and one of the most visited by locals for shopping for fresh seafood. Every stall has daily fresh fish if you want to cook a tasty red snapper or some aguachiles, this is the place you should make a trip to, ask for the fish of the day and maybe some seafood récipes.
Location: San Salvador, 5 de Diciembre. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Aramara’s Market – Residential Area in Puerto Vallarta
If you are wondering: Where can I buy groceries in Puerto Vallarta? Fresh daily vegetables, chicken, pork, any meat you can find in Aramara’s Market. Here you’ll find anything you need to cook a good meal. Shopping time as a real local.
This place is one of the best markets to buy fresh quality products at a fair price and much variety; also, they prepare food inside the market, and it is delicious.
Location: Mar Caribe 2000b, Palmar de Aramara. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Olas Altas Farmers’ Market
Cultural Olas Altas Farmers’ Market mix one of the oldest styles of “tianguis” to a modern American “Mercado,” making this a fantastic option to spend a few hours of your Saturday morning.
One appeal is the baked, cultivated, and made products direct from the farm. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for fresh vegetables, organic coffee, bread, cheese, or crafts; Farmer’s market has a wide variety of products for you, even swimsuits made by local artists, shoes, jewelry, or Huichol handicrafts.
You can visit them and buy any food or product you’re looking for between an involving festive ambiance with live music. Ready to go shopping?
Day: Saturday
Hours: 9:30 am – 2:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Plaza Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Riviera Nayarit Farmers’ Markets
Cruz de Huanacaxtle Farmers’ Market
Two hundred vendors from around the community make this market possible, selling their authentic products and delicious foods. As is Sunday a family day, this place also provides various workshops for children and live music scenarios at the oceanfront amphitheater.
There are numerous handmade, regional, and sustainably produced products, from bread and organic vegetables, dressings, and marmalades, to Mexican clothes, sarongs, bikinis, and carpets, to ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and batiks, to choripanes, mixiotes, quesadillas, falafel, paellas, and fresh beverages. It is not enough just one day to taste all the delicious dishes La Cruz Market has for you.
Day: Sunday
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Marina Riviera Nayarit, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit. Mexico.
Sayulita Farmers’ Market – Mercado del Pueblo
The story of this market starts in 2009 with a small group of organizers, six vendors, and a borrowed, vacant lot that was overgrown. By the end of the first season, there were 16 vendors and a large group of locals who depended on the market for organic, natural, and local products.
They bring health awareness and food products to Sayulita, which local stores and restaurants adopt. The Mercado del Pueblo is located on Revolucion Street, just north of the main bridge, and hosts nearly 80 vendors; this market has become a critical, weekly event that brings together friends, food, live music, and education to its residents and visitors. An excellent option for your Sunday shopping.
Day: Friday
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Av. Revolucion, Cross Street of Tanana Gallery, Sayulita, Nayarit. Mexico.
Mercado del Sol – San Pancho
San Pancho has its market all Tuesday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm; this “Mercado” opens its doors from November to April in the winter season. Organic and coffee variety, handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, food, live music, and more.
Day: Tuesday
Hours: 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Plaza del Sol, San Pancho, Nayarit. Mexico.
Chacala Cultural Market
Cultural Market opens at the end of November through March, every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Visitors can start their day out in this market located in the town’s small plaza, where they will find food, art, handicrafts, traditional candies, organic products, and fresh vegetables.
Day: Saturday
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Main Plaza, Chacala, Nayarit. Mexico.
Rincón de Guayabitos – Guayabitos Market
The Tianguis (open-air market) in Guayabitos is held every Monday around the plaza from November through March (closed during the summer months). Here you will find a variety of custom-designed silver jewelry, pottery, linens, Talavera plates and sinks, glassware, Huichol Indian artwork, Oaxacan rugs, and just about anything else you might be looking for. Enjoy shopping time!
Day: Monday
Hours: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Main Plaza, Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit. Mexico.
Lo de Marcos Tianguis
Saturdays – November through March
The Tianguis in Lo de Marcos features a variety of products made by talented artisans and growers of organic produce, as well as a food court with a selection of hard-to-find food items. Everything sold must be artisanal, organic, handmade, or prepared using only natural products.
Day: Saturday
Hours: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Calle Luis Echeverria #9 (1/2 block East from the main plaza), Lo de Marcos, Nayarit.
Riviera Farmer’s Market – Centro Empresarial Nuevo Vallarta
This colorful market is located every Winter Season in the Nuevo Vallarta Business Center parking lot. Every Tuesday from 9 am to 2 pm; visitors will be able to find a delicious selection of artisan bread, fresh coconuts, exotic grown flowers, dried gourmet vegetables, and fresh pasta. There is also live music and a great family atmosphere, all with the spectacular backdrop of the Nuevo Vallarta Marina.
Day: Tuesday
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Season: Winter – November through April
Location: Paseo de los Cocoteros # 55, Centro Empresarial, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit.
La Peñita de Jaltemba – La Peñita Market
People come from miles around to attend this open-air market held every Thursday in La Peñita.
You can find local artists displaying silver and handmade jewelry, glassware, Talavera pottery, beautiful Oaxacan wool rugs, and the famous Huichol Indian beaded artwork, and also vendors with carts of ceviche and jumbo shrimp, homemakers selling fresh pastries and linens, and pickup trucks overflowing with poblano peppers and watermelons.
Day: Thursday
Hours: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Season: Year-round
Location: Main Plaza, La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit. Mexico.
Bucerias – Forever Spring Farmer’s Market
The Forever Spring Farmer’s Market is held each Wednesday in the La Comer parking lot from November to April.
Day: Wednesday
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Calle Lázaro Cárdenas #50, Bucerias, Nayarit. Mexico.
Conclusion
All markets in this pacific town may seem to offer the same, but if you visit them all, you’ll see different products and quality in all of them, get to know them, and have a wonderful time with the music and all the food around.
