Puerto Vallarta
offers one of the best shopping of any resort town in
Mexico. Various States and regions in Mexico are famous
for different products and art forms. Puerto Vallarta
is renowned for its pottery and ceramics, beautifully
hand-blown glass.
Talavera pottery is still made in the area using the
same techniques employed by 16th Century Spanish potters.
The Huichol Indians, native to the State of Nayarit
which borders closely with Vallarta, produce stunningly
colorful pictures made from naturally colored Indian
yarns and dramatic beaded painted masks that are loaded
with native ritual symbolism. You can also find pottery
and tapestries from Oaxaca State (known world-wide for
its "black" pottery). Spectacularly colorful
hammocks and intricate tin works from the State of Guerrero
abound. Huaraches, traditional Mexican sandals made
of leather strips and rubber tire soles can be found
in most shops.
There are three major "plazas" in Vallarta
The Marina Plaza, located at the road entrance to the
Marina complex, has numerous shops, cafes and restaurants,
along with some up-scale furniture and design shops.
Also in the Marina Plaza is one of the two McDonald's
to be found in Vallarta (the other is on the Malecón
in Centro).
The Plaza Caracol located in mid-town (Versalles) has
numerous small shops and boutiques, along with some
ice cream and fast food outlets.
The Plaza Genovesa, located in mid-town, a short distance
south of the Plaza Caracol has many small shops, banks
and a number of restaurants.
All three plazas are worth a visit.
There are four major department stores in Vallarta,
where you can get groceries, clothing and just about
everything. "Gigante" (Plaza Caracol), "Comercial
Mexicana" (two locations: Plaza Genovesa and Plaza
Marina), "Rizo's" (located downtown in Centro)
and "Leys" (also downtown in Centro). "Lans"
(downtown in Centro) is an up-scale department store
that does not sell groceries.
There are numerous "farmacias"
(pharmacies) around town, where you can buy everything
from sun tan lotions to local herbal remedies. In addition,
many prescription drugs can be bought over the counter
in Mexico at prices much lower than in North America
and Europe.
A number of stores will ship your
goods home for you. You are better to deal with "expert"
shippers who are experienced with packing and processing
customs information that will ensure that your purchases
get where they're going.
|
