Shopping Cuale Markets
Summary
- Puerto Vallarta is a shopper’s paradise with specialty shops and boutiques, shopping malls, flea markets, farmers markets, and souvenir shops galore.
- Visitors can find a wide variety of items such as souvenirs, artwork, crafts, jewelry, silver, and fresh local produce.
- Plaza Caracol is one of the oldest shopping spots in Puerto Vallarta, offering a wide array of shops for the last 30 years.
- The Cuale River Artisan Flea Market is a great opportunity to find unique home decor such as masks, paintings, and other wall hangings, as well as Talavera pottery in a variety of forms from dishware and serving bowls to house numbers and kitchen accessories.
- El Malecon is a popular place to find unique stores and galleries along the Malecon and Old Town.
Puerto Vallarta Shopping
Many visit Puerto Vallarta to relax and chill out on the beach, but for those that enjoy learning more about a culture, those that enjoy deals and new experiences, shopping is a great opportunity.
Among the products that you may find interesting are silver jewelry, blown glass objects, local pottery, sarapes, clothing, masks and other artisan products. Puerto Vallarta also has a reputation as an art center, with many fine art galleries, something that sets it apart from most Mexican beach resort cities.
Visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase pieces from some of Mexico’s most well-known contemporary painters and sculptors, as well as internationally renowned artists.
Excellent shops are scattered throughout. Some are near the beach, some in major hotels and many are located in the main downtown shopping area on the Malecon and along Juárez and Morelos Streets.
Some stores close from 2-4 PM. Most open around 10 AM and stay open until 8 PM. Malls (mentioned below) stay open all day, normally from 10-11 AM to 9 PM.
Markets & Flea Markets
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale
Puerto Vallarta’s main flea market, the Mercado Municipal Río Cuale. It exists since the start of the XX Century but really took off in the late 1970s. An architectural project of Alejandro Zohn was built between 1977 and 1979. It’s found on the southern edge of downtown Puerto Vallarta, just beside the northern arm of the Cuale River.
The corridors now house dozens of stalls with a wide selection of items, from local handicrafts, typical clothing and jewelry at very attractive prices, remember to haggle. In the past, this market offered local produce too. On the second floor, you’ll find small eateries that offer local traditional Mexican food, lunch and dinner.
Address: Agustín Rodríguez s/n, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Other flea markets
Pueblo Viejo Mercado de Artesanías
Pueblo Viejo Mercado de Artesanías
The Old Town Farmer’s Market
Old Town Farmers Market Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta
Open Saturdays from November to May at Lázaro Cárdenas Park.
Check out the full article on Olas Altas Farmers’ Market.
Plaza Malecon Flea Market
Plaza Malecón Flea Market, Puerto Vallarta
More
La Colección, Romantic Zone
Puerto Vallarta’s antique store and art gallery district is along Morelos, one block behind the “Malecon” and also on Corona, a side street. Here you might find an old iron hitching ring for a horse, or maybe a pre-Columbian artifact.
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.
Malls (Plazas), Supermarkets & Drugstores
Plaza Galerías Vallarta Mall, Puerto Vallarta
Some of the main plazas (Malls and Shopping arcades) in Vallarta are listed below.
La Isla
La Isla Shopping Village
La Isla, in the hotel zone, Shopping is just part of the experience at La Isla Puerto Vallarta Shopping Village. The mall was designed in the spirit of a city square, with a river and fountains. This new outdoor shopping center has more than 80 stores, restaurants and top-level attractions.
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2479, Zona Hotelera Norte
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco 48333
Phone: (322) 209-0054
Macroplaza Puerto Vallarta
Macroplaza Puerto Vallarta
Macroplaza, in the hotel zone, a newer plaza inaugurated at the end of 2009 with a Walmart supermarket, includes an Office Depot, Muebles América, a large movie complex (Cinemex) and dozens of smaller stores, restaurants and more in two floors.
Av. Francisco Villa No. 1526 Col. Los Sauces, Puerto Vallarta.
Phone: 293-1020.
Locate on Map
Plaza Caracol
Plaza Caracol, Puerto Vallarta
Plaza Caracol is located in mid-town (Colonia Versalles), in the hotel zone, includes a Soriana Supermarket, has many small shops, banks and boutiques, along with some ice-cream and fast food outlets.
Ampliación Av. Los Tules 178, Zona Hotelera Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta
Phone: (322) 224-3444
Locate on Map
Plaza Galerías Vallarta
Plaza Galerías Vallarta
Plaza Galerías Vallarta, a large mall located just north of Walmart and Sam’s on the Northern Hotel Zone. Many of the most important stores and restaurant chains are located here, along with shops, banks, movies and much more. From the second floor, you have a nice view of the Maritime Terminal and the cruise ships that arrive during the week.
Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2920 Col. Educación, Puerto Vallarta
Phone: (322) 209-0923
Locate on Map
http://www.galerias.com/GaleriasVallarta
Plaza Genovesa Vallarta
Plaza Genovesa, Hotel Zone, Puerto Vallarta
Plaza Genovesa, also located in the hotel zone, a short distance south of Plaza Caracol. It offers many small shops, bank offices and a number of restaurants.
Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias Zona Hotelera, Puerto Vallarta
Phone: (322) 224-4826
Locate on Map
Plaza Marina
Plaza Marina, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
Plaza Marina, in the Marina area, is a large mall, a few steps from the International Puerto Vallarta Airport. The plaza offers a Comercial Mexicana supermarket and stores, boutiques, banks, beauty salons and much more.
Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio Km. 8, Marina Vallarta
Phone: (322) 221-0060
Locate on Map. More details here.
Plaza Neptuno
Plaza Neptuno, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta
Plaza Neptuno right at the entrance of Marina Vallarta, beside the large Whale Statue.
Av. Francisco M. Ascencio, Km 7.5 Col. Marina Vallarta.
Plaza Peninsula
Peninsula Plaza, Hotel Zone
Plaza Peninsula, not far south in the middle of the hotel zone, by the Peninsula Condo buildings you’ll find this more exclusive mini-mall. There are some great restaurants, furniture stores, a Starbucks, various banks and even the Canadian consular offices are located here.
Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta
Locate on Map
Conclusion
There are a number of larger supermarkets and grocery stores in Puerto Vallarta, including Walmart and Sam’s, where you can buy food, clothing and just about everything. Read more on these supermarkets click here.
There are numerous “farmacias” (drugstores) around town, where you can buy everything from suntan lotions, medicine and essential food and drinks. Also, consider that many prescription drugs can be bought over the counter in Mexico at prices much lower than in North America and Europe. Read more in our health section.
Puerto Vallarta Shopping Map
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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