Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea Market), Downtown Puerto Vallarta

Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea Market)

Those who know about towns and cities in America will get an overview of the town they are visiting by going to the main square, its church, and the local market. So if believe this, then you’ll have to visit the Cuale Municipal Market.

This flea market is the essence and tradition of this tourist destination, which has been operating for almost three decades on the banks of the Cuale River, right in the heart of the so-called historic downtown Puerto Vallarta. The Cuale River Municipal Market’s history stretches back over a century.

The market first opened in the early 1900s and boomed in popularity in the 1960s as more vendors began selling goods in the area.

Major changes came in 1979, when new market facilities were built. Governor Flavio Romero de Velasco and Municipal President Eugenio Torres Ramrez officially inaugurated the new Cuale River Municipal Market building on November 28, 1979. Inside the market today, shoppers can browse aisles filled with handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, souvenirs, and much more. For decades, market vendors have offered quality goods at fair prices. Their hard work and perseverance is woven into the market’s rich history.

Puerto Vallarta’s Mercado de Artesanías (Cuale River Flea Market) building has an interesting history! Alejandro Zohn was the architect who designed it, and construction took place between 1977 and 1979. The main architect who brought this project to fruition was Carlos Manzano Zepeda. The flea market was created to give vendors who had already been selling their products in the area since the 1960s a permanent indoor space. It also made space for new vendors from the rest of the town. The market pays homage to “las polleras”, local women who sold and were known for their delicious pozole, chicken gorditas, and coffee at food stalls by the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) area back in the mid-1900s. Those hard-working ladies and their mouthwatering food laid the groundwork for today’s lively food stalls on the Cuale Flea Market’s second level!

Back in the day, the market was the spot for fresh meats, fish, produce, and all the fixings. But oh, how times have changed! By the mid-1980s, this charming place began to transform into a haven for tourists from all over. Now the Cuale Municipal Market stands proud as a premier shopping destination for travelers looking for things to take back home and local handicrafts. Stroll through, and you’ll find quirky souvenirs, decorative goodies, pottery, hammocks, leather goods, purses, hats, traditional threads, and tees celebrating Puerto Vallarta. And let’s not forget the sparkling silver jewelry on floors one and two! And that’s just scratching the surface of the many options available there.

But hey, it’s not all about shopping. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite on the second floor of the market, where you’ll find mouthwatering local flavors that capture the essence of Puerto Vallarta. The stands dish up delicious Mexican eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including pozole, sopes, tacos, fish, and much more! Experience authentic cuisine like pozole with cucumber sauce or zarandeado (sarandeado) grilled fish. With an incredible river view, talented cooks will prepare whatever you crave, from traditional dishes to local specialties, all at wallet-friendly prices. One of Mexico’s cleanest markets means you can focus on savoring every bite. Let your nose guide you upstairs to taste Puerto Vallarta’s delicious aromas and flavors.

And while we love our tourists, locals are the true heart of the market. Folks from town and nearby, you’re always welcomed with open arms and smiles. Here everyone’s family. Come explore the two floors of the market and discover the magic yourself!

The Cuale River Municipal Market is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta on the banks of the Cuale River. Specifically, it is on the north side of the Cuale River Island between Insurgentes to the east, Agustín Rodríguez to the north, and Matamoros to the west.

It’s about 650 ft (200m) from the Malecon boardwalk.