Puerto Vallarta Shopping

Puerto Vallarta offers rich opportunities for shoppers. Almost everything made in México is available: silver, blown glass, pottery, sarapes, clothing, sandals, masks and other arts and crafts. Also, the city's reputation as an art center sets it apart from most other Mexican beach resort cities. Visitors have the unique opportunity to purchase pieces by some of Mexico's most well known contemporary painters and sculptors, as well as internationally renowned artists. And, for budget-conscious vacationers with a good eye, Puerto Vallarta offers the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with Mexico's up-and-coming new artists can be see at the Pueblito del Sol Cultural Center.

More good buys include colorful handmade resort wear, the popular locally made leather sandals and huaraches. There is also a good selection of quality colonial-style furniture..

Excellent shops are scattered throughout. Some are near the beach, some in major hotels and many are located on the main downtown shopping area along Juárez and Morelos Streets. Most stores close from 2 – 4 p.m. Most open around 10 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m.

Major shopping areas include the large Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno, Plaza Caracol, Plaza Genovesa and Villa Vallarta shopping mall, with mainly department store merchandise; and Plaza Malecón. Pueblo Viejo, in a Mexican Village setting, downtown next to the river, offers excellent shopping for traditional Mexican apparel, ceramics and souvenirs and room to bargain. The Mercado Central "Flea Market", located downtown between the two bridges is also popular with visitors on the lookout for souvenirs. Puerto Vallarta is still a small town, so clients can absorb the local life as they browse along the streets for shopping treasures.