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Puerto Vallarta

Vallarta Living

World Class Shopping in Puerto Vallarta

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta goes far beyond buying souvenir T-shirt and vacation keepsakes. In fact, shopping could be Vallarta's biggest attraction - and with most shopkeepers speaking English, prices in pesos and attractive exchange rates, it's easy and rewarding to explore your options...

If shopping is your bag, Puerto Vallarta is a paradise where you’ll always find something to surprise, amaze and delight you. There’s no one specific shopping district in the Banderas Bay area . . . you might find what you’re looking for in a tiny shop, boutique or art gallery on a back street – or in a large department store at one of the area’s modern shopping centers.

On Calles Libertad, Juarez and Morelos, small shops selling traditional Mexican apparel, folk art, and beachwear juxtapose with art galleries and boutiques offering original art, pottery and designer clothing at prices that are sure to make you “shop ’til you drop.” And as far as shopping malls are concerned, Plaza Marina, Plaza Neptuno, Plaza Caracol and Paradise Village are packed with specialty stores selling clothing, jewelry, original art and home decor.

But for many savvy shoppers the real fun begins when haggling with beach vendors, at street-side stands and in flea markets. Haggling is a common practice in Mexico, and in most cases, if you offer to pay about 40% less than the asking price, you’ll end up paying somewhere between the initial amount and your counter offer. The only rule of the game is to maintain mutual respect while wavering between impulse and indifference.

The stalls and kiosks along Cuale Island, in the Municipal Market and at the Pueblo Viejo Artisans’ Market are also popular with visitors on the lookout for vacation souvenirs at bargain prices. The owners of these shops are always ready to bargain, so take an unhurried look around, fall into the temptation and buy, buy, buy!

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta has a somewhat different focus for residents and long-term visitors than it does for tourists – centering more on every day necessities and all the “must do” chores of daily life. Unlike most other resort destinations, you can find stores and supermarkets all around Banderas Bay that cater to locals rather than tourists.

On almost every street you’ll find stores selling hardware, furniture, kitchenware, appliances, groceries, and just about anything else you can possibly imagine. Most stores stock international brands in addition to regional products at reasonable prices. And, if you just can’t find what you’re looking for – there’s always Home Depot, Costco, Sam’s Club or Walmart…

To learn more about some of the many great places to shop in Puerto Vallarta, follow the links below…

• BELOW THE FOLD •

How to Sweeten Things Up for Valentine’s Day in Puerto Vallarta

Chocolates are always a classic gift for February 14th and with Mexico’s rich and delicious chocolate history dating back to 450BC, it’s no surprise that Puerto Vallarta has some incredible chocolate shops. Here are some you’ll want to visit for your Valentine or to pick up a sweet treat for yourself.

Free No More: Vallarta’s Sam’s Plaza Introduces Paid Parking

The familiar scene of cars snaking through the bustling Sam's parking lot received a significant update last week: it's no longer free. After a month of speculation triggered by mysterious new bollards at the entrances, paid parking arrived like an unwelcome holiday gift on December 28th.

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree in Puerto Vallarta

While it may seem a bit early to talk about buying a Christmas tree, those spending the holidays in Puerto Vallarta need to know that cut trees are a hot commodity. In fact, they usually sell out throughout the city by the end of the second week of December.

December 3rd R.I.S.E. Bazaar Offers Bargains for a Cause

Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors are invited to join the R.I.S.E. (Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza) community for a meaningful Bazaar on Sunday, December 3, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the shelter located at Ricardo Flores Magón #251 in Colonia Benito Juárez.

CRATE Interiors: Your Paradise Awaits at OASIS Rivera Cuale

OASIS at Rivera Cuale beckons with riverside bliss, vibrant gardens, and the spirit of El Caloso. CRATE Interiors, on-site for 30+ days, orchestrates flawless installations, unit deliveries, and White Glove service. As the countdown to occupancy concludes, hard hat crews add final touches to public spaces. Your Mexican paradise awaits!

El Buen Fin, Mexico’s Version of Black Friday Nov 17-20

Businesses throughout Mexico will be offering great deals from November 17-20 during El Buen Fin, a nationwide shopping event inspired by Black Friday in the US. Over these 4 days, special promotions, discounts and payment plans will be offered in-store and online.

Holiday Shopping: Costco to Temporarily Close 41 Stores in Mexico

If you are planning to celebrate the holidays at home in Puerto Vallarta, plan ahead! Costco recently revealed plans to temporarily close all 41 of its branches in Mexico on Thursday, November 23, and on Mondays, December 25 and January 1, so their employees can celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.

Thursday Night Shopping at Marina Vallarta Art & Market

The Marina Vallarta Art & Market has returned and continues every Thursday from 6-11 pm through May 2024. In addition to an assortment of treasures offered by 200 vendors, this vibrant market entertains tourists and locals alike with thrilling live performances.

PV’s Olas Altas Farmers’ Market: A Shopper’s Paradise

The Olas Altas Farmers' Market at Lazaro Cardenas Park offers both locals and tourists a delightful shopping experience. With over 100 local producers on site, this market is a treasure trove of unique finds, and it's open every Saturday from 9 am-2 pm until May 11.

Puerto Vallarta Art Walk Wednesdays Through June 26

Puerto Vallarta has established itself as a prominent hub for the arts. One significant and highly anticipated event that enriches the local art scene is the Centro Historico ArtWalk, which kicked off Oct 25 and continues every Wednesday from 6-10 pm through June 26.