Finding the Best Farmer's Markets in Puerto Vallarta is Easy If You Know Where to Look.
When you find yourself in the vibrant and sunny city of Puerto Vallarta during the high season, you'll quickly realize that there's more to this Mexican paradise than beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets — you get the opportunity to connect with the locals.
One delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the true essence of Puerto Vallarta is by exploring its seasonal farmer's markets. These markets are not only a shopping haven but also an embodiment of the community's heart and soul.
In this guide, we'll take you through a delightful journey of some of the most prominent farmer's markets Puerto Vallarta has to offer.
Explore The Local Culture Through Art
Art & Market Marina Vallarta is a standout among Puerto Vallarta's farmer's markets, offering a unique blend of artistic expression and local craftsmanship. Open from October 26, 2023, to May 16, 2024, this night street market comes alive every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., lining the Marina Vallarta boardwalk with more than 200 exhibitors.
As you stroll through the market, you'll find artisans passionately crafting hand-made jewelry, painting art pieces, sculpting exquisite sculptures, and displaying colorful souvenirs. It's an excellent opportunity to witness the local talent that thrives in this coastal paradise.
Additionally, you can shop for traditional handmade handicrafts, home décor items, wines, tequilas, cocktail attire, beachwear, and a wide variety of fresh organic products.
For food enthusiasts, there's a treasure trove of international cuisine to take with you, making it a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs. If you’re looking for the best farmer’s market in Puerto Vallarta, Art & Market is a top contender.
Shop Mexico’s Freshest Produce
For those craving the freshest produce Puerto Vallarta has to offer, the Olas Altas Farmers' Market is a must-visit. Open from October 28, 2023, to May 11, 2024, this small street market has been a part of the local community for over fifteen years. You can find it every other Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the esplanade of the Lazaro Cardenas Park.
At Olas Altas Farmers' Market, you'll encounter a selection of goods curated with great care. From organic food and international cuisine — including vegan options — to Mexican handicrafts, textiles, fashion designs, and local artwork, everything here is proudly homemade and handcrafted.
It's a testament to the commitment to quality and artistry that the market represents, making it an excellent place to support local producers while shopping through the best products in Puerto Vallarta.
The farmer’s markets Puerto Vallarta offers are abundant, so don’t forget to check out the Riviera Farmer's Market, where you can relish the highest quality fruits, vegetables, seafood, organic foods, bakery delights, traditional sweets, handmade items, crafts, jewelry, and gourmet delicacies. Located in the heart of Bahía at Centro Empresarial Nuevo Vallarta, it's another gem to add to your farmer's market journey.
Explore the Food Courts
Farmer's markets are not just about shopping; they are also about savoring the local flavors and indulging your taste buds. At both Art & Market Marina Vallarta and Olas Altas Farmers' Market, you'll discover vibrant "food court" areas offering an array of culinary options.
Art & Market Marina Vallarta boasts mouthwatering authentic dishes, including huge quesadillas, gourmet sandwiches, paella, and seafood delights. The real challenge here is deciding what to choose! And if you have a sweet tooth, you're in for a treat, with freshly baked goods, artisan ice creams, seasonal fruit platters, and more tempting your taste buds.
Engage With the Culture and Community
These markets are also a great way to get a glimpse of the communities that brought them to life, so when exploring, remember to engage as much as possible. There’s one market in particular that you’ll want to visit for this reason.
The La Cruz Market, which began in 2009 as a small idea among neighbors, has now grown into a beloved community event. It aimed to create an experience that would appeal to the thousands of foreigners who visit Bahia de Banderas each year while at the same time allowing them to interact with local artisans in and around La Cruz.
The La Cruz Market hosts around 170 vendors every Sunday, providing a unique opportunity to engage with local culture and craftsmanship.
With the growth of the market, their social projects have expanded as well. The work begins by actively listening to the community to identify their needs and then collaborating with the board and community members to effectively and sustainably fulfill those needs.
The La Cruz Market's commitment is to not only provide a delightful shopping experience but also to give back to the community that gives so much to them.
Support Local Artists and Artisans
A short driving distance from Puerto Vallas is Sayulita’s farmer’s market, Mercado del Pueblo. Open on Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM, from November to May, they pride themselves on being advocates of the Mexican and American Slow Food Movement by bringing local, sustainable, and natural food and consumable products to the people of Sayulita and its visitors. All products at the market are grown, raised, harvested, preserved, or transformed in some way by the vendors.
Sayulita is also known for being a destination for art lovers and those who appreciate all kinds of hand-made pieces, from swimsuits to jewelry and home decor. A visit to Sayulita’s Mercado del Pueblo is also an opportunity to get to know the artists and artisans behind those colorful unique pieces.
For a guided visit to El Mercado del Pueblo, join us on Fridays for our Sayulita & San Pancho tour and savor the best of one of the most vibrant Puerto Vallarta farmer’s markets.
For more cultural excursions, make sure you include a visit to San Sebastian del Oeste or take our Pueblos culinary journey.
