Shopping in Puerto Vallarta is a journey into the heart of Mexican artistry and culture. Behind every handcrafted item lies centuries of tradition, transformed by skilled hands into treasures that capture the region's vibrant spirit and natural beauty.
When you explore Puerto Vallarta's markets, galleries, and boutiques, you're participating in living history and supporting communities that have preserved their artistic heritage for generations.
Best Places to Shop in Puerto Vallarta
Whether you're exploring the bustling seasonal farmer's markets or visiting established galleries, these top places to shop in Puerto Vallarta offer something for every taste.
Mercado Municipal Río Cuale
Set on a small island in the middle of the Cuale River, this market combines natural beauty with cultural immersion. Stroll under shady trees as you browse countless stalls offering everything from silver jewelry and embroidered textiles to leather goods and traditional Mexican ceramics.
The relaxed atmosphere and riverside location make this market a refreshing shopping experience, even during the warmest days. Vendors here often represent multiple generations of artisan families, each specializing in particular crafts.
Olas Altas Street
This charming street in the Romantic Zone captures Puerto Vallarta's authentic character with its mix of boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops. During the day, browse handcrafted jewelry, designer clothing with Mexican flair, and unique home décor items created by local artisans. As evening approaches, Olas Altas transforms into a vibrant social scene, making it perfect for combining shopping with dining and people-watching. The pedestrian-friendly area encourages leisurely exploration and spontaneous discoveries, providing Instagram-worthy locations for capturing memories.
Seasonal Farmer's Markets
Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the community at Puerto Vallarta's vibrant seasonal farmer's markets. These markets offer a delightful array of fresh produce, organic goods, international cuisine, handmade crafts, textiles, and local artwork. Many are "producer-only" markets, ensuring you're buying directly from the artisans and farmers.
A prominent example is the Olas Altas Farmers' Market, held at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas (see below) during its season.
Parque Lázaro Cárdenas
Beyond being an Instagram-worthy spot thanks to the colorful tile art that covers its walls, benches, and columns, Parque Lázaro Cárdenas is a hub for shopping.
The park is often surrounded by street stalls, particularly during market days, focusing mainly on textiles and handbags. It's also the location for the popular Olas Altas Farmers' Market during its season, offering a wide array of locally made, baked, and grown products.
Where to Buy Clothing & Jewelry in Puerto Vallarta
Cassandra Shaw Jewelry – One-of-a-kind statement pieces made with semi-precious stones and sterling silver, designed by Cassandra herself.
Pakalita – A fun and vibrant boutique offering handcrafted clothing and accessories made by Mexican women artisans.
Belen del Mar – Flowy dresses, beachwear, and accessories with tropical flair, available in multiple locations including the Romantic Zone.
Catedral Boutique Artesanal – Fashion-forward pieces with traditional Mexican details, all handmade by local artisans.
MySkova Beach - For those seeking stylish and sustainable beachwear, MySkova Beach offers a delightful collection of swimwear and resort wear, perfect for enjoying Puerto Vallarta's beautiful beaches.
Sergio Bustamante Gallery – Whimsical jewelry and wearable art featuring the surreal and iconic style of Sergio Bustamante.
Lucas Cerroblanco Jewelry – Beautiful, hand-forged silver jewelry inspired by nature and crafted in Puerto Vallarta.
Where to Buy Spirits & Chocolate in Puerto Vallarta
Agave Liquors – A curated shop offering top-shelf tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and other agave spirits, perfect for collectors or gifts.
El Tasting Room – Sip and learn with expertly guided tastings of premium agave spirits in an intimate, stylish setting.
Agave Room – Discover the depth of Mexican distilling traditions with tastings of tequila, mezcal, raicilla, and sotol.
XocoDiva – Handcrafted gourmet chocolates made fresh daily, featuring bold flavors and elegant packaging.
Cacao Mágico – A cozy boutique dedicated to bean-to-bar chocolate, inspired by the magic and heritage of cacao.
Vallarta Chocolate Factory – Charming and family-owned, this shop offers handmade chocolates, truffles, and sweet souvenirs.
Best Art & Home Decor Shops in Puerto Vallarta
Mundo de Azulejos – Hand-painted ceramic tiles in vibrant Mexican designs, ideal for souvenirs or unique home accents.
Mundo de Cristal – Beautiful hand-blown glassware, figurines, and decor created by skilled local artisans.
Tierra Huichol – Intricate beadwork and yarn paintings crafted by Huichol artists, rich with cultural symbolism.
Galeria Dante – Puerto Vallarta’s largest art gallery, featuring works by over 60 Mexican artists in a stunning hacienda setting.
Galería Indigena – Indigenous art gallery specializing in Huichol beadwork and other traditional crafts from across Mexico.
Galleria Colectika – A curated collection of indigenous folk art, including ceremonial masks and hand-carved sculptures.
Casa Oaxaca – A minimalist gallery with vibrant folk art from Oaxaca, including ceramics, textiles, and woven goods.
Macaria Furniture – Elegant furniture and decor handmade from reclaimed wood, blending rustic and contemporary styles.
What to Buy in Puerto Vallarta
Huichol Beadwork
These intricate pieces feature vibrant patterns made by pressing tiny glass beads into beeswax on wooden forms. The designs represent spiritual visions, sacred animals, and cosmic symbols central to Huichol culture.
Look for pieces with tight, even beadwork and authentic ceremonial motifs. The most respected Huichol art comes directly from recognized artisan families who maintain traditional patterns and techniques.
The psychedelic quality of these works reflects the sacred peyote ceremonies that inspire many designs. Each piece represents not only artistic skill but spiritual significance within Huichol cosmology.
Our pick: Tierra Huichol
Silver Jewelry
Mexico's silver tradition shines in Puerto Vallarta's jewelry shops. The best pieces combine high-quality .925 sterling silver with contemporary or traditional Mexican designs.
For authenticity, check for the "925" stamp and consider boutiques that work directly with artisans from Taxco, Mexico's silver capital. The silver traditions of Mexico date back centuries, blending indigenous and colonial influences.
Modern Mexican silversmiths often incorporate pre-Columbian motifs, creating pieces that connect ancient symbolism with contemporary fashion. These designs make for distinctive souvenirs with everyday wearability.
Embroidered Textiles
Hand-embroidered blouses, dresses, and table linens showcase Mexico's regional needlework traditions. Look for even stitching, quality base fabrics, and designs specific to regions like Oaxaca or Chiapas.
The most special pieces feature symbolic patterns passed down through generations of artisan families. These authentic textiles often incorporate natural dyes and traditional motifs with specific cultural meanings.
Our Pick: Xaliscotelas
Raicilla
This traditional agave spirit from Jalisco's coastal mountains is gaining recognition alongside tequila and mezcal. Made in small batches by local producers, each raicilla carries the distinctive terroir of the region.
Choose bottles with certification labels to ensure authentic, legally produced spirits that can be taken home. The best raicilla producers maintain traditional production methods while meeting modern quality standards.
Unlike its more famous cousins, raicilla often exhibits fruity, floral, or even cheese-like flavor profiles depending on production methods. This diversity makes raicilla tasting a fascinating exploration of local terroir.
Our Pick: Agave Liquors
Handblown Glass
Colorful drinking glasses, vases, and decorative items are crafted using traditional glassblowing techniques. Each piece is unique, with slight variations that reveal their handmade character.
The best studios recycle glass bottles into new creations, combining artistry with environmental consciousness. Puerto Vallarta's premier glass studios often allow visitors to watch artisans at work, providing insight into this challenging craft.
Talavera Pottery
These hand-painted ceramics feature vibrant colors and intricate patterns on a distinctive white background. While originated in Puebla, quality Talavera-style pieces are available throughout Puerto Vallarta.
Look for smooth glazing, hand-painted details, and lead-free certification for pieces you'll use with food. Authentic Talavera pottery combines Arab, Chinese, Italian, and indigenous influences in its distinctive style.
Mexican Chocolate
Traditional Mexican chocolate incorporates cinnamon, almonds, and other spices for a complex flavor profile. Look for artisanal tablets made with cacao from southern Mexico, perfect for making authentic hot chocolate or molé sauce.
The best shops offer samples so you can taste before buying. The Mexican cacao tradition dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations, who considered cacao sacred, as you can learn at a small museum located on the Malecón dedicated to it. Options to buy chocolate in Puerto Vallarta range from traditional combinations to sophisticated truffles and eye-catching creations.
Grocery Shopping in Puerto Vallarta
Organic Select
This boutique grocery specializes in organic, sustainable, and health-focused products, many sourced from small regional producers. The carefully curated selection includes organic produce, artisanal cheeses, gluten-free products, and natural body care items made with Mexican botanical ingredients.
The knowledgeable staff at Organic Select can help you discover unique local specialties and provide preparation tips for unfamiliar ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability extends to minimal plastic packaging and support for ethical farming practices.
Olas Altas Farmers Market
This vibrant weekend market connects visitors directly with local farmers, food artisans, and small-batch producers. Operating Saturday mornings from November through April, the market features organic produce, artisanal bread, handmade cheeses, and prepared foods representing both Mexican and international cuisines.
Beyond groceries, you'll find natural health products, handcrafted soaps, and sustainable household items. The friendly community atmosphere at the Farmers Market encourages conversations with vendors about their growing practices and preparation recommendations.
Many vendors speak English and welcome questions about their products and production methods. This openness creates educational opportunities alongside shopping, deepening visitors' understanding of local food culture.
La Comer
This modern Mexican supermarket chain offers a comprehensive shopping experience with both familiar international brands and local products. The expansive food sections feature fresh produce, an impressive bakery, and specialty Mexican ingredients rarely found outside the country.
La Comer's well-stocked liquor department provides an excellent selection of tequilas, mezcals, and Mexican wines at better prices than tourist areas. The store's upscale presentation and clear pricing make it comfortable for international visitors.
The prepared food sections offer excellent opportunities to sample authentic Mexican dishes without restaurant prices. This accessibility makes La Comer valuable for both self-catering travelers and those seeking edible souvenirs.
Hidden Shopping Gems and Seasonal Experiences
Isla Cuale Artisan Center
Tucked beneath the shade trees on Isla Cuale, this collection of artisan workshops offers a more authentic alternative to the surrounding market stalls. Here, skilled craftspeople work directly on-site, creating and selling their wares in a tranquil riverside setting away from the main tourist paths.
The center specializes in traditional crafts including leatherwork, weaving, and stone carving, with artisans often willing to create custom pieces. Prices here reflect direct-from-artist sales, eliminating middlemen while providing a more meaningful purchase experience.
Tianguis Artesanal in Plaza Hidalgo
This special artisan market appears in Plaza Hidalgo every Thursday from November through April, bringing together creators from indigenous communities throughout Jalisco and neighboring states. Unlike permanent shops, this changing weekly market features rotating artisans who travel to Puerto Vallarta specifically for this event.
The market showcases regional specialties rarely found elsewhere, including Wixárika (Huichol) sacred art, Tonala ceramics, and textiles from mountain communities. The seasonal nature of this market makes it particularly valuable for finding authentic, directly-sourced crafts.
Combine Shopping with Cultural Experiences
Mexican Pueblos Sayulita y San Pancho
The colorful beach communities north of Puerto Vallarta offer distinctive shopping experiences centered around surf culture, sustainability, and artistic expression. Streets lined with boutiques showcase contemporary Mexican designs, hand-embroidered textiles, and beachwear created by resident designers who blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
Local workshops maintain vibrant artisan communities where you can often meet creators in their studios. These interactions provide insight into creative processes and inspiration sources that inform contemporary Mexican design, and allow you to immerse yourself in authentic Mexican culture.
The Sayulita and San Pancho tour provides transportation and cultural context while allowing free time to explore these artistic enclaves at your own pace.
San Sebastián del Oeste
Step back in time in preserved colonial towns nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains. Remote locations have helped preserve both historic architecture and traditional craftsmanship in these communities where artisans continue working with techniques passed through generations.
Specialties include leather goods, wooden furniture made using centuries-old methods, and traditional foods like artisanal cheeses and fruit preserves. Local coffee plantations offer mountain-grown beans processed using traditional methods.
Silversmiths create jewelry inspired by the region's mining heritage, while other craftspeople maintain traditions specific to mountain communities. These authentic expressions of regional culture provide shopping opportunities rarely found in coastal tourist areas.
The journey through stunning mountain scenery enhances these cultural explorations, with a visit to San Sebastián del Oeste providing rich historical context.
Shopping Tips Before You Go
Carry cash and use pesos
While credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, many smaller vendors and markets only accept cash. Mexican pesos will get you better prices than using US dollars, and ATMs throughout the city offer convenient access to local currency.
Shop early morning or late afternoon
Puerto Vallarta's midday heat can be intense, especially in outdoor markets. Many shops also close for a brief siesta between 2-4 pm, so plan accordingly. Evening shopping in the Romantic Zone combines retail therapy with the area's energetic nightlife.
Familiarize yourself with customs regulations
The US and Canada have restrictions on bringing back certain foods, plants, and animal products. Tequila and mezcal are generally permitted with limitations on quantity. Check your home country's current regulations to avoid having treasures confiscated at the border.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Puerto Vallarta is a way to connect with the people, landscapes, and traditions that make this destination unforgettable. Every handwoven textile, beaded jaguar, or bottle of raicilla carries with it the story of a place and the spirit of its maker.
Wander through riverside markets, meet artisans in mountain villages, and discover how each piece reflects centuries of heritage shaped by heart and hand.
Discover Vallarta Adventures’ curated day trips (including some time for shopping) to experience the region through its art, flavors, and communities. With expert guides and thoughtfully planned routes, you’ll return with more than keepsakes—you’ll return with stories worth sharing.