Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 48

THINGS TO DO : Places to shop continued;

Bucerias Flea Market

This is very much like this type of market all over the world; there are hidden gems but also a lot of things that you would never want. This is a Mexican version so you would expect that this market is really large and colourful, the prices are good, and the vendors are friendly and helpful.

This large flea market is located right next to the town square in Bucerias; in fact, it starts on the borders the south side of the square. This particular flea market is open every day so you can fit in a visit when you happen to be in the area. It has a wide selection of artisan products; however, those at the Bucerias Flea Market are pretty much the same items that are sold at all the other flea markets in Puerto Vallarta. Shoppers can usually negotiate a price that is similar to or even less than the prices offered on the same items in Puerto Vallarta.

If you are in Nuevo Vallarta you can head north and take a leisurely walk up the beach to Bucerias. You can easily access the town centre from any one of a number of newly remodelled beach access points. Probably the best way to get there would be to continue to walk past several of the beach access points until you reach the Gordos/Fat Boy’s Restaurant which is right on the beach. Directly next to that restaurant there are stairs leading directly up to the main town square and the Bucerias Flea Market. If you are coming from Puerto Vallarta area then you can easily reach Bucerias Centro by bus, taxi or rental car.

Municipal Flea Market Rio Cuale

This 2 story flea market is just north of the Rio Cuale at the intersection of Libertad and A. Rodriguez, and it is bounded by Insurgents Street on the east. Multiple entrances are found on all sides. This flea market is quite literally a shopaholic’s dream. Here you will find an amazing array of small independent shops and stalls that offer clothing, jewellery, colourful handicrafts, leather accessories, souvenirs, and much much more.

Once you show an interest in an item, bargaining for the best price begins. If you’ve been looking for a particular item that you cannot find anywhere else, there’s a high likelihood of finding it at this flea market. The very same souvenirs offered at the large resort hotels will be found here but at much better prices. Remember what I said about currency earlier; if you are shopping with pesos will get much better prices than those shopping with US dollars. The cost of exchanging dollars is now so high that all vendors prefer that sales are made in pesos.

Continued in part 49.