During high season, farmers markets with local producers are set up in Puerto Vallarta, Marina Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
A few years ago, the community began to organize small markets with local producers and artisans in different parts of the bay. Today these spaces have been consolidated as a meeting point for small merchants –who sell excellent quality products– and for customers looking for alternatives to what they usually find in stores and supermarkets.
Thus, within these seasonal markets, you will find: organic fruit and vegetables; handicrafts from across Mexico; organic health and skin care products; clothing, footwear and accessories that are mainly for the beach; jewelry made with different materials; homewear and decorations; and a great variety of food to go. Access is free in all of these markets.
OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET
It was originally created as the Old Town Farmers Market and it changed its location several times having to do with space needs. It was set up for several years in the Community Center that is on Pulpito Street, and later in the Emiliano Zapata School, on Pino Suarez Street and for a few years now it is in Lazaro Cardenas Park, one of the most iconic spots of Puerto Vallarta’s romantic zone.
You will find it there every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, from November to April. It is now called Olas Altas Farmers Market, but it maintains its original essence. Under the motto “make it, bake it, grow it”, this market promotes mainly the sale of local products and handicrafts.
You can buy fruit and vegetables, organic coffee, artisan bread and cheese, strawberries and berries, peanut butter, and different options of prepared foods, such as vegan tacos, mixiotes, Argentinean roast and empanadas, paella, hot dogs, and much more. There are also areas with tables to eat on site.
In addition, you can find non-profit organizations such as the SPCA of Puerto Vallarta, which is in charge of rescuing abandoned or abused animals to give them shelter and to ultimately find them a home.
ART & MARKET MARINA VALLARTA
Every Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Marina Vallarta comes alive with this cheerful market. It started seven years ago with 30 stands and today there are over 250 vendors on the Marina’s Malecon from the end of October to mid-May.
The products offered are very varied: clothes, sandals, caps, belts, bags, sarongs, rugs, crafts, jewelry, ornaments, glasses and cups, lamps, piggy banks, organic coffee, natural dairy-free bread, fresh pasta, peanuts, nuts, and the list goes on.
You will also find a wide variety of food to go like: Italian, Thai, Greek, Indian, Spanish, Argentinean, Uruguayan, Venezuelan, Mexican snacks, French pastries, Middle Eastern sweets and traditional slow-churned ice cream (nieve de garrafa) with original flavors.
In different areas of the market, you will find cultural spots with live rock, jazz and pre-Hispanic music. Folkloric ballet and flamenco performances are also held.
RIVIERA FARMERS MARKET
This market is set up in the back parking lot of the Nuevo Vallarta Business Center. It began four years ago with 56 vendors and currently there are 220 stalls offering local products, crafts, jewelry, home decorations, paintings, clothing, sandals, hats, bags, tablecloths, rugs, embroidered cushions, natural cosmetic products and sunscreens, essential oils, flowers, cigars, etc.
Among its food stands you will find handmade bread, cheeses, fresh pastas, panini, juices and natural ice-cream, organic fruit and vegetables, gluten-free pastries, honey, jams, sweets and nuts. There is also prepared foods such as: sandwiches, tamales, chilaquiles, cochinita pibil, mole, tacos, huaraches and other traditional Mexican delights, as well as food from several countries such as Argentina, Spain, India, Lebanon, Italy and France.
The place is enlivened with live music by local artists. This market is held every Tuesday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 30th.
LA CRUZ MARKET
Nine years ago, the residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle started a local producers market in the town’s main square. Their principal objectives were to promote small businesses and boost handicraft production, but also to create a meeting point for their community.
At that time there were 20 stands; today more than 200 vendors congregate. Given this growth, the space available in the main square was insufficient, so a few years ago they changed location and set up the market at La Cruz’s Marina.
“Find handmade products of excellent quality as well as fresher, healthier and more nutritious foods.
Currently, the entire Marina’s Malecon is filled with stalls that offer a great diversity of items and products, many of them original creations, among them clothes made in Mexico: sandals, bags and hats; essential oils, organic body lotions and soaps; pet products, home decorations, flowers, coat racks, rugs, ceramics and jewelry.
The culinary offer includes artisan bread and cheeses, organic coffee and vegetables, salad dressings and jams, chocolate from Chiapas, strawberries, organic pastas, Italian sauces, Hibiscus wine made in the state of Nayarit and a great variety of prepared foods such as: crepes, vegan tacos and tamales, choripanes, mixiotes, quesadillas, pizzas, hot dogs, cochinita pibil, fresh drinks, etc.
It is also a cultural space with paintings, sculptures, live music, dance performances and free workshops for children. The market is held every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm along the entire Marina Riviera Nayarit Malecon in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Access and parking are free.
BUY LOCAL
These farmers markets are definitely excellent options in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit to support the local economy, enjoy organic products and buy handicrafts made by native communities from the region and from across Mexico. If you have the opportunity, also visit San Pancho’s market on Tuesdays, Bucerias’ market on Wednesdays and Sayulita’s market on Fridays.