PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco – A surge in informal trade has prompted concern from local business owners in the city’s Romantic Zone, who say the growing number of street and semi-permanent vendors is tarnishing the area’s image and overwhelming visitors. Entrepreneurs operating near popular thoroughfares such as Basilio Badillo and Venustiano Carranza streets, as well as on Los Muertos beach, are calling on authorities to regulate the situation and enforce existing guidelines to improve cleanliness, reduce congestion, and preserve Puerto Vallarta’s reputation.
Skyrocketing Street Sales
The issue has become increasingly noticeable in areas like Basilio Badillo Street, located behind the Lázaro Cárdenas elementary school. Dozens of vendors selling various goods—from clothing and crafts to food—have appeared, often occupying sidewalks and, at times, public roads. Local business owners note that some merchants place buckets or cones on the street to protect their merchandise from passing vehicles, which can hinder traffic and create disorder.
Los Muertos beach, a major attraction for both international and domestic tourists, is no exception. According to local studies, visitors on this popular stretch of sand can be approached by up to 60 vendors in just one hour, offering everything from snacks and handcrafts to massages and even sunscreen.
Business Owners Voice Their Concerns
One of the most outspoken critics of unregulated street vending is Daniel Zambrano Corona, who owns a restaurant on Olas Altas Street. Zambrano Corona says the rise in informal trade has contributed to an uptick in trash on public roads. He believes that addressing both cleanliness and the sheer volume of street vendors is critical to maintaining Puerto Vallarta’s status as a safe and appealing tourist destination.
“It is about coordinating and regulating, because, at the end of the day, we exist for tourism,” Zambrano Corona said. “If we cannot give [visitors] an environment of tranquility, security, and relaxation, they will prefer other destinations. One of the problems is the number of street vendors and, above all, the presence of many minors who should not be on the street after 10:00 at night. Sometimes they are there until 1:00 in the morning.”
Additionally, the businessman emphasized how stalls on Basilio Badillo and Venustiano Carranza are becoming larger and more numerous, creating congestion and leaving sidewalks nearly impassable. He stressed the need for effective regulation and collaboration between local authorities and the community to restore an orderly, welcoming atmosphere.
Hope for a Solution
Zambrano Corona acknowledged positive communication with the new municipal government under Mayor Luis Munguía, expressing optimism that a solution would be found. Multiple meetings have reportedly been held with City Manager Juan Pablo Martínez, and while no definitive plan has been announced, local stakeholders remain hopeful for action.
“The streets are full of stalls that are growing ever larger,” Zambrano Corona noted. “It’s a business, and many people make a living from it, but we should be better organized and regulated to offer a cleaner image of the streets.”
As Puerto Vallarta continues to attract a steady stream of visitors looking for sun, sand, and culture, local business owners and officials agree that striking a balance between supporting small vendors and maintaining a pleasant, tidy environment will be crucial for preserving the city’s renowned charm.
