If you’re lucky enough to spend a winter or spring holiday in Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit, two neighboring destinations along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, then you’re in for a real treat. Of course, warm tropical weather, breathtaking beaches, gorgeous views, rich Mexican culture and a wealth of activities are a given any time of year. From November to April, however, you won’t want to miss out on the region’s Tianguis, or seasonal farmers’ markets, which offer a variety of organic and artesanal goods sold straight from local producers to consumers. Take your pick from from fresh fruits and vegetables, home-cooked foods, handicrafts, clothes, jewelry and much more! Here are just a few of the farmers’ markets popping up in the area this season:
Puerto Vallarta
From 7th November to 30th April, the “producer only” Old Town Farmers’ Market, known locally as Tianguis Cultural, remains one of the most compelling attractions in Puerto Vallarta. It’s open every Saturday between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Lázaro Cárdenas, Emiliano Zapata, where it spans more than an entire city block.
Here, visitors will find an array of locally grown, farm fresh products, artisan foods, organic coffee, fresh cut flowers, handmade arts and crafts, clothes and souvenirs, as well as community education, family activities and live music. The best part is that all products are produced and sold only by vendors living within 50 kilometers of Puerto Vallarta, so you can be sure to appreciate a genuine Mexican experience while supporting the local economy.
Meanwhile, the Art & Market Marina Vallarta takes place every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Customers will find art, artisan jewelry, organic products, homemade bread and clothes among many other things while enjoying the relaxed and friendly ambiance characteristic of Puerto Vallarta. With delicious gastronomy, live music, amazing art, beautiful scenery and exquisite sunset views to top everything off, a visit to the Art & Market Marina Vallarta is truly an exciting experience for all the senses.
Riviera Nayarit
In Riviera Nayarit, there’s literally a farmers’ market for every day of the week.
For those who like to kick things off on a good foot, you can’t go wrong with the Mercado del Mar, held every Sunday in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle from morning until well into the afternoon. Walk, eat and shop among some 200 vendors while listening to live music and savoring the stunning views of Marina Riviera Nayarit.
On Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the farmers’ market at Rincón de Guayabitos Square is a must visit as the streets fill up with vendors from all over Banderas Bay and beyond. Similarly, Monday afternoons and evenings in Bucerías are best spent with a leisure stroll along the Art Walk Plaza, where you’ll discover a variety of artwork, collectibles and gifts created by the talented artists of Riviera Nayarit and abroad.
Every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Nuevo Vallarta’s Centro Empresarial, the Riviera Nayarit Farmers’ Market sets up shop to offer genuine goods and merchandise to locals and tourists alike. On Wednesdays, the Bucerías Forever Spring Market on Lázaro Cárdenas Street awaits visitors from 9 a.m. to 1.pm., and on Thursdays, La Peñita de Jaltemba opens its La Peñita Market for all to enjoy.
On Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Mercado del Pueblo on Revolución Street in Sayulita is open for business with the best in organic and natural products. Or, if you prefer to splurge on Saturdays, the Tianguis Lo De Marcos will be in full swing from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. As the third certified organic market in Riviera Nayarit, it’s sure to be bursting at the seams with artisan food vendors, homemade regional products, themed decorations and seasonal charm—providing not only a unique shopping experience but the chance to get to know the town of Lo De Marcos and all that it has to offer. There really is no better way to cap off the week!
