Puerto Vallarta's main handicraft market with dozens of stalls selling Jalisco crafts, silver jewelry, beach clothing, and souvenirs. A convenient one-stop shopping destination for tourists.
The Mercado de Artesanías in downtown Puerto Vallarta is a compact, purpose-built craft market a few blocks from the Malecón, gathering dozens of independent stalls under one roof so visitors can compare Jalisco handicrafts without crossing the city. Goods lean heavily toward souvenirs aimed at cruise-ship and resort tourists: silver jewelry (often stamped .925 on genuine pieces, though verification is worth doing at a stall with a scale), Talavera-style ceramics, embroidered resort wear, hammocks, and Huichol beadwork, alongside painted wood carvings and leather sandals. Because the market caters primarily to short-stay visitors, the ratio of mass-produced imports to genuinely Jalisco-made goods is mixed, and prices are set with tourist budgets in mind, higher than equivalent items in Guadalajara's Tonalá market. Bargaining is standard practice and expected at nearly every stall, with vendors typically starting well above their final acceptable price. Cash in pesos is preferred and gets better bargaining results, though larger stalls selling silver or leather often take cards; there is no tax-refund process available on informal purchases. The market is covered and shaded, a relief from the coastal heat, and gets busy in the late morning and afternoon when cruise excursions and beach-day shoppers pass through; there are no sit-down food options inside, though street food carts operate nearby.
Highlights
- Silver jewelry stalls stamped .925 for genuine pieces
- Talavera-style ceramics and painted wood carvings
- Huichol beadwork and embroidered resort wear
- Covered, shaded layout convenient in coastal heat
- Walking distance from the Malecón boardwalk
Tips for visiting
- Bargain assertively since opening prices are set high for tourists
- Check silver pieces for a .925 stamp before buying
- Pay cash for better negotiating leverage, though cards work at larger stalls
- Visit in the morning before cruise-ship crowds arrive
- Compare prices across a few stalls before committing to a purchase
Frequently asked questions
Is the silver jewelry here genuine?
Reputable stalls sell genuine sterling silver stamped .925, but buyers should check for the stamp and compare weight and price against multiple vendors before purchasing.
Is bargaining expected at this market?
Yes, bargaining is the norm and vendors typically price items above what they will ultimately accept, especially for jewelry and larger craft pieces.
Are prices higher here than at markets in Guadalajara?
Yes, because the market caters to Puerto Vallarta's tourist and cruise traffic, prices generally run higher than comparable goods found in Tonalá or Guadalajara markets.
Is there food available inside the market?
The market itself does not have sit-down food vendors, but street food carts operate in the surrounding blocks near the Malecón.