Nayarit is Mexico's rising Pacific-coast star, home to the glamorous Riviera Nayarit beach towns of Sayulita, Punta de Mita, and Nuevo Vallarta, the colonial surf port of San Blas, and the Wixárika (Huichol) heartland of the Sierra Madre Occidental. It blends barefoot-luxury resorts, world-class surf breaks, mangrove wildlife, and small-town Mexican culture within a couple of hours of Puerto Vallarta's international airport.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Huichol Beadwork & Yarn Paintings
Intricate beaded jewelry, masks, and yarn paintings made by Wixárika artisans, best purchased directly from cooperatives in Tepic
Sayulita Handmade Jewelry
Silver and beaded jewelry sold by independent artisans in Sayulita's boutiques and market stalls
Locally Roasted Coffee
Beans from small Nayarit and Jalisco highland growers, sold in Sayulita and Tepic cafes
Tequila & Raicilla
Raicilla, a regional agave spirit distinct from tequila and made in the Sierra de Vallejo foothills, is a distinctly Nayarit souvenir
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Sayulita Mercado del Pueblo
Local produce, prepared food, and handmade jewelry and textiles
Hours: Fridays 9AM-2PM (November-April)
Huichol Wixárika Artisan Market (Tepic)
Huichol beadwork, yarn paintings, and jewelry direct from Wixárika artisans
Hours: Daily 9AM-8PM
Mercado Municipal de Tepic
Fresh produce, prepared regional food, and household goods
Hours: Daily 7AM-6PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Sayulita Boutique District
Punta de Mita Village Shops
San Blas Artisan Stalls
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Paseo Nayarit Shopping Center
Hours: Daily 10AM-9PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is most appropriate at the Sayulita Friday market, San Blas plaza stalls, and with independent artisans — not inside fixed-price shops
Buying directly from Huichol artisan cooperatives supports the community more than resold pieces in tourist shops
Cash gets better prices than card at most market stalls
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Overview: Bargaining is common and expected at open-air markets and with independent street vendors, but not at fixed-price boutiques, supermarkets, or resort shops.
Items:
- Practice
- Bargaining at markets
- Note
- Offer 70-80% of the asking price as an opening counter and settle in the middle
- Practice
- Fixed prices at boutiques/malls
- Note
- No bargaining expected at Sayulita boutiques, Paseo Nayarit mall, or resort shops