Puerto Vallarta Shopping Tips by monica71

OXXO: Convenience Stores Markets Review

OXXO is the convenience store where you can buy some groceries, drinks, etc. They are all over town, prices are reasonable and they come in very handy :)

Theme: Food and Drink

Vendors all over town: Buy fresh fruit!!! Vendors Review

Make sure you buy some fresh fruit from the street vendors. Nothing tastes better than a slice of watermelon or some mango while you are on the beach or walking the streets of Puerto Vallarta in the hot sun!

What to buy: any kind of fresh fruit

Theme: Other

Souvenirs: Large selection of souvenirs Souvenirs Review

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to buying souvenirs in Puerto Vallarta. You just have to make up your mind and be ready to start bargaining. Some of the pieces the vendors sell make for very nice souvenirs!

What to buy: ceramic pieces, jewelry, resort wear

What to pay: half of the asking price!!!!

Theme: Local Craft

on Isla Rio Cuale and all over town: Watercolor paintings Art/Silver Review

I like to buy art pieces when I go on vacation and I have to admit that the selection in Puerto Vallarta is huge. You will find really nice art pieces in town.

I got several watercolor paintings from 2 different artists that were selling their work on Isla Rio Cuale, right under the bridge. Their prices were very reasonable! Now that I am back home, I feel really sorry I did not buy more watercolor paintings to also give as presents (the ones I bought were a big hit with my friends that saw them framed and hanged on the wall).

What to buy: watercolor paintings or oil paintings

What to pay: about 8 US dollars for a medium to large size watercolor painting

Theme: Art

Souvenirs: Shopping on the beach Souvenirs Review

There are plenty of beach vendors in Puerto Vallarta, so you can do your shopping right on the beach.

Some of the things they sell are really nice and the beauty of it is that you can bargain even more than you do it in stores. Start by offering half of the asking price. The vendor will try to make you pay as much as possible for the things you are considering buying, but stay firm with your offer and he/she will eventually agree to your price. If not, don't worry, another one will stop by and will most likely have the same stuff for sale.

Address: on the beach

Theme: Gifts

Art/Silver: Alberto's Silver Art/Silver Review

Alberto's Silver is one of the shops you should stop by and check when you are in Puerto Vallarta. His shop has a great selection of fine sterling silver jewelry made by hand. You will see them making the pieces while you browse the tiny store.

Even if you do not buy anything from here, stop by and check out the store. Most likely you will not see the same pieces they make here for sale in any of the other stores in town.

What to buy: unique Mexican sterling silver jewelry

Address: Juaez 185, Puerto Vallarta

Directions: one block East of Hotel Encino, between Isla Rio Cuale and the town church

Theme: Jewelry

Website: http://www.albertos.com.mx