Every weekend, from November to May there is a Saturday Market in the Romantic Zone of PV. I happen to be a market fiend. Once I have decided on a destination, and have secured my lodgings, my first search will be the best bakeries in the area and my second search will be the best markets. Imagine my delight when I can find a market with incredible pastries!
Markets in Puerto Vallarta
There are quite a few markets in Puerto Vallarta. The city is vast with many neighbourhoods and many styles of markets. There are local produce and food markets, flea markets and what I dub the gringo markets. The Saturday market located at Lazaro Cardenas Park in the Romantic Zone is a gringo market.
I would guess that more than 95% of the shoppers are tourists or non Mexican residents. The vendors are selling a wide array of stunning Mexican art which makes the perfect unique souvenir. Many of the food stalls cater to the western pallet. You will be able to find a number of bakeries selling their goods that include cinnamon buns, sourdough bread, bagels and a variety of muffins, cakes and cookies.
There is so much amazing food at this market, I always come home with a huge haul of mouthwatering goodies. One lovely man sells his fresh cheese, butter and yogourt. Another sells things he gathers from his farm the day prior which include an array of tropical flowers, avocados, lemons and macadamia nuts!
I have seen ladies selling fruit at this market for many years. They will cut up what every fruit you choose and fill a container. The smell of pineapple, mangoes, papaya is divine. Other things I purchase at this market are freshly made pasta and sauces, fresh ground coffee, honey, nuts, squeezed juice blends, tamales, empanadas, corn bread and granola.
If you love food as much as I do, you are in for a treat. There is an entire isle with the most scrumptious prepared food. Argentinian barbecue, Thai curries, paella full of shrimp and many Mexican delicacies.
Each Saturday, I always purchase something to eat for breakfast to devour while I’m at the market. Last week I had an amazing Al Pastor Machete, which is a long taco filled with meat, ooey gooey cheese, tender vegetables and sweet and spicy sauces. It also came with rice and beans. To drink I had a passion fruit aqua fesca.
At Lazaro Cardenas Park there is an amphitheatre and this day, was playing an incredibly talented Latin guitar band, Piel Canela. What a special moment, to sit an eat this amazing food and listen to this beautiful music. I cannot tell you how perfect that moment was.
I hope when you are able to travel to this diverse and friendly city, you will have time to spare to visit this wonderful market.
