Puerto Vallarta is a temptation for shopping buffs.Assortment and colorfulness make us vulnerable critters, and once you lay eyes on items you reach a point of no return.

There are stores all around town; down the seawall, on the isle of Cuale River and along the romantic zones,let alone in all big squares.And above all,the beach is the place where peddlers hawk their merchandise: pastries, silver,beachwear,wood carvings,wicket purses,necklaces,nonpermanent tattoos and just about anything else you can possibly imagine.

Mexico’s best-known commodity is Taxco silver,wrought in original and beautiful designs.Vendors showcase a multitude of jewelry items,both big and small, and they’re always ready to bargain a food price. Handicraft is another bestselling article:earthenware plates, vases and pots of all kind that come in handy in the kitchen or around the house;shawls,ceramics,glassware,dyed wicket,hats. Cotton clothing is typical here, especially in embroidered gowns of different colors,shirts and wonderful tablecloths.

White cotton-fabric beachwear is also commonplace,showing off casual and blasé designs made exclusively in Mexico. Huichol art –hailing from the neighboring state of Nayaritis widespread in Puerto Vallarta. Artisans put together thousands of motley little balls in a patient fashion. Another landmark in town is Sergio Bustamante and his jewelry designs based on suns,moons and fantastic beings carved in gold and silver.These objects really meet the eye for their uniqueness and affordable prices.

Don’t miss out on the chance of strolling around the amazing stores selling made-in-Mexico furniture.Objects made of tin,iron,wicket and glass are hard to forget.In addition to local things,all international brands are found in each and every store and shopping mall.And as far as shopping malls are concerned,Caracol Plaza,Genovesa Plaza,Marina Plaza, Neptune Plaza and the New Small Vallarta, are packed with supermarkets,clothing, keepsakes and lots and lots of foodstuffs.

The most commercialoriented streets are Libertad, Juarez and Morelos,as well as those around the Rio Cuale Municipal Market and the Pueblo Viejo Artisans’Market, two places that sell countless souvenirs and keepsakes.

Most shopping malls and stores open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm,and some of them even remain openuntil midnight.Mom-and-pop businesses have a lunch break from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Take advantage of this recess to lay back and avoid the hottest sunlight hours. Prices are not precisely el cheapo,but good doses of strolls,good humor and art can make prices look interestingly affordable.

We suggest you to save at least one day to forget about time and take an unhurriedly spin around stores in town and along the seawall.Walk in and out, bargain prices, fall into the temptation and have a ball!