These Boots Are Made For Shopping
By Josef Kandoll W.

Everyone wants to take a piece of paradise home with them. In Puerto Vallarta, how do you choose? And what is there to choose from? Consider items for your home, kitchen, garden or table. So put on your comfortable shoes, carry pesos for bargaining, practice your Spanish and be cheerful. This is going to be fun!

First, let's look at items for your home décor. Easy to pack and carry are woven napkins, tablecloths, runners and other linens. While colors are usually bright, choose colors as an accent or in contrast to your existing color scheme. Purchase linens for parties to create a festive affair.

Larger items may require shipping, but those arrangements can easily be made at most stores. Look at hand-worked mirrors, carved-wood panels, doors, even moldings as accents. Stone in varying sizes and colors is a traditional material for a number of household features—from tabletops to shelves to countertops. Carved-stone sculptures can be a central feature of your patio or garden. Traditional benches can be shipped as well.

Glassware comes in brilliant colors from glass blowers—in classic shapes such as margarita or cocktail glasses and pitchers, or contemporary forms similar to popular Chihuly glass. While glassblowing comes from the Tlaquepaque area of Guadalajara, numerous local stores sell it in varying prices and qualities.

Silver was the historical choice of shoppers in Mexico due to the fame of designers such as Spratling in Taxco, whose designs made such an impact that generations of followers still strive for his perfection. While you may still be able to find originals, also look for modern lines that will take your breath away. Numerous silver shops are found downtown as well as in the major shopping centers.

Of high value despite quite reasonable prices are the handmade beaded works created by the Wixarika (more commonly known as Huichol) tribes, who sell directly to the public during the month of March from their stands in the Plaza Caracol. At other times of the year, numerous shops carry the bright pieces that feature native motifs such as the coyote, the peyote, the deer, the serpent and the eagle. Look for wall hangings woven out of yarn in bright colors featuring the same animals.

Cotton manta fabric is quite comfortable for daywear as well as evening wear in the balmy climate of Puerto Vallarta. Look for it in stores that offer flowing designs in loose-fitting garments. Wear them with local handmade sandals or comfortable espadrilles. Or better yet, go barefoot.

For that sweet tooth, don't walk but run to the nearest store that stocks local sweets such as dulce de guayaba (made from cooked guava), candied nuts and peanuts, marzipan, special candies dipped in chile powder that offer something like a sweet-and-sour sensation, burnt coconut in various shapes and forms… and oh so much more! Don't forget salted sunflower seed kernels to nibble on when you need a switch from the sugar.

Most of your shopping pleasure can be expressed downtown and in the Romantic Zone. Intermixed with other kinds of shops, look for bargains in Plaza Caracol, Plaza Península or Galerías Vallarta. Stroll along the Malecón at Marina Vallarta for a delightful afternoon of evening. Mix your shopping with a glass of wine or stop in for a tequila tasting. Don't forget to take a bottle or two of tequila home with you. It's all about extending your vacation!

What to buy? Get a list of popular shops.