Cuale River Municipal Market (Flea Market)
Features & amenities
Shopping
Food
Vendors
Downtown
Flea Market details
- +52 322 201 3913
- mercado@mercadomunicipalpv.com
- Agustín Rodríguez s/n, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Schedule
- Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 7:00PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00PM
- Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00PM
Introduction
Those who know about towns and cities in America will get an overview of the town they are visiting by going to the main square, its church, and the local market. So if believe this, then you’ll have to visit the Cuale Municipal Market.
This flea market is the essence and tradition of this tourist destination, which has been operating for almost three decades on the banks of the Cuale River, right in the heart of the so-called historic downtown Puerto Vallarta. The Cuale River Municipal Market’s history stretches back over a century.
History
The market first opened in the early 1900s and boomed in popularity in the 1960s as more vendors began selling goods in the area.
Major changes came in 1979, when new market facilities were built. Governor Flavio Romero de Velasco and Municipal President Eugenio Torres Ramrez officially inaugurated the new Cuale River Municipal Market building on November 28, 1979. Inside the market today, shoppers can browse aisles filled with handicrafts, traditional clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, souvenirs, and much more. For decades, market vendors have offered quality goods at fair prices. Their hard work and perseverance is woven into the market’s rich history.
Puerto Vallarta’s Mercado de Artesanías (Cuale River Flea Market) building has an interesting history! Alejandro Zohn was the architect who designed it, and construction took place between 1977 and 1979. The main architect who brought this project to fruition was Carlos Manzano Zepeda. The flea market was created to give vendors who had already been selling their products in the area since the 1960s a permanent indoor space. It also made space for new vendors from the rest of the town. The market pays homage to “las polleras”, local women who sold and were known for their delicious pozole, chicken gorditas, and coffee at food stalls by the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) area back in the mid-1900s. Those hard-working ladies and their mouthwatering food laid the groundwork for today’s lively food stalls on the Cuale Flea Market’s second level!
What to do
Back in the day, the market was the spot for fresh meats, fish, produce, and all the fixings. But oh, how times have changed! By the mid-1980s, this charming place began to transform into a haven for tourists from all over. Now the Cuale Municipal Market stands proud as a premier shopping destination for travelers looking for things to take back home and local handicrafts. Stroll through, and you’ll find quirky souvenirs, decorative goodies, pottery, hammocks, leather goods, purses, hats, traditional threads, and tees celebrating Puerto Vallarta. And let’s not forget the sparkling silver jewelry on floors one and two! And that’s just scratching the surface of the many options available there.
But hey, it’s not all about shopping. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite on the second floor of the market, where you’ll find mouthwatering local flavors that capture the essence of Puerto Vallarta. The stands dish up delicious Mexican eats for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including pozole, sopes, tacos, fish, and much more! Experience authentic cuisine like pozole with cucumber sauce or zarandeado (sarandeado) grilled fish. With an incredible river view, talented cooks will prepare whatever you crave, from traditional dishes to local specialties, all at wallet-friendly prices. One of Mexico’s cleanest markets means you can focus on savoring every bite. Let your nose guide you upstairs to taste Puerto Vallarta’s delicious aromas and flavors.
And while we love our tourists, locals are the true heart of the market. Folks from town and nearby, you’re always welcomed with open arms and smiles. Here everyone’s family. Come explore the two floors of the market and discover the magic yourself!
Where is the market?
The Cuale River Municipal Market is located in downtown Puerto Vallarta on the banks of the Cuale River. Specifically, it is on the north side of the Cuale River Island between Insurgentes to the east, Agustín Rodríguez to the north, and Matamoros to the west.
It’s about 650 ft (200m) from the Malecon boardwalk.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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