What to Expect from a Vallarta Lifestyle

So, what is it that foreigners do once they make the move to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit to join the full-time community there? The list of potentials is endless, to be honest, as there is really something for everyone here. Get to know the Vallarta Lifestyle:

The Beach | Vallarta Lifestyle

The beaches and coves around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are, not surprisingly, at the top of this list, and for good reason! There is such variety in the beaches of Banderas Bay that you can be absolutely certain of finding the right beach on which to practice your favorite sport (whatever that may be!). Whether you wish to find stunning scenery to photograph, amazing coves to explore, or you want to swim, surf, paddle board, snorkel, scuba dive, or even freedive you can be sure to find the perfect place to do it all when you live in Puerto Vallarta. Get ready to put your hiking boots on, however, because there are simply not enough days in the year to see all that Puerto Vallarta’s coastline has to offer.

Vallarta’s Farmers Markets

During high season (October to May) you will find that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is the hub for some really lovely farmers markets! On Sundays there is a market in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle which benefits from stunning ocean views and access to some of the freshest seafood in town. Don’t forget to watch the street performers when stop to grab a bite to eat! On Saturdays from 9:30am to 2:00pm you will find the Old Town Farmers Market in Puerto Vallarta. This market has everything from street food and live music to art, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and locally grown produce! You can find the Old Town market at Lazaro Cardenas Park (adjacent to Los Muertos Beach).

Charity and volunteering

There are few better ways to make friends than through passion for a shared cause, and in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit there are plenty of wonderful charitable causes which would benefit from your time and attention. There are animal shelters, orphanages, and old people’s homes; there is also “children of the dump”, a women and children’s refuge. There are also some schools for disabled children which could benefit from your experience and help. What better way to make friends than by giving back to the community in which you now live, laugh, and love?

Movie Theatres

Puerto Vallarta has almost as many movie theatres as gas stations (well, maybe not quite), and they’re generally reasonably priced as well as utterly charming. Thanks to this variety you can be sure you’ll find one that suits you to a T fairly quickly! At the Isla shopping center, for example, there is a VIP cinema which features in show waiters who will attend to your needs through each showing. If you have kids, on the other hand, there is the cinema adjacent to Pitillal which has a slide running all the way from the top row to a pre-show kids area.

Live Theater

If you’re a lover of live theater you should definitely get involved with Act II entertainment (found on the corner of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes Street). They are always on the look out for fresh talent, and besides the viewings are affordable; even if you don’t want your shot at stardom you can enjoy the productions they put on! The theatre itself also has a lovely piano bar which is a great place to kick back, have a drink, and meet new people for those who enjoy a bit of luxury.

Taking a road trips

When you live in Banderas Bay, there are plenty of place to explore. Hire a car or take to public transport and explore the many wonderful colonial towns, lakeside villages, and seaside cities which pepper this landscape.

Share with us what do you like the most of the Vallarta Lifestyle!

Top Farmer’s Markets in and Around PV and Nuevo Vallarta

Near Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta, there are a variety of farmer’s markets where you can go shopping and buy wonderful items at reasonable prices. These markets run every Autumn until the end of spring each year. If you are looking to buy something either as a gift for Christmas, birthdays or simply an item to have for yourself, you should visit these markets in the coastal towns along the Banderas Bay’s stretch.

Here’s a rundown of some of the top spots that offer the best items that are spiced up with that unique Vallarta flavor. Be sure to check their websites too for any relevant information.

Courtesy: Old Town Market
Courtesy: Old Town Market

Old Town Farmer’s Market (www.oldtownfm.com)

This is one of Puerto Vallarta’s hit markets that offers a great variety of fare and souvenirs every Saturday (9:30am- 2:00pm) from October until April. It’s a “producers only” event where you can find a variety of fine selected farm-fresh products, artisan foods, handicrafts, art, jewelry, clothing, community education and even live music. The vendors must be residents of Puerto Vallarta who lives within a 50 miles radius. All the products are locally made, baked and grown locally.

Marina Vallarta’s Market

With operating hours from 6-10 pm every Thursday, this high end market is frequented by people who want to explore one of Puerto Vallarta’s chicest neighborhoods and want to shop during evening. It occupies Marina Vallarta’s wide boardwalks and offers a mixed variety of products that include home decorations, natural soaps, artisan souvenirs and many more. Because of its late afternoon / early evening opening times, it is best that you go early afternoon to stroll along the walkway while the sun sets and have dinner at some of the finest restaurants around the area. Marina Vallarta’s market runs from October until May.

Mercado del Pueblo (mercadodelpueblo.org)

Sayulita’s version of a farmer’s market, never fails to entertain shoppers with its live music and entertainment. Around 80 vendors ply their trade here and sells natural and organic products plus many original native products. They also offer vegetables like relish and pickles, meat products, flowers, coffee and baked goods. It runs every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm until May.

Mercado Huanacaxtle (www.sayulitabeach.com/mercado-huanacaxtle)

Held every Sunday at La Cruz Marina, it is a home for more than 170 vendors who sell a tremendous line ups of native goods that include handicrafts, clothing, paintings artworks, jewelries, food products and even beehives. This is one of the largest markets in Banderas Bay.

Forever Spring Farmer’s Market (www.facebook.com/foreverspringfarmersmarket)

Located in Bucerias, this farmer’s market runs from 9am-1pm every Wednesday. Real appetizing goods are the specialties you can buy here that include cheese from El Tuito, vegetarian foods, Indian curries, sauces, jams, smoked meats and craftsman baked goods which you can buy wheat free or regular.

Marina Nuevo Vallarta (www.bestofnuevovallarta.com)

This fiesta-like market located at Nuevo Vallarta, marina features a bountiful array of products that include foods, crafts, clothing, glassware, jewelries, even dance lessons and yoga displays. You can take a leisurely walk while listening to great live music and have fun enrolling in some dance classes. This market is held from 9am-2pm every Saturday during high season from Autumn through spring.