In Puerto Vallarta you can find a sampling of just about anything made in Mexico: silver, blown glass, pottery serapes, sandals and other arts and crafts.

There are a number of excellent shops -- some near of the beach, some in the major hotels, and a great number on the main downtown shopping strips, Juarez and Morelos. This is historical Vallarta , where you take in village life while browsing through the galleries and shops that line the narrow cobblestone streets.

Las Iguanas Festival Center, in Marina Vallarta, is Vallarta´s newest shopping center. The brightly-colored two-story center features waterfalls, cascading pools and an open courtyard. One of the largest shopping centers in Puerto Vallarta is Villa Vallarta, located near town, in front of the Plaza Las Glorias and Continental Plaza hotels. There are lots of shops, connected by walkways and portals to permit convenient shopping.

At Plaza Malecon, at Diaz Ordaz and Allende, shops have been pleasantly arranged around a couryard, but be selective ----- only a few are worthwhile.

A more typical market area is the Central Market, located downtown, between the two bridges. Here, storekeepers enjoy haggling over prices and every coceivable souvenir item is available.

Durable sandals and huaraches in various styles and colors also rank among the best buys.

Don't overlook the fine work of Mexico's contemporary artists, found in some if the attractive art galleries in town. And remember art is duty free to the United States.

Stores in Puerto Vallarta are closed during the hottest time of day, from 2 to 4 p.m. Most open in the morning around 10 and stay open until 8, so you´ll find plenty of time strolling the charming streets and discovering your favorite shops.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Alfareria Tlaquepaque.- Mexico 1100.- Pottery warehouse where you can find many of the lovely pieces you've admired as decor in restaurants and stores. They will gladly pack your delicate purchases for shipping or to take with you.

Olinala Gallery.- Lazaro Cardenas 274. This fascinating museum-likely gallery specialezes in fine Mexican native art. Among its unusual items are authentic ritual masks, beaded art, lapidary work and many rare, one-of-a-kind original pieces.

Talavera.- Ignacio Vallarta 266. A beautiful little shop that specializes in the fine, hand-crafted ceramics for which the state of Puebla is noted. The selection includes dinnerware, art objects, hand-painted tiles, and some antiques. Expert shipping.

Art, Antiques and Furniture.

Galeria Uno.- Morelos 561. In a lovely old vallarta home. Paintings, graphics, sculptures and posters. An excellent selection of art from all over Mexico.

Sergio Bustamente.- Juarez 275; and Las Iguanas. A gorgeous shop displayinga good selection of his sculptured, bronze and papier-mache animals, all signed. Unique conversation pieces and collector's items. Expensive.

Jewelry

Joyas Finas Suneson.- Morelos 593. A gorgeous display of top-of-the-line silver jewelry, unusual silver sculptures, enamel and gift items personally selected by the owners.

Ric.- Villa Vallarta shopping center. The finest in town or beautiful sterling silver jewelry handmade by expert craftsmen, and one-of-a-kind designs in exquisite gold jewelry. Contemporary designs and original creations inspired by pre-Hispanic art and architecture.