Puerto Vallarta - Whar are some best kept art and shopping secrets?

[ov911lady]

We are going to be in PV in mid-March and like to shop but we also like little handmade treasures that really reflect the culture. We don't want to spend too much on any one item, but instead would like to find many little treasures to have as mementos and to give as gifts.

What, and where, are some of the best little shops or galleries you have found in PV, downtown (?) and in the old part of town?

Thank you!

Janelle

[Ine]

Art galleries are in and around old town. This website gives you some ideas.

http://www.vallartaartwalk.com/

Depending what you want to spend or what you are looking for of course.

Apart from that have a look at those stores:

http://www.talavera-tile.com/

http://mundodecristal.com.mx/eng/

Even on fleamarkets you might find some nice mementos.

[ov911lady]

Art galleries are in and around old town. This website gives you some ideas.

http://www.vallartaartwalk.com/

Depending what you want to spend or what you are looking for of course.

Apart from that have a look at those stores:

http://www.talavera-tile.com/

http://mundodecristal.com.mx/eng/

Even on fleamarkets you might find some nice mementos.

 

Thank you for the links. Too bad we won't be in PV on a Weds. but the map with the stores sure does help.

[Hlitner]

In a word, "Huichol." Rather then me boring the reader with a long explanation, we suggest you just Google "Huichol art" and see if this is something of interest. It is a unique art form and quite beautiful. There are several places in PV that sell Huichol Art and at least two are right along the Malecon. Just keep in mind that this is labor intensive art (so not free) and everything is negotiable. After living for 10 winters in PV this is just about the only art work we have previously bought in PV. That is until a few weeks ago when DW invested in some art by Humberto Trejo Gonzalez who does art work which uses embroidery on handmade bark paper. What attracted us to these two types of art are that they are native to Mexico and quite attractive. But PV has many art galleries selling world-class paintings, sculptures, etc. One can easily spend thousands of dollars on a lot of the stuff sold in local galleries. But what has long bothered us is that although this is fine art by Mexicans, sold in Mexico...most of the galleries price out their art in US Dollars! Make no sense.

 

Hank

[ov911lady]

Hank - I did plan on picking up another piece of Huichol art this time, as I did when last in PV in 2004. We watched a young artist making something at a table set up in one of the stores. Beautiful bead work!

I purchased a deer as well as a small basket.

Another fun find was a bookmark a woman made on the spot. She was set up under a bridge near the old part of town.

More experiences like these are exactly what I would like my husband to experience too.

Thanks all,

Janelle

[burtie]

Thanks for the info Ine. Can you tell me if the Ships dock somewhere near this area?

Thanks,

Burtie

[swedish weave]

Have you heard of the "cat lady" who sells her paintings under the bridge on the island in the Rio Cuale?

 

She paints a cat somewhere in nearly all her scenic paintings.

[Ine]

Thanks for the info Ine. Can you tell me if the Ships dock somewhere near this area?

Thanks,

Burtie

 

No the ship docks north of this. From the terminal you can take cab - either the more expensive ones near the dock (they charge per person and in US$) or the yellow ones from the highway in Pesos or dollars. Make your price before boarding.

It should be around Pesos 100,- ( or US$ 7,- more or less) per ride.

Or take a blue white city bus - with Centro or Olas Altas on the screen (not the ones that says Tunel). Only 7,50 Pesos per person per ride.

On the way back the same blue/white bus that says airport, Marina or Watmart/Sams.

Check this website for locations: http://vallartainfo.com/area-description/

The cruise terminal is north on Hotelzone

Centro can be found on the Southside map.

Those maps in between can be used to get an idea how to travel north to south.

[SadieN]

Rio Cuale has some artists booths among the plastic tourist stuff. There are several artists under the road bridge, one paints in coffee. At the top of the walk is an art school.

 

Yellow taxis were charging $3pp going and $4pp returning to port last week.

Edited February 15, 2016 by SadieN

[ov911lady]

Have you heard of the "cat lady" who sells her paintings under the bridge on the island in the Rio Cuale?

 

 

 

She paints a cat somewhere in nearly all her scenic paintings.

 

 

This is likely the lady who painted the bookmark for me. Love her work and hope to see her and many more artists like this!

[Hlitner]

Rio Cuale has some artists booths among the plastic tourist stuff. There are several artists under the road bridge, one paints in coffee. At the top of the walk is an art school.

 

Yellow taxis were charging $3pp going and $4pp returning to port last week.

 

A Yellow taxi, from in front of the port (or dropping near the port) should cost about 100 Pesos (about $5.50 US) for the entire taxi (most can carry 3 or even 4 persons. We have noticed a trend this winter where taxis are overcharging on many runs...and they are even trying to do this for those of us who live here and know the general rates. Paying in dollars does almost guarantee you will be overcharged, although paying a few extra dollars might be preferable to getting Pesos for some cruisers. Also keep in mind that the fares are supposed to be by zones and crossing the Rio Cujale from Centro to the southside takes you into the next zone (and slightly higher fares). In some cases having a taxi take you 1 more block can add 10-20 Pesos to the fare.

 

When taking a taxi, ask the driver for the fare ("how much" usually works fine) before you get into the taxi. If the fare sounds high, immediately tell the driver what you are willing to pay. So if taking a yellow taxi from in front of the port to town (Centro) and the driver says "150 Pesos" or perhaps "$10 US") just quickly respond, "No amigo, 100 Pesos!" If the driver refused your reasonable offer you can either walk and take another taxi or try to negotiate. Also keep in mind that you can also just take a bus from in front of the port to town (and back) for only 7.50 Pesos (about 40 cents). From in front of the port you can take any bus with "Centro" on the front windshield....but avoid buses that say "Tunel." Most drivers will accept US Dollars and you should be able pay for 2 persons with a single dollar. Just hand the driver a dollar and say "Dos." If he refused then you can either leave the bus or pay what he wants (which could be $1 US per person).

 

Hank

[JohnHall1965]

Rolling Stone Leather is where my wife bought a very nice Stingray Leather Purse , it was within walking distance of the dock if I remember correctly

[Rosefloater]

Have you heard of the "cat lady" who sells her paintings under the bridge on the island in the Rio Cuale?

 

She paints a cat somewhere in nearly all her scenic paintings.

 

There is also a man under the bridge that makes paintings out of coffee. He only uses coffee and creamer to make the different colors.

 

Check out the Rio Cuale river area. Most of the stuff is the tourist crap that is sold everywhere, but there are a few vendors that sell their own artwork.

 

There is also a vendor at the port that paints on tile. His prices were similar to the tile painters in Cabo.