Shopping for groceries in Puerto Vallarta is not much different than at your neighborhood grocery store. First time shoppers sometimes have sticker shock when they first see the prices, not realizing they are in pesos. For example, a can of soda/pop may cost say $5.40 in pesos, which in USD amounts to roughly 50 cents.
Most stores carry familiar items and brands. Be sure to check out the bakery sections in the stores, you will find a huge array of delectable breads, cakes and pastries. Picking up snacks or grocery items are relatively easy and seeing the different brands and unfamiliar items can be a fun experience.
Organic produce: As far as we know, organic produce is only available at Agro Gourmet on Basilio Badillo. Although there are many small mercados (markets) and tiendas (stores) where farmers bring their fresh produce in to be sold.
LEY: Open 24 hours a day, you will find many of the locals shopping here because prices have a tendency to be lower. The second floor is filled with clothes and everything you can imagine for your home. It is located on México Avenue about two blocks from Hidalgo Park in Centro.
Comercial Mexicana: Here you will find a higher quality supermarket, more like those at home. The prices are a little higher than at other stores, but then again, so is the quality. There is a bakery as well as a pharmacy. Located in Plaza Marina.
Mega: The new Comercial Mexicana store in the Hotel Zone is located 2 blocks from the Sheraton Hotel towards the airport. It has an excellent meat department, deli meats, and bakery. You will also find just about anything else you will need, including an in-house pharmacy.
Gigante: You will find a full line of groceries and meats as well as frozen foods, clothes, liquor and everything else you need in a grocery store. Probably the best produce selection in town. Their prices are again, a tad more expensive, but they often have great sales. It is located inside the Plaza Caracol Mall just off Francisco Medina Asencio Boulevard.
Gutierrez Rizo: A great selection of foreign and US foods, but spotty, often indifferent service. This is the other store that you will find most locals shop at, because their prices are somewhat lower than the others. Here, there are more products in bulk and they have the best selection of quality wines and hard liquors. It is very centrally located near the Rio Cuale on Constitución. Make sure you go upstairs to check out their wares, especially for paper products.
SAM'S Club: Same as in the United States and the equivalent of Costco in the U.S. and Canada. A wholesale warehouse where you can buy a lot of anything and everything. They have the finest selection of imported meats along with many other different products. It is a club, so you need to go with someone who is a member or become a member yourself for a very low annual fee. Sam's Clubs cards from the U.S. are valid here, or you can purchase a membership for 350 pesos. It is located across the street from Maritime Terminal.
Wal-Mart: The newest of the grocery/hard goods stores. Located next to Sam's Club, Wal-Mart is very similar to the ones in your home area. Excellent bakery and deli department, great prices on anything you forgot to pack. Best place to buy a boogie board or snorkel gear for cheap. |
