We have spent years exploring every nook and cranny of Puerto Vallarta.
It is my absolute favorite place to wander when I want to feel the true heart of the city.
Every time we visit, we find something new and AMAZING!
If you are a solo traveler or even if you are here with the whole family, you have to check out Isla Cuale.
It is a literal island right in the middle of the Cuale River.
It splits Old Town (which many people also call Zona Romantica) into two sections.
But honestly, most of us just think of the whole area as one big, beautiful neighborhood.
What makes Isla Cuale so special is the vibe.
It feels like you have stepped into a little piece of the jungle right in the center of town.
The air is cooler here because of the river and all the massive, shady trees.
You will hear the sound of the water rushing over the rocks while you browse.
And best of all, there are cats everywhere!
The island is famous for its friendly felines that lounge on the stone walls and nap under the market stalls.
We LOVE the relaxed energy of this place.
It is a far cry from the busy streets and tourist shops you might find elsewhere.
When we go shopping here, we are looking for more than just a cheap trinket.
We want something that tells a story.
We want authentic crafts that show off the incredible talent of Mexican artisans.
And Isla Cuale is the perfect place to find them!
One of the first things you will notice are the Huichol bead artworks.
This is some of the most stunning art I have ever seen in my entire life!
The Wixárika people, often called the Huichol, create these pieces by pressing tiny glass beads into beeswax on wooden forms.
Each color and pattern has a deep spiritual meaning.
You will see beaded jaguars, wolves, and masks that look like they are glowing with energy.
When you see a piece that is truly handmade, the detail is just SOOO incredible!
It can take weeks or even months to finish just one small sculpture.
We always recommend looking for the artisans who are actually sitting at their stalls working.
It is such a treat to watch them carefully place each bead with a needle.
It makes the piece feel so much more personal when you see the hands that made it.
If you find a piece that speaks to you, do not hesitate.
Every one is unique, and you might never see another one exactly like it.
After you have picked out your favorite Huichol piece, you should look for the ceramics.
The hand-painted pottery here is simply BEAUTIFUL!
You will see stacks of plates, bowls, and vases in every color of the rainbow.
Most of it is in the Talavera style, which is famous for its intricate floral and geometric patterns.
We use these bowls at our own places because they bring so much life to a kitchen.
If you are looking for apartaento de mi sueno, you will want to fill it with pieces that remind you of your time in PV.
These ceramics are heavy and durable, so they make great functional art for your home.
We often find ourselves chatting with the vendors about where the pottery comes from.
Many of them bring their wares from small villages where the tradition has been passed down for generations.
It is so important to support these local families.
But wait, there is even more to see as you walk further down the island.
The path takes you under the bridges and through even more lush greenery.
It is such a romantic spot to stroll in the afternoon.
If you get a little bit of rain while you are out, don't worry.
You can always check out our guide on The Local’s Playbook: Renting Apartments in Puerto Vallarta Without the Stress to keep the fun going!
To get to the island, you will probably cross one of the suspension bridges.
They can be a little bit bouncy, which always makes me laugh!
It is a great way to see the river from above.
Once you are on the island, you should also look for the textiles.
We are talking about hand-embroidered dresses, colorful sarapes, and soft cotton shirts.
The embroidery is often done by hand, and the patterns represent different regions of Mexico.
You can feel the quality in the fabric and see the care in every stitch.
It is so much better than anything you would find in a big box store back home.
We love wearing these breezy clothes when we are hanging out at our rental properties.
If you are searching for the best Puerto Vallarta condos for rent by owner, you really need to look at the Amapas area.
Amapas is, in my opinion, the absolute best place to rent.
It is just a short walk from Isla Cuale and the heart of Old Town, but it feels so much more private and peaceful.
The views from the hillside in Amapas are just STUNNING!
We always tell our friends to stay there if they want the best of both worlds.
You get the excitement of the market and then you can retreat to your quiet condo in the trees.
It is the perfect balance for a relaxing vacation.
While you are exploring the island, you might also find local honey, cigars, and silver jewelry.
The jewelry is usually made from Mexican silver and often features local stones like turquoise or opal.
We have found some of our favorite gifts for family at these little stalls.
Just remember to take your time and look closely at everything.
The best treasures are often tucked away in the back of the stall.
And don't be afraid to ask questions!
The vendors are usually very happy to tell you about their work.
They take great pride in what they do, and we are so grateful for their hospitality.
If you want to see what else we have discovered in the city, you should read our post about Elevation and Ease: Why We Always Choose the Amapas Hills.
It is full of tips for finding the spots that most tourists miss!
Shopping at Isla Cuale is an experience you will never forget.
It is about the smell of the river, the shade of the trees, and the kindness of the people.
It is about finding something truly authentic to take home with you.
We highly recommend spending an afternoon here just wandering and seeing what catches your eye.
It is the best way to spend a day in Puerto Vallarta!
If you want to see more of our latest adventures, come hang out with us on Instagram.
You can also follow us on Facebook.
We are so lucky to call this place home for a while, and we can't wait for you to experience it too.
See you on the island!
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