I still remember the first time I walked into the Emiliano Zapata market here in Puerto Vallarta.
The smell hits you before you even see anything: it is a mix of earthy, sweet, and a little bit of a spicy kick that tickles your nose.
If you are staying in one of our puerto vallarta vacation condos, you have probably noticed those big baskets of dried chiles everywhere.
They look like little wrinkled gems, and honestly, they are the secret to making your vacation meals taste like the real deal.
I used to be a bit intimidated by them because I didn't know which was which or how much heat they would pack.
But after spending years exploring the local stalls and chatting with the vendors, I have learned that they are actually super easy to use once you know what to look for.
Why You Need These in Your Kitchen
Most people think chiles are just about heat, but in Mexico, it is all about the flavor profile.
Dried chiles are like the sun-dried tomatoes of the spice world: concentrated, sweet, and full of depth.
When we are hanging out in our kitchen in Amapas, we LOVE to keep a stash of these on hand for everything from quick salsas to slow-cooked stews.
Amapas is definitely my favorite area to stay because you are so close to the markets but still tucked away in a beautiful, quiet spot.
It really is the best place to rent if you want to feel like a local while still having all the modern comforts.
The Big Three: Ancho, Guajillo, and Pasilla
If you are just starting out, you really only need to know about the "Big Three."
The Ancho chile is actually a dried poblano pepper, and it is SOOO good because it tastes almost like raisins or chocolate.
It isn't very spicy at all, so it is perfect if you want a rich, dark sauce without burning your mouth off.
Then you have the Guajillo, which is the workhorse of the Mexican kitchen.
It is bright red, smooth, and has a tangy, fruity flavor that is just AMAZING in red salsas or for marinating some chicken for the grill.
Last of the main group is the Pasilla, which is long and dark: almost black.
It has a bit more of an earthy, smoky vibe and is what gives those deep moles their incredible color.
If you are worried about picking the wrong thing, you can always check out common mistakes to avoid when booking to make sure your overall trip prep is as smooth as your salsa.
How to Pick the Best Ones
When you are at the market, don't be shy about touching the chiles!
The best ones should be flexible and a little bit leathery, not brittle and dry.
If you pick one up and it snaps or crumbles in your hand, it has probably been sitting there too long.
You want them to have a nice sheen and a strong, fragrant aroma when you get close.
I always look for the pods that are whole and still have their stems attached.
It keeps the seeds inside and ensures you are getting the full flavor of the pepper.
If you find a vendor you like, stick with them: they will often give you tips on which ones are the freshest that day.
Shopping Like a Local in Old Town
Old Town (or Zona Romantica, as some people call it) is where the real market magic happens.
I love heading down early in the morning before the heat of the day really sets in.
The Municipal Market is a great place to start because the variety is just mind-blowing.
You will see huge piles of chiles, and the vendors are usually super happy to help if you ask them what is best for a specific dish.
If you are a solo traveler, the markets are a great way to interact with locals and feel the heartbeat of the city.
We always suggest that people looking for rentals puerto vallarta should spend at least one morning just wandering these aisles.
It is way more fun than a grocery store, and the quality is a million times better.
Prepping Your Market Finds
Once you get your chiles back to your condo, the prep is actually really simple.
I usually start by pulling off the stems and shaking out the seeds: that is where most of the heat lives!
Then, I give them a quick toast on a hot pan for about 20 seconds until they start to smell really good.
After that, just soak them in some hot water for about 15 minutes until they are soft.
You can then throw them in a blender with some garlic, onion, and a bit of the soaking water to make the best sauce you have ever tasted.
It is such a game-changer for your vacation cooking, and it makes the whole condo smell like a professional Mexican kitchen.
Why Amapas is the Way to Go
I can't stress enough how much we LOVE the Amapas neighborhood for its location.
You are high enough up the hill to get those incredible jungle views, but you are literally minutes away from the markets in Old Town.
It is the perfect balance of feeling like you are in a tropical paradise while still having access to the best ingredients.
Our condos there are designed to make cooking a joy, with big kitchens and plenty of counter space for all your market finds.
We always recommend Amapas to our friends because it just feels more authentic and peaceful than the bigger hotel zones.
If you want to see more about the different areas, check out our complete guide to condo rentals for more tips.
Bringing a Taste of PV Home
One of the best things about dried chiles is that they are super easy to pack in your suitcase.
I always buy a few extra bags of Anchos and Guajillos to take back with me.
Just make sure you put them in a sealed bag so your clothes don't end up smelling like a spice market!
Every time I cook with them back home, it takes me right back to those sunny mornings in Puerto Vallarta.
It is the best souvenir you can get, and it is way more useful than another t-shirt.
Plus, your friends will be SOOO impressed when you whip up a real salsa from scratch.
Final Thoughts
Buying dried chiles is such a fun and rewarding part of the PV experience.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try something new: that is what vacation is all about!
Whether you are a master chef or just someone who likes a little spice, the markets here have something for everyone.
We really hope you enjoy exploring the stalls as much as we do.
Finding these little market gems is highly recommended for anyone who wants to truly experience the local culture.
Come join our community and share your own market finds with us on Facebook.
About the Author
