Staying in Puerto Vallarta for any length of time usually means you fall in LOVE with the local food culture. After visiting this beautiful bay for years, we have realized that while eating out is AMAZING, there is something so special about cooking your own catch in a beautiful kitchen.
We always choose to stay in the Amapas neighborhood whenever we are in town. It is honestly the best place to rent because you get those incredible hillside views and a bit of peace, but you are still just a short walk from Old Town (also known as the Zona Romantica).
One of our absolute favorite morning traditions is heading north to the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood to visit the legendary Mercado del Mar. If you want the freshest seafood in the entire bay, this is where you go.
The Morning Buzz at Mercado del Mar
We like to get up early, grab a quick coffee, and hop in a taxi or a quick Uber from our condo in Amapas. You want to arrive at the market between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This is when the fishermen are unloading their coolers and the selection is at its peak.
The energy here is electric!!!! You will see local restaurant chefs picking out the best Red Snapper (Huachinango) and Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) for their evening menus. The floors might be a bit wet from the melting ice, so wear shoes with a good grip!
It is a sensory explosion of bright colors and the fresh smell of the Pacific Ocean. We love just walking through the stalls once before we decide what to buy.
What to Look For and How to Buy
When we shop at the Mercado del Mar, we look for fish with clear, bright eyes and firm flesh. If you aren't a seafood expert, don't worry. The vendors are SO helpful and friendly.
We usually look for the puerto vallarta mexico condo rentals that have full kitchens so we can actually use these ingredients properly. Most vendors will clean and fillet your fish for you right there. Just ask, "¿Lo puede limpiar y filetear, por favor?" It makes your life so much easier when you get back home.
Don't forget to grab some shrimp! The bay is famous for them. You can find everything from small salad shrimp to giant U-10 prawns that are almost as big as a lobster tail. We usually buy a kilo of the medium-sized ones for a fresh aguachile or ceviche.
Essential Spanish for the Fish Market
You don't need to be fluent to shop like a local, but a few phrases go a long way:
- "¿Qué está más fresco hoy?" (What is freshest today?)
- "¿Cuánto cuesta el kilo?" (How much per kilo?)
- "Un kilo de camarón, por favor." (One kilo of shrimp, please.)
Everyone is very patient, and a smile and a "Gracias" are always appreciated. We find that the locals really love it when visitors take an interest in their daily traditions.
Bringing the Bounty Back to Amapas
The best part of the day is heading back to our rental. We really enjoy the condo rentals in puerto vallarta because they often feature these incredible open-concept layouts.
Cooking in a kitchen that overlooks the jungle and the ocean is just different. We've written before about how much we love the modern kitchens in Amapas rentals because they have all the high-end appliances you need to cook a five-star meal.
A Simple Recipe for a Perfect Afternoon
When we have such fresh ingredients, we like to keep things simple. We usually make a classic Mexican Ceviche.
While we are at the market, we also stop at the produce stalls right next door. You can pick up the most fragrant cilantro, juicy limes, and crisp red onions. If you want to know more about the best produce, check out our guide to local market fruits which covers some of the sweet treats you can find nearby.
For the ceviche, we just dice the fresh fish, marinate it in plenty of lime juice, and toss it with the chopped veggies. Serve it on a crispy tostada with some hot sauce and a cold Pacifico beer. It is honestly the BEST meal you will have all week.
Why Staying in a Condo Changes Everything
If we were staying in a standard hotel room, we would miss out on this entire experience. Being able to go to the market, talk to the locals, and then come back to Sueño or The Nest to prepare a meal makes us feel like we actually live here.
Amapas is so great because you have the space to breathe. You can spend your morning at the market, your afternoon cooking and relaxing on your balcony, and then walk down to the beach for sunset. It really is the best of both worlds.
The kitchens in these properties are designed for people who actually like to cook. They have plenty of counter space, sharp knives (usually a rarity in rentals!), and all the bowls and platters you need to serve a feast.
Final Thoughts on the Mercado del Mar
If you are a seafood lover, visiting the Mercado del Mar is a must-do. It is authentic, it is fun, and the quality of the food is unbeatable.
We cannot recommend this experience enough. It gives you a true taste of Vallarta life that you just can't get from a restaurant menu. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a fresh snack or a family planning a big dinner, the bounty of the bay is waiting for you.
So, grab your reusable bags, head to 5 de Diciembre, and get ready for a delicious adventure. We promise you will LOVE it!!!!
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