If you have spent any time at all walking through the streets of Old Town, you already know that the air here smells like a mix of salt water and something sweet. When we first moved into our place in the Amapas neighborhood, I was honestly overwhelmed by the sheer variety of colors at the local produce stalls. I grew up with apples, bananas, and the occasional "exotic" orange, so seeing a giant, spiky jackfruit for the first time was a bit of a shock!
Living as a digital nomad here means we get to skip the processed snacks and dive straight into the world of tropical flavors. If you are a couple looking to spice up your morning breakfast routine or a solo traveler trying to eat like a local, you have to hit the markets in Zona Romantica. It is easily one of my favorite things to do on a Saturday morning.
The King of the Market: Jackfruit (Yaca)
The first time I saw a Yaca, I thought it was some kind of prehistoric egg. These things are HUGE. They are the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, and they look like green, bumpy boulders. But don't let the rough exterior scare you off! Once you crack one of these open, the inside is filled with yellow bulbs that taste like a mix of pineapple, mango, and banana.
We LOVE buying pre-cut jackfruit because wrestling with a whole one in a condo kitchen is a sticky disaster waiting to happen. The sap is like superglue! If you are staying in one of the many puerto vallarta rental condos, you definitely want to keep that sap off the nice countertops.
Dragon Fruit: The Showstopper (Pitaya)
You have probably seen these on Instagram, but nothing beats seeing a pile of bright pink Pitayas in person. There are two main types you will find in the markets here: the ones with white flesh and the ones with deep, vibrant magenta flesh. The magenta ones are my absolute favorite because they turn your smoothie into a work of art.
They have a very mild, sweet taste, kind of like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. We find that they are the perfect light snack for a hot afternoon. Since we spend a lot of our time working from our laptops, having a bowl of chilled Pitaya next to us keeps us hydrated and happy without the sugar crash of a soda.
Why We Always Choose Amapas
While we spend a lot of time shopping and eating in Old Town (which, just so you know, is the exact same place as Zona Romantica), we always head back to the hills of Amapas to actually relax. In my opinion, Amapas is the absolute best place to rent a home in the whole bay. You get the peace and quiet of the jungle but you are only a five-minute walk from the chaos of the markets.
It’s just so nice to carry your heavy bags of fruit back to a quiet spot where you can actually hear the birds. If you are looking for your own little slice of paradise, you should definitely check out rental condos in puerto vallarta for your next trip. Having a solid home base makes the whole "living abroad" thing feel so much more real.
The Weird and Wonderful: Rambutan and Lychee
Depending on the season, you might see what looks like hairy red strawberries piled high on tables. Those are Rambutans! They look crazy, but you just peel back the hairy skin to find a sweet, grape-like fruit inside. They are so addictive. We usually buy a big bag and eat them like popcorn while we watch the sun go down from our balcony.
Lychees are similar but without the "hair." They have a floral scent that is just AMAZING. I highly recommend grabbing a bunch of these whenever you see them because the season is short and they disappear fast!
Passion Fruit (Maracuyá)
If you like things a little tart, Maracuyá is your best friend. They look like wrinkled little balls, and they aren't exactly "pretty" on the outside. But once you cut them open, the scent is incredible. We like to scoop the seeds and pulp into a glass of sparkling water. It is the ultimate refreshing drink after a long day of exploring.
Actually, if you find yourself stuck inside during a tropical downpour, making fresh fruit drinks is one of our favorite living like a local. It beats sitting around waiting for the sun to come back out!
Shopping Like a Pro
When you go to the markets, don't be afraid to ask for a "prueba" (a sample). Most vendors are so proud of their fruit and will happily slice off a piece for you to try. It’s a great way to practice your Spanish and make a new friend. We have our regular "fruit guy" in the market now, and he always points out what is the freshest that day.
Also, look around at the decor while you are there. Many of the stalls are decorated with beautiful Mexican tiles and surrounded by hand-woven textiles. It really adds to the whole experience. There is just something about finding rainy day guide and shopping where the locals shop that makes you feel connected to the city. If you want a great home base nearby, take a look at puerto vallarta rental condos before your trip.
A Note for Digital Nomads
If you are working remotely like we are, the local markets are a lifesaver. Eating out every meal is fun, but it gets expensive and, honestly, a bit heavy. Being able to stock your kitchen with fresh, organic fruit for just a few pesos is a game changer for the budget. Plus, the fiber and vitamins keep your brain sharp for those long Zoom calls!
We've found that the best way to stay productive is to have a routine. Every Tuesday and Friday, we head down the hill from Amapas, hit the stalls, and load up. It gets us out of the house and moving, which is so important when your office is also your living room.
Final Recommendation
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, please do yourself a favor and go beyond the standard grocery store. The local markets in Old Town are where the real soul of the city lives. The sights, the smells, and the incredible tastes are something you just can't find anywhere else. Exploring the exotic fruit scene is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone who wants a true taste of Mexico.
Seriously, go get some jackfruit and thank me later! It is sooooo good and you won't regret it.
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