The Area
Shopping & Dining
Few places in Mexico offer the wide range of shopping choices you’ll find in Puerto Vallarta. There’s everything from flea markets to art galleries, and all the silver jewelry, sarapes, wall-hangings, and blown glass you could ever desire. The main retail hubs are Plaza Principal, a courtyard mall and gazebo with many small shops, and the ever-popular Malecon, a half-mile long boardwalk of fine stores dotting the shoreline.
Because El Banco is also close to Mexico’s agricultural region, local restaurants have established a great culinary reputation. In Puerto Vallarta and nearby villages, world-class dining establishments are everywhere and styles range from international cuisine to traditional Mexican dishes. Most local chefs have seafood specialties — with shrimp, lobster, or red snapper. And it’s not uncommon for your waiter or bartender to remember your favorite drink on your return visit.
