flea market: Puerto Vallarta
South and Central PV are divided by Rio Cuale. All round the river and on its small island (Isla Cuale) there are rows of touristy goods and 1/3 price compared to those directly on the beach and probably 1/10 of what is charged in Nuevo Vallarta - the North zone. The flea market is between a solid and swaying bridge right past Isla Cuale. It is a two story building with mass manufactured touristy junk although it is my hope that those few items which I got were hand carved...The whole area is colorful, loud and shortly thereafter very annoying as everyone tries to grab your attention and sell their wares at the optimum price. Avoiding any eye contact with vendors proved to be the best technique for me. I am all for alabaster masks - asking price about $80 for a medium one - bought for $15.All other small junk for family and friends shouldn't be more that $3-5. Mexican patterned blankets...
