In my humble travel experiences, I find that nothing is more eye-opening to understanding the culture and customs of the people and country than to visit their local markets. With the ship being in port for a limited time, visiting the local markets allow for a wide variety of exposure and learning about the way the people live, eat and reside in the community. Market places offer the tourist an opportunity to try local foods, interact and communicate with the local people and also complete that souvenir gift giving custom at often a reasonable price.In strolling between the booths, stalls, tables and buckets one can experience the various gastronomic essence of the local farmers, fishermen, bakers, cooks and craftsmen’s who take pride in sharing their products. These local markets -- held often in the center city, streets & possibly inside buildings and even adjacent to century old historical sites and places -- are a shopper and foodies' paradise.Exploring for handicrafts, souvenirs, leather, ceramic, jewelry, as well as spices, produce, fish/meats can be a fun adventure and a cheap alternative to fancy restaurants and shore excursions.
Following are some links that I was able to find for the ports we will be visiting on this cruise … Enjoy!
ACAPULCO
Noa Noa Handicrafts Market
A small, manageable tourist market near Playa Tamarindo
El Parazal Arts and Crafts Market (Mercado de Artesanias)
Touristy but has lots of souvenir options. It is in the downtown area on Cinco de Mayo street.
Mercado del Campesino
Calle, Durango, S/N, Colonia Progreso, Acapulco, Mexico 39578
Shop where the locals shop at the Mercado Municipal! Here restaurateurs load up on produce early in the morning and I mean early. I know that I have not been there that early, but I do believe that the place opens up at like 6 am.
Shop where the locals shop at the Mercado Municipal! Here restaurateurs load up on produce early in the morning and I mean early. I know that I have not been there that early, but I do believe that the place opens up at like 6 am.
La Diana Mercado
One large flea market with a convenient location is La Diana Mercado de ArtesanÃas, a block from the Emporio hotel, close to the Diana monument in Costera.
ZIHUATANEJO & IXTAPA
Zihuatanejo Arts and Crafts Market - Mercado de Artesania
Adjacent to the dock where the ship will tender in the bay and bring our cruisers. Also many restaurants and bars. Additional on Calle de Cinco de Mayo
Zihuantanejo Municipal Market
Local community Farmers Market and handicrafts.
Zihuantanejo Municipal Market
Local community Farmers Market and handicrafts.
Ixtapa Arts and Crafts Market
Smaller Handicraft market than Zihuatanejo. Be advised that Ixtapa is mainly a resort hotel area so prices may be higher.
MANZANILLO
The "Mercado"
This is mainly a "locals" market, but tourists love it for its authentic Mexican flavor. Of course, other items, such as piñatas, pottery and leather goods are available. The mercado area is located on Av. Francisco I. Madero, behind the Club de Leones (Lions Club), one block south of Av. Mexico.
This is mainly a "locals" market, but tourists love it for its authentic Mexican flavor. Of course, other items, such as piñatas, pottery and leather goods are available. The mercado area is located on Av. Francisco I. Madero, behind the Club de Leones (Lions Club), one block south of Av. Mexico.
ADDITIONAL MEXICAN MARKET INFORMATION & LINKS:
• Market Guideline and Information
• Food - Handicrafts - Produce
• Tianguis - "market on wheels"
• Market Guideline and Information
• Food - Handicrafts - Produce
• Tianguis - "market on wheels"
Photo provided by Diana & Roger, Zihuatanejo, Carnival Spirit 2006
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